The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1 verse 18
Easter is all about the message of the cross, but what exactly is that message:
Matt picks 6 messages that can be taken from the cross:
1. The message of the cross is SUFFERING
Jesus didn’t just suffer the most horrific physical pain on the cross, but knowing what was coming, He was in turmoil and asked if at all possible, God would find an alternative. Jesus also felt the pain of feeling abandoned by His Father God in His most terrible hour.
2. The message of the cross is SURRENDER
Even though Jesus cried out for an alternative, He still submitted to God’s will. Incredible!
3. The message of the cross is SACRIFICE
Before Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, the Jews were used to sacrificing perfect lambs to atone for their sins. In His death, Jesus, the “Lamb of God” paid that price once and for all, He “applied” His blood to pay our debt, like we apply a voucher code on Amazon to pay for our goods.
4. The message of the cross is VICTORY
Jesus disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
Colossians 2 verse 15, This means that today, we don’t fight for victory, but we fight from a position of victory!
5. The message of the cross is LOVE
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3 verse 16
6. The message of the cross is WELCOME HOME
With “Arms wide open!” Jesus sent a message to the world: “Welcome HOME!” Even in his dying moment, He invited a criminal on the cross next to Him to eternal Hope and an eternal future. Is today an opportunity for you to accept the invitation too?
Matt’s final prayer is this: If you pray it for the first time now – please get in touch with us – we’d love to help you on your journey of faith.
Lord Jesus – thank you that you died for me on the cross. Thank you for your suffering and your sacrifice – it made a way for me to be free and forgiven. Today – I accept your offer of salvation and welcome you into my life. Thank you for saving me, and welcoming me home today, and for my eternal future. Help me to follow you Jesus – my saviour and my Lord. Amen
To watch the full talk go to: https://fb.watch/uJgumSldjo/