The Cross - 1

The CROSS - 1

The LORD JESUS’ coming into the world was the first step in GOD’S plan of salvation for mankind.

If He did not die on the cross, we would not have a way of salvation.

If He did not rise again, we would not have the hope of a victorious life on earth and resurrection on the last day.

From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem,

and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes,

and be killed, and be raised the third day.

Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him,

saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!"

But He turned and said to Peter

, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me,

for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."

Then Jesus said to His disciples,

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself,

and take up his cross, and follow Me.

"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it,

but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

"For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels,

and then He will reward each according to his works.

Matthew 16:21-27

If I desire to be a disciple of the LORD JESUS, I should take up my cross and follow His path.

I should also teach others the way of the cross and not be Satan’s instrument to tell them otherwise. We would be a stumbling block and an offence to others in the eyes of GOD if we discourage them from following the cross.

"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

Matthew 10:38

Each of us has a specific cross that we need to take and follow CHRIST.

My cross is to deny my self, carnality, pride and my will and allow the LORD to live through me.  

Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name.

Him they compelled to bear His cross.

Matthew 27:32

JESUS carried His cross for my sake.

I must take up my cross and get yoked to the LORD JESUS.

"Come to Me,

all you who labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

I have to deny self for the LORD’S sake. When I take up my cross for the sake of the cross of CHRIST I find peace and rest to my soul.

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law,

having become a curse for us

(for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"),

Galatians 3:13

The great exchange was done at the cross.

The Most Blessed One became a curse for our sin

so we the cursed could become the blessed!