By Robert Wilkerson
The crucifixion of Christ was one of the cruelest acts of history, but from that evil act has come tremendous good
. Christ crucified is one of the greatest revealers of God’s truth in the universe.
The crucified Christ reveals the reality of sin. For those who cannot see the consequences of sin in the lives of others, look at Christ on the cross. See that brow pierced by long, cruel thorns. Sin did that. See those hands and feet pierced by huge nails. Sin did that. See the body of Christ twisting in agony and pain for hours that seemed to have no end. Sin did that.
It was not Christ’s sin that caused Him such suffering and pain. It was our sins, yours and mine. Upon the cross at Calvary, Christ took upon Himself the sins of the world. Sin brought suffering and death to God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and if it brought suffering and death to Him, it will most certainly bring it to us.
Along with the reality of sin, the crucified Christ reveals the love and mercy of God. It is easy to talk about love and sacrifice, but at the cross, God demonstrated His love in a way everyone could see. Jesus taught, “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” (John 3:16).
At the cross, it was more than a teaching that was given. God gave His Son.
Jesus spoke of the great power of attraction possessed by the cross: “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32).
Dr. Robert Wilkerson is a minister, writer and founder of People For the Christian Way, an organization whose mission is to encourage all people to practice Christian principles in business, politics and every area of life.