3.29.26 Encountering the cross

Luke 23:26-56

What We See at the Cross
Luke slows everything down so we don’t miss it.
As Jesus moves toward Golgotha, people begin to gather around the moment:

• Soldiers carrying out orders
• A bystander forced to carry the cross
• Women mourning
• Religious leaders scoffing
• Criminals hanging beside Him
• A centurion watching closely
• A crowd observing from a distance

Everyone encounters the same cross. But no one responds the same way. That’s the point.
Everyone who encounters the cross has a response.
 
What the Cross Actually Does
Paul says it plainly: “The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1Cor. 1:18)
The cross doesn’t just reveal who Jesus is. It reveals what’s in us.
To some, it’s foolish.
To others, it’s everything.
Because the cross is where sin is dealt with. Jesus bore our sin in His body.
Not symbolically.
Not partially.
Fully.
So that we might: Die to sin and live to righteousness (1 Peter 2:24).
The cross is not just about forgiveness. It is about transformation.
 
The Power of the Cross
When you understand the cross correctly, you begin to see what Jesus actually purchased.
Not just heaven later — but life now.
Jesus said, “I came that they may have life… and have it abundantly.” – (John 10:10)
Not material abundance. Spiritual life.

• A restored relationship with God
• A heart no longer ruled by sin
• A life shaped by righteousness
• A growing, living connection with Christ

This is what the cross makes possible. Jesus didn’t just die so we could survive. He died so we could live.
 
The Example of the Cross
And then there’s something even deeper.
The cross doesn’t just save us. It shows us how to live.
Jesus didn’t just talk about faith. He demonstrated it.
From Gethsemane… to Golgotha…
Jesus trusted the Father all the way through.
Not when it was easy.
Not when it made sense.
But when it was crushing.
That’s real faith.
Not passive belief, but active obedience under pressure.
Faith is choosing God’s will when everything in you wants another way.
 
REFLECTION

1. When I encounter the message of the cross, do I see it as necessary… or inconvenient?
2. Am I responding to Jesus with surrender — or maintaining control?
3. Do I want the benefits of the cross without submitting to the authority of Christ?
4. Is my faith active and obedient — or passive and comfortable?

 
ENCOURAGEMENT
The cross is not just a moment in history. It is an invitation.

• An invitation to life.
• To forgiveness.
• To transformation.

 
REFLECTION PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Thank You for the cross. Thank You for bearing my sin and making a way for me to live. Forgive me for the times I resist Your will or treat the cross lightly. Teach me to respond with surrender, not hesitation. Strengthen my faith to follow You — not just when it’s easy, but when it’s costly. In Your Name, Amen.

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