The Cross - A Good Friday Reflection from Passion City Church

Summary

This powerful script reflects on the transformative nature of the cross. What was meant for torture, humiliation, and death instead became a symbol of hope, peace, and redemption. It emphasizes how the cross, initially designed to punish and silence, became a means of liberation, faith, and resurrection. The script explores the idea that the cross, once a symbol of shame, now invites all to experience forgiveness, purpose, and the love of God. It invites people to embrace God's mercy and the invitation to be made whole and redeemed.

Takeaways

• 😀 The cross, originally intended for humiliation and suffering, became a symbol of hope and redemption.
• 😀 What was meant to be a tool of death and torment was transformed into a source of life and peace.
• 😀 The cross was designed to crush rebellion, but it instead became the foundation for Jesus's resurrection and salvation.
• 😀 The cross was meant to silence Jesus, but it ended up raising Him as the King of glory.
• 😀 Rather than erasing the story of Jesus, the cross became the story of His victory over death.
• 😀 The cross was meant to condemn, but it became the symbol of God's mercy and love for humanity.
• 😀 What was intended to break Jesus became the very thing that freed and restored humanity.
• 😀 Instead of erasing hope, the cross planted the seed of God's kingdom and the message of salvation.
• 😀 The invitation of the cross is to come and be healed, forgiven, and made whole, leaving behind guilt and shame.
• 😀 The cross calls us to embrace our divine purpose, chosen by God and redeemed through Christ.

Q & A

What was the original intended purpose of the cross in Roman times?

The cross was originally intended to horrify the world, humiliate, and prolong torture as a form of execution for criminals or insurrectionists. It was meant to act as a tool for punishment and to discourage rebellion.

How did the cross transform in meaning after Jesus' crucifixion?

While the cross was meant for execution and punishment, it became a symbol of peace, faith, hope, freedom, and God's love after Jesus' crucifixion. It became the means of salvation and resurrection rather than death and humiliation.

What is the significance of the cross in the context of faith?

The cross, instead of acting as a tool of fear and punishment, awakened faith. It became the symbol of God's love and sacrifice, and it led to the establishment of God's kingdom and the resurrection of Jesus.

What contrast is made between what the cross was meant to do and what it actually represents?

The cross was meant to discourage and humiliate, but it instead built hope, peace, and freedom. It was meant to stop insurrection, but it became the foundation for Jesus' resurrection and the symbol of eternal life.

How does the song describe the cross in relation to Jesus' glory?

The cross was meant to mock and cheer against Jesus, but instead, it became a symbol of his glory and sacrifice. It represents the ultimate victory over death and sin, showing that what was intended for evil turned into the ultimate symbol of love and salvation.

What invitation does the cross offer according to the script?

The cross offers an invitation to be cleansed of sin, to be seen and known by God, and to leave behind guilt and shame. It beckons people to experience healing, fulfillment, and wholeness, turning life's brokenness into new beginnings.

What are the promises given to those who come to the cross?

Those who come to the cross are promised healing, forgiveness, purpose, fulfillment, and a relationship with God. They are meant to leave behind feelings of being abandoned, broken, or ashamed and instead find love, purpose, and restoration.

What does the cross signify for those feeling abandoned or purposeless?

The cross signifies that despite feelings of abandonment or purposelessness, individuals are chosen by God and have a divine purpose. It reassures that no one is an accident, and that everyone has a place in God's plan.

How does the script contrast the concepts of death and life in relation to the cross?

While the cross was initially meant to signify death, it became a symbol of life. It was meant to end Jesus' life, but instead, it marks the beginning of eternal life and salvation for all who believe.

What does the cross symbolize in terms of identity and belonging?

The cross symbolizes that individuals are meant to be children of God, cherished from the start, and always included in His plan. It offers a sense of belonging, as those who come to the cross are accepted as sons and daughters of God.