Jesus and the Cross

[dcentity2000]

You know, if Jesus came back to earth, do you really think he'd be happy with everyone displaying a model of the thing that he was tortured and eventually killed on?

Just a thought...



Rich::

 

[Imzadi]

I think he'd be wondering what the Easter BUNNY was about.

 

[SwedishMeatball]

It's a symbol of why God sent His Son, and reminds Christians that because He was willing to suffer and sacrifice His life, that is why they are saved.

 

[Soarin08]

It's a symbol of why God sent His Son, and reminds Christians that because He was willing to suffer and sacrifice His life, that is why they are saved.

Exactly. At least we remember WHY He came to this earth- to save us from our sins. So why not symbolize that?

 

[Micca]

Isn't there a Monty Python or some other comedic take on this question?
I think the point was that a symbol would be fine, but couldn't there have been perhaps something less violent depicted?

We honor soliders who have died in battle, but we don't usually symbolize that with graphic illustrations of their actual death.

 

[pr surfer]

I'm terrified of the crucifix... I find it to be a horrible image to use.

 

[chobie]

I think Jesus would want people to focus more on his life -- how he lived and how he treated others, rather than his death. JMHO.

 

[diz8297]

Well there's the cross, and then there is the crucifix. I love the cross. To me, the empty cross symbolizes the resurrection. Just like the empty tomb. I don't prefer to wear a crucifx, but then again, I'm an Episcopalian and we don't tend to. I consider it an honor to wear my cross. Like a prior poster stated, it also reminds me that Christ died to take away my sins!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I don't know, but we people have fickle minds, and it's easier for us to brush harsh reality under the rug when we can. The crucifix, or the cross, helps us to remember the pain of His sacrifice for us. Sometimes the reminder helps us to be better Christians.

 

[GeorgeG]

I think if Jesus came back he's be puzzled at a lot of things and, perhaps, upset.

While there is little debate that Jesus died on a cross we lose perspective in that he was one of thousands to die that way. Cruxifiction actually relates to public and shameful execution for all to see. Some were simply hung from a post by their wrists, some were only tied to a post or cross (the pressure from being suspended with the arms up caused respiratory distress and slow, painful death) and some were, in fact, nailed. As for crosses, there were two types used with one being what is commonly depicted, but some scholars believe the one Jesus died on was probably the more commonly used "T" structure.

In using the cross as a religious symbol, there is some inference that Jesus was one of only a few to die this way. What is unique to Jesus is that he was only left on the cross for hours when it was more common to be left for days, which was often how long it took to die. It is thought that Jesus died more quickly due to an unusally severe flogging prior to cruxifiction. For the most part, the methods and severity of the whole process was usually left to the whims of the executioner.

So, using the cross or cruxifix as a symbol of Christianity makes about as much sense as using a hangman's noose had Jesus been hanged. It all seems a little morbid to me. But, there is often a significant difference of opinion between traditional believers and what science and archaeology can determine to be likely, if not factual.

 

[clarabelle]

There are other Christian Symbols
Fish
Doves
Crowns
Butterflies

 

[jimmiej]

I think Jesus would want people to focus more on his life -- how he lived and how he treated others, rather than his death. JMHO.

I'm going to respectfully disagree. Jesus was born to die. It was His ultimate pupose for coming to Earth.

Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). He came to give his life, to die, and his death would purchase salvation for others. His blood was poured out for others.

This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
(Matthew 26:28).

Luke 22:19

19And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

 

[Buckalew11]

I think if Jesus came back he's be puzzled at a lot of things and, perhaps, upset.

While there is little debate that Jesus died on a cross we lose perspective in that he was one of thousands to die that way. Cruxifiction actually relates to public and shameful execution for all to see. Some were simply hung from a post by their wrists, some were only tied to a post or cross (the pressure from being suspended with the arms up caused respiratory distress and slow, painful death) and some were, in fact, nailed. As for crosses, there were two types used with one being what is commonly depicted, but some scholars believe the one Jesus died on was probably the more commonly used "T" structure.

In using the cross as a religious symbol, there is some inference that Jesus was one of only a few to die this way. What is unique to Jesus is that he was only left on the cross for hours when it was more common to be left for days, which was often how long it took to die. It is thought that Jesus died more quickly due to an unusally severe flogging prior to cruxifiction. For the most part, the methods and severity of the whole process was usually left to the whims of the executioner.

Excellent post. I know there is another paragraph but that one didn't agree with as much. While it does seem morbid to use a cross, like MaryJo said, it is a reminder to us for sure.


And of course, I am one who thinks Jesus does know what is happening here--He knows how we are acting and what is happening here right now. And I do believe we grieve the Holy Spirit much of the time.

 

[Magic Mom]

I think the use of the cross would rank down about number 1,000,000 on the the list of things we do that disturb Him.

 

[bluesaturn]

Well the crucifix is a symbol of the sacrifice Jesus made. I was always taught that the reason Jesus came was to die for our sins, the most important thing he did for us. So based on the stance my religion has taken, Jesus would understand the use of the crucifix as a reminder and not be bothered by it. Other religions/individuals will think differently.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

I'm going to respectfully disagree. Jesus was born to die. It was His ultimate pupose for coming to Earth.

Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). He came to give his life, to die, and his death would purchase salvation for others. His blood was poured out for others.

This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
(Matthew 26:28).

Luke 22:19

19And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

This post by jimmiej is exactly what I wanted to say. Yes, there are many lessons to be learned from Jesus' life. But the ultimate lesson is in His death and the Gift that He gave to mankind.

I have many cross necklaces and they are very special to me. They remind me of the suffering He went through, and that He went through it all just because He loved me (and everyone) so much to do so, long before I was ever born. Puts a lot of things in perspective, and reminds me that I have a lot I want to do to show my gratitude for that Gift.

 

[profdsny]

I think the use of the cross would rank down about number 1,000,000 on the the list of things we do that disturb Him.

True. Some of the things said on the Board, and the people who said them, would rank much high than the cross symbol.

 

[jimmiej]

I have many cross necklaces and they are very special to me. They remind me of the suffering He went through, and that He went through it all just because He loved me (and everyone) so much to do so, long before I was ever born. Puts a lot of things in perspective, and reminds me that I have a lot I want to do to show my gratitude for that Gift.

There's a song by Ronnie Hinson and Mike Payne entitled When He Was on The Cross I Was on His Mind. That's a very humbling thought.

 

[genius118899]

Ok, before I ask this, let me just say that I'm Catholic, and I much prefer the cross over the crucifix.

Question:

If Jesus went through all this today, and he was electrocuted instead of crucified, would we wear electric chairs around our necks?

 

[profdsny]

Ok, before I ask this, let me just say that I'm Catholic, and I much prefer the cross over the crucifix.

Question:

If Jesus went through all this today, and he was electrocuted instead of crucified, would we wear electric chairs around our necks?

Man, how'd we replace making the sign of the cross with that one?