Crucified

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” ~ Galatians 2:20

In his book, Histories, Greek historian Herodotus writes about the origins of crucifixion. He states that the Persians first used crucifixion as a means of torture and death for those who were, in some way, enemies of the state. This could be leaders of rebellions, enemy armies, or political rivals. Whatever the reason, crucifixion was a death that was intended to humiliate the victim as well as extend suffering and cause great pain before death. After the Persians, the Romans perfected crucifixion, meaning that they could cause the greatest amount of pain and a lingering time of suffering. Throughout the ancient world, crucifixion was both feared and held a in a special kind of horror. The worst criminals, the vilest offenders were those sentenced to death on a cross.

The most well-known crucifixion of all time was the crucifixion of Jesus on a Roman cross. The intent was to so stain His reputation, to so damage His standing among the people, that His followers would disband and the Jews and Romans would no longer have to deal with the effects of His preaching or His popularity. But the death of Jesus on the cross did not end His work or His legacy. The cross has become the central focus for all of Christians thought and belief. God used the cross to redeem mankind.

As Paul writes to the church in Galatia, he points again to the power of the cross. He boldly proclaims that the cross call the followers of Jesus to live a life of sacrifice. The cross calls us to lose ourselves in Jesus. To be transformed. The cross brings purpose, direction, dedication, and commitment. The cross brings salvation, hope, healing, and life. It is God’s great act of love that calls men to surrender self and follow Jesus. Two thousand years later, the cross still calls.