The Word of the Cross

The power and wisdom of God are revealed in the proclamation of the Messiah, who was crucified by the World Empire.

Jesus of Nazareth performed miracles, exorcised demons, and taught with great authority, and for a time, he attracted large crowds. Nevertheless, his contemporaries failed to recognize who he was despite his displays of supernatural power. Only the Roman centurion on duty at Golgotha perceived that the Nazarene was “the Son of God” when he breathed his last.

Depart From Me!

“I never knew you! Depart from me!” These are the most frightening words anyone could hear on the lips of Jesus, yet they are central to the conclusion of his ‘Sermon on the Mount.’ His Discourse was never a program for reforming or governing civil society, but instructions for his disciples on how they must live as faithful citizens and representatives of his Kingdom and message. There is no bypassing the Cross.

Carrying His Cross

Retaliation and violence are never appropriate reactions to persecution by the disciples of Jesus. Rather than respond in kind, they must meet threats and assaults with humility, mercy, and forgiveness. Doing so is what it means to “deny yourself,” “take up his cross,” and follow him. We fulfill the “Law and Prophets” and become “perfect as our Heavenly Father” by doing good to our “enemies.”

Perfected Disciples

Jesus summons us to become “perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect,” yet how can we emulate the perfect righteousness of God? His explanation is clear – By performing acts of mercy for others, especially our enemies. Self-sacrificial love is the heart of the Gospel and the essential nature of the merciful God. Was Jesus not the Messiah who submitted to an unjust death on our behalf when we were yet the “enemies of God”?

"Rejoice and Exult!"

The followers of Jesus are called to rejoice when they are found worthy to suffer for him and his Gospel.

Persecution is always a possibility for the Church. We may face hostility from employers, neighbors, the government, and our family members because of our beliefs and practices. So, how should we react when the possibility becomes reality? Jesus and the Apostles provided clear instructions and examples of how we must respond when faced with persecution.

Mercy and Enemies

When we react to hostility with hostility and anger, Satan wins. The reality of persecution raises questions. How should we respond when attacked by the State, the culture, society, or even our family and friends? Is resorting to anger or retaliation appropriate, or should we emulate examples from the life of Jesus? In his teachings, he warned us to expect “tribulation,” and he summoned us to follow his path (“If they persecuted me, so they will persecute you”).

Overflowing Righteousness

Mercy and love are the defining characteristics of Christ’s disciples, and they reflect the essential nature of His Father – Matthew 5:43-48.

Jesus exhorted us to become “perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect,” yet how can we reflect the perfect righteousness of God? The answer is clear - By performing acts of mercy, especially to our enemies. Self-sacrificial love goes to the heart of Christ’s message and demonstrates the merciful nature of His Father. Was the Nazarene not the Messiah who submitted to an unjust death for us when we were the “enemies of God”?

His Way

Jesus proclaimed a new political reality, the Kingdom of God, one that bears little resemblance to the political regimes of this world.

Jesus arrived in Galilee proclaiming the “Kingdom of God” – “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand.” In his ministry, the reign of God was invading the Earth. However, the nature of his realm was radically different than the governments and political ideologies of the existing world order, and more than once, Jesus refused political power, especially when offered by Satan.

First Disciples

Disciples of Jesus are called to leave everything behind, if need be, and to dedicate their entire lives to his mission of proclaiming the Gospel throughout the Earth. Though the story as recorded in the synoptic gospels is brief, we begin to glimpse the true cost of discipleship. Jesus began building his new community in “Galilee of the Nations” by inviting four fishermen to leave their livelihoods and follow him “on the way” which would lead to his death in Jerusalem.

Who is this Man?

In Mark’s Gospel, no one recognizes who Jesus is except demons. Only in his death on a Roman cross was his identity understood by men.

In Galilee, the disciples witnessed Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons, forgive sins, and even calm violent storms, supernatural acts performed with great authority. However, his words and deeds produced confusion over his identity, and therefore, the question was asked by many, “Who is this man?” Only at his execution did a human being finally recognize who he was.

Servant of Yahweh

Paul summoned believers to adopt the same mind that Jesus had when he poured out his life “unto death” for others – Philippians 2:5-11.

Jesus fulfilled the role of the ‘Suffering Servant’ described in the Book of Isaiah. Unlike Adam, he did not attempt to grasp the “likeness of God,” but he humbled himself and submitted to a shameful death on the Roman cross. Therefore, God exalted him and made him “Lord” over all things. His exaltation did not precede his death; his enthronement followed it, and he died utterly alone.