The Cross of Christ

Crucifixion was a horrific way to die—much worse than any modern method of execution. Can you imagine any religion basing its faith on an electric chair or a gas chamber? Strange. Yet, the early disciples did just that. Why would they risk ridicule, persecution, or even death to testify to Jesus’ death on the cross when it appeared to be a tragedy and not a triumph?

In this series from Stuart, he teaches why the cross is uncompromising, uncomplimentary, and uncomplicated—and why Christianity is nothing without it. He also addresses common questions and objections including:

  • Why does the message of the cross offend so many?
  • Would a loving God really require the death of His son?
  • Is the cross necessary when we have the Ten Commandments?
  • How, in our daily lives, do we “take up the cross of Christ”?

Cicero, the great Roman statesman, said that crucifixion was “a most cruel and disgusting punishment” and that “there is no fitting word that can possibly describe so horrible a deed.” Yet the cross became, and is still, the focus of the Christian message. 

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:17-1:18

John Stott says that at Christ’s cross (many) have found their pride broken, their guilt expunged, their love kindled, their hope restored and their character transformed. But many others find the cross offensive. What exactly is the “offense of the cross”? 

Scripture: Galatians 5:11, Galatians 6:12

The Lord Jesus asked His disciples to remember Him. He gave them bread and wine—reminders of a broken body and shed blood. This was how He wanted to be remembered.

Scripture: Luke 22:7-22:23

Paul talked about “boasting” or “glorying” in the cross, in marked contrast to those who were undermining both his reputation and his ministry. His apparently extreme statement requires careful examination, for he calls it a rule that all God’s people are to follow. 

Scripture: Galatians 6:11-6:18

The cross of Christ is more often seen as a tragedy than a triumph. But Scripture points out that through Christ’s death and resurrection, God won a victory for humankind that they can and should enjoy for all time and eternity. 

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-2:15

When Jesus said He was going to die on a cross, the disciples were totally perplexed. But then He told them that they must bear their cross as well. This lesson on discipleship was hard for them to grasp and disciples to this day still wonder what He meant. 

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-4:18

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