The Cross of CALVARY vs The Cross of CADBURY..!

Let’s read Luke 14:25-27 & Matthew 16:24-26 in tandem

“Large crowds were travelling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:  “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.  And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple”

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”

To most of humanity (christians & non-christians alike) “The Cross” is nothing but just a symbol of identity. For some it is more sacred than God Himself! For some it is “cool” to wear crucifix jewellery. For some it is nothing more than a good-luck talisman (An object that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck).

But, what is the REAL CROSS?

Physically speaking, the Roman Cross was constructed using two rugged wooden beams. The cross was used to cause an extremely painful death. The accused was nailed to the cross with the arms stretched open wide resulting in fatigue, breathlessness and even heart attack in some cases. The word “excruciating” originated from the Latin word “crux”, meaning “cross”. Excruciating pain means unbearable, killing pain. Such was the gruesomeness of the death on a Roman Cross.

The above two scripture portions refer to the time BEFORE the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This clearly highlights the fact that He was not referring to a physical cross to be carried everyday to be His disciple. The CROSS which Jesus Christ was (and is) referring to is a spiritual one. It is a symbol of “self-denial”, “complete-dedication” & “total-sacrifice”. It’s an extremely painful yet abundantly profitable separation from the World. Scripturally illiterate and Spiritually immature people think that Jesus Christ carried His Cross ONLY ONCE in His lifetime. But, if we consider the REAL meaning of the Cross, we can understand the fact that Jesus Christ carried His CROSS all the days of His earthly life. In fact He took-up His CROSS even before His birth on this earth! (read Philippians 2:6-8). 

The CROSS of Calvary is not sweet as a chocolate, it’s bitter than vinegar. It is not smooth as polished rosewood, it’s a rugged bark. It is not meant for satisfaction, it’s meant for sanctification…!! Yet, the CROSS (sacrifice) is all but temporary. But, Redemption and Resurrection through the CROSS are comfortingly ETERNAL..!!  

Did you take up your REAL CROSS yet??