---THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS~~
----(Please Read/ John 19:1-27 )

Rome used the Cross as a brutal method for executing criminals. Through Jesus’ sacrificial act, its message became one of hope and life for those who believe in Him.

The Cross meant various things to different people in the gospel account. To Pilate, Judea’s governor, it was the place where an innocent man had died. The Pharisees and Sadducees, on the other hand, saw the Cross as the way to eliminate a problem—it meant that the radical rabbi was finished, and their position and authority were no longer threatened.

When Judas Iscariot heard that Jesus was condemned to die, he became greatly distressed. I believe the betrayer had thought his actions would force Jesus to declare His kingdom, with Judas taking a high position in the new government. Instead, his error in judgment crushed any personal ambition.

In that culture, the Cross represented shameful crime. Knowing the perfection of her Son’s life and His identity as the Son of God, Mary must have been certain it was undeserved. She also no doubt saw it as fulfillment of prophecy: When Jesus was just days old, Simeon had prophesied that a sword would one day pierce Mary’s soul. (See Luke 2:34-35.) The Cross brought that about.

To Jesus’ disciples, the crucifixion was the time when their beloved friend and Messiah died. Their close relationship with Jesus seemed to end, as did their dream of being freed from Roman jurisdiction.

**What response would you give to the question, “What does the Cross mean to you?” Is it the place where a good man lost his life, a troublemaker was eliminated, or the Son of God died to save you? Jesus our Messiah willfully gave His life on that Cross to save us from sin, in order for us to go to Heaven.
---IN TOUCH~
-Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.
"And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding, of blood there is no forgiveness."
--(Hebrews 9:22-28 NASB) /Please read these verses in their entirety.)
"So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him."
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSjP_Fq3wLc>
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