Emphasis Preaching Journal

One of the most disgusting signs of the ancient world was the symbol of the cross. At the time of Jesus, the image of the cross was comparable to our present-day concept of the electric chair, gas chamber, hangman's rope, or the guillotine. The cross would primarily rob one of all personal dignity and then the victim would be subjected to unbearable pain, mental agony, and, eventually, the most barbaric type of death one could imagine.

Today the symbol of the cross has a completely new and different meaning. It has the dignity of proclaiming life instead of death, because of Jesus. It is one of our most basic and meaningful Christian signs, inspiring humanity to have hope and courage, because of Jesus.

It didn't take centuries of time for the concept of the cross to reverse its meaning; it happened almost instantaneously, following the death of Jesus. Paul writes to the Galatians less than twenty years after the Lord's crucifixion: "May I never boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!"

Jesus, the master of paradoxes, has the unique reputation for reversing the meanings of many signs, symbols, beliefs, and practices, making them bearers of a divine message. Regardless of a sinful past or a present ill reputation, through the grace of our Savior, we can all acquire a better image.