“. . . That the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them, as You have loved Me.”  Jesus in John 17:23

“What does the cross mean to you?”

That’s a very pertinent question as one prepares for Holy Week.

Perhaps it is why that queston was asked of me recently by a friend and former pastoral colleague.  It was foremost on his mind.  Or maybe he was worried that I didn’t believe in Jesus and the cross, at least not like he did.

“What does the cross mean to you?”  How would you answer that?

There are many possibilities. 

One easy answer is, “Nothing.”  That might be the answer that some people who have been turned off, or turned away, by organized religion and phony forms of culture-driven Christianity might give.

Another answer might be “A device used for punishment, suffering and death.”  That would be the one given by someone standing there in Jerusalem at the time, witnessing the crucifixion.  

Another might be “The object of wrath God the Father chose to pour out on His Son the punishment for sins that I deserve.”  I think that’s the one that my friend would give, and wanted me to verbalize as well.  Its the kind of answer that provides ample fodder for the “faithful” and for Good Friday sermons.  I have a problem with this for many reasons, not the least of which is that I don’t believe a loving God has some kind of need or desire to punish anyone or anything that He has created!

So what is your answer to the question?

Here’s mine:  LOVE.

In my opinion it’s also the answer that God would give.  Certainly it is what Jesus is saying here in John 17.  Consider the significance of this for a moment.  In fact, this chapter is well worth reading repeatedly and contemplating.   This is the prayer that Jesus prays immediately before His betrayal.  Its the LAST, and we might conclude, most important prayer that He is offering. Take note, however, of  what He doesn’t say in this prayer.  He doesn’t talk about sin or suffering, nor does He mention that purpose of His death as being punishment.  He doesn’t give attention to the topics that seem to be the popular choice of pastors during this week.  Instead, He talks about Unity.  And Love.  The two go together. 

The cross of Jesus is a symbol of Love.  Suffering Love.  Pure Love.  God’s Love.

“God so loved the world . . .”

“This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sin.”

It seems so obvious, yet too often overlooked, that as Jesus is being betrayed by a kiss, He doesn’t retaliate or resist.

It strikes me, as Jesus is being struck, that He doesn’t lash out at His persecutors.

And as He is placed on the cross, bleeding and dying, He doesn’t let out with a stream of vitriolic curses and condemnations.  NO.  He only speaks LOVE.  Very simple.  Very clear. Very important.  Very painful. 

Jesus called His followers to take up the cross and follow Him.  Unfortunately I think many have missed the meaning of this.  They’ve used as a way to assuage their suffering, or as a vindication of some cause that they’ve carried out in the name and for the sake of Christ, though I am certain Christ wants nothing to do with many of these causes.  I am convinced that Taking up the Cross and following Jesus simply means to Love.  To Love as God loves. 

“Those who follow the Way are known by their love.

Every one that loves is born of the Way and knows the Way.

He that loves not, knows not the Way.  For the Way is love.

He that abides in love, abides in the Way.  And the Way in him.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.

Nothing is more cherished by the Way than perfect love.

For the Way is simple and undivided, and love unites that which has been torn asunder.

Love creates a single identity of will and purpose, free from faction,

Among many and among all.”  Christ the Eternal Way