TAKE UP YOUR CROSS
by Bob Wickizer
Scripture: Genesis 17:1-7, Genesis 17:15-16, Psalms 22:22-30, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38
Title: Take Up Your Cross
Author: Bob Wickizer
Text: Genesis 17:1-7,15-16; Psalm 22:22-30; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38
Today we are going to focus on one sentence. "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." First up in our reflection is the cross. Contrary to popular belief, the cross was not an instrument of Roman execution. I used to compare it to a modern electric chair. But I was wrong. Even the Romans had more efficient means of executing people. When it came to using Roman military forces for anything, efficiency was always a consideration. If they wanted to simply execute someone, it could be done quickly, efficiently by one soldier, not a battalion.
So, why so many troops? Why use a cross with heavy timbers and iron nails? Because it was an instrument of political deterrent. It was designed to serve as an example for any other person who might be tempted to do the same whether the same was political insurrection, common thievery, or a religious movement. The cross was an instrument designed to be a brutal, grisly, and very public form of torture. Viewing a crucifixion filled the onlookers with fear and disgust. The word for cross simply means something standing, a pole. We don't even know if there was a cross piece for the arms or one for the feet. Those details don't matter.
About eight years before the birth of Jesus, there was a Jewish revolt where the Roman general Varus crucified two thousand Jews and posted their crucifixions on both sides of the road every fifty yards creating a grisly spectacle for a several miles going down the main entrance into Jerusalem. The bodies were left there for three years. There were probably people witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus who had seen this horrific display of state power in their youth.
The more I learn about the real nature of the cross and Roman crucifixions, the less inclined I am to "glorify the cross." I have difficulty singin ...
Author: Bob Wickizer
Text: Genesis 17:1-7,15-16; Psalm 22:22-30; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38
Today we are going to focus on one sentence. "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." First up in our reflection is the cross. Contrary to popular belief, the cross was not an instrument of Roman execution. I used to compare it to a modern electric chair. But I was wrong. Even the Romans had more efficient means of executing people. When it came to using Roman military forces for anything, efficiency was always a consideration. If they wanted to simply execute someone, it could be done quickly, efficiently by one soldier, not a battalion.
So, why so many troops? Why use a cross with heavy timbers and iron nails? Because it was an instrument of political deterrent. It was designed to serve as an example for any other person who might be tempted to do the same whether the same was political insurrection, common thievery, or a religious movement. The cross was an instrument designed to be a brutal, grisly, and very public form of torture. Viewing a crucifixion filled the onlookers with fear and disgust. The word for cross simply means something standing, a pole. We don't even know if there was a cross piece for the arms or one for the feet. Those details don't matter.
About eight years before the birth of Jesus, there was a Jewish revolt where the Roman general Varus crucified two thousand Jews and posted their crucifixions on both sides of the road every fifty yards creating a grisly spectacle for a several miles going down the main entrance into Jerusalem. The bodies were left there for three years. There were probably people witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus who had seen this horrific display of state power in their youth.
The more I learn about the real nature of the cross and Roman crucifixions, the less inclined I am to "glorify the cross." I have difficulty singin ...
There are 8779 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.
Price: $5.99 or 1 credit
