Following Jesus' Cross in Difficult Times

Jesus' cross is certainly nothing unfamiliar to those who call themselves Christians. Just look at how the cross adorns living room walls, bedrooms, and even jewelry such as earrings and necklaces.

The question is, has Jesus' cross truly changed our lives?

 

What does Jesus' cross mean in our lives?

A few days ago, I saw a sister, wearing a fairly large cross necklace, openly venting her temper. She was raging, pointing her finger at a coworker who had a disagreement with her, even threatening that she would never forgive that coworker forever. I was astonished because Jesus' cross that she wore had no effect at all on her character.

I was also reminded of a brother's testimony from before he repented. For years he served in Sunday school, yet committed adultery with another man's wife, with a cross necklace attached to his body.

So, a cross symbol worn or displayed does not guarantee that someone loves Jesus. It is not impossible for that person's behavior to contradict the word of God and the example of the cross itself. In fact, Jesus' cross should be an example in our lives.

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you and left you an example, so that you should follow in His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

Then, what examples do we find in Jesus' cross?

If you are facing difficulties in life, remember Jesus' cross and follow these two things:

1. We are being trained to have the mind and feelings of Christ

“Let the same mind and feeling be in you that were also in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be held on to, but emptied Himself and took the form of a servant and became like man.” (Philippians 2:5-8)

When you go through hard seasons in life, when you are treated unjustly, when you are oppressed, persecuted, slandered, misunderstood, hurt, disappointed, how do you respond? Do you get angry and rage? Do you strike back, settle scores, and teach that person a lesson?

Let us follow Christ's example. When He was slandered and insulted, Jesus did not return insult for insult (1 Peter 2:23). He did not even answer with a single word (Matthew 27:12).

Jesus forgave.

Not only the soldiers who tortured Him, and the crowds who mocked Him and wanted His death, but also Pilate, who knew He was actually innocent (Matt 27:18). Jesus also forgave the criminal crucified with Him who joined in mocking Him (Luke 23:39). Even under intense pressure and suffering, Jesus prayed asking forgiveness for them (Luke 23:34).

Let the cross be a reminder that we should have the mind and feelings of Christ. His cross is an example for those who call themselves Christians in responding to every situation and problem that comes in life.

More than that, Paul says, “You should in your life together, have the mind and feelings that were also in Christ Jesus.”

This means we do not need to go through life's hardships alone. There are brothers and sisters who can help and pray for you. Do not keep your problems to yourself. Find people you can trust, those who follow the example of Jesus' crossthen pour out the burdens of your heart and pray together. God has placed them in your life for a reason. He wants us to strive together to follow Christ's example.

2. Suffering is grace, glory, and honor

“… Jesus, we see, who because of the suffering of death was crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:9b)

How many of us think that suffering or trials are a curse? This assumption is what makes us doubt the existence of God. Does God really love me? Does not God care about me? Is God there in the difficult times of my life?

Hebrews says that the suffering of death that Jesus endured caused Him to be crowned with glory and honor. Indeed, in Christ, death is grace!

So, try changing our perspective when we experience suffering or problems. Everything you go through is the grace of God. Through life's difficulties, you are actually being given the honor of becoming an individual who is magnanimous, wise, and gentle. By fixing yourself on Jesus' cross, instead of raging or hurting others in return, you learn to become a noble person like Him.

Your hard times are an expression of God's love so that you may become more like Christ and share in His glory. That is the true example of the cross. "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastens every one whom He acknowledges as His child." (Hebrews 12:6). God loves you. Amen. - Related Articles:

• The Greatest Challenge in Carrying the Cross
• The Message of Christ's Cross (The Message of The Cross)
• Is God Just?
• Reasons to Give Thanks in the Midst of Difficulties
• Three Methods for Digging Deeper into God's Word

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