The Cross From Seven Viewpoints

By Wade Webster
 
     From the viewpoint of the Jewish leaders, it was about SILENCE. The Jewish leaders knew that the world was going after Jesus (Matt. 27:18), and they were afraid that the whole world would believe on Him (John 11:48). When they couldn’t stump Him or snare Him with their questions (Matt. 22:15-17, 35), they decided to silence Him by slaying Him (Matt. 26:3-4). As you know, even this didn’t work. He arose three days later, and His apostles boldly preached His resurrection (Acts 2; 4:18-30, 33; 5:17-29, 40-42; 6:7; 17:6).
    From the viewpoint of Judas, it was about SILVER. Judas was a thief and a traitor (John 12:4-6; 13:28-29). He covenanted with the Jewish leaders to sell Jesus for the “goodly price” of thirty pieces of silver (Zech. 11:12-13; Mt. 26:15).
     From the viewpoint of Pilate, it was about SELF-PRESERVATION. Although Pilate knew Jesus to be innocent (Luke 23:4; Matt. 27:24), he caved in to Jewish pressure to crucify Jesus (John 19:12-13; Mark 15:15). He sacrificed Jesus in an effort to save himself (John 12:25).
     From the viewpoint of the Roman soldiers, it was about SPORT. The Roman soldiers brought Jesus into the common hall and mocked Him (Matt. 27:27-31; Luke 23:11; John 19:2-3). At the foot of His cross, they cast lots for His wardrobe as they watched Him writhe in pain (Matt. 27:34-35).
     From the viewpoint of the Father, it was about SUBSTITUTION. In His grace, God sent Jesus to taste death for us by taking our place on the cross (Heb. 2:9; Rom. 5:8-10; Isa.53:5, 11; 1 Pet. 2:21; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10).
     From the viewpoint of the Son, it was about SUBMISSION. Although the cross meant great shame and suffering for Jesus, He submitted to the Father’s will and went to the cross (Matt.26:39, 53; Heb. 5:7-9; Heb. 12:2; Phil. 2:8-9).
     From the viewpoint of the saints, it was about SALVATION. The early Christians saw the cross, and the blood that was shed there, as the means of their salvation (Matt. 26:28; Acts 20:28; Rom. 5:9-10; 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 1:18-24; 6:19-20; Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-20; Rev. 1:5; 7:14).

- via the weekly bulletin of the Harrisburg Church of Christ in Harrisburg, IL.  You may visit their website at http://www.harrisburgchurchofchrist.org