When we think of crucifixion, the picture is extreme suffering reserved for the vilest criminals, and then only if the evidence against them is so overwhelming there’s no doubt of their guilt.  It shows the criminal cast out from the earth and cursed of God.  Everything leading up to the act of crucifixion shows justice being carried out with a vengeance to rid the world of a depraved and dangerous person.  It is a gruesome picture of suffering and shame. 

What shocks the mind is that Scripture tells us this is a picture of God’s love for me. “For God so loved the world (Me) that He gave His only Son.”  I know I have disobeyed God and deserve to be cast out from His presence.  The price of sin must be paid - a substitute, a Savior was our only hope.  Someone had to pay the price.  Yes, the cross displays the love of God.  “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”  A love that died us – let that sink in.  Hebrews 12:2 says: “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 

The world cannot understand love like this.  The world says, “Look around. See all the happiness and joy. Come with us, and you’ll be satisfied.”  What picture do you get in your mind when thinking about the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross? Is your question, “Was He there for me”?  Life and death is very personal.  No one can experience it for another.  This makes Christ’s sufferings precious to me.  He accomplished for me what I could never have done.

The song At The Cross sums it up for me.

Alas and did my Savior bleed and did my Sovereign die?  Would He  devote that sacred head for sinners such as I?  Was it for sins that I have done He suffered on the tree?  Amazing pity!  Grace unknown!  And love beyond degree!  Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut His glories in, when Christ, the great Redeemer, died for man the creature’s sin.  Thus might I hide my blushing face while His dear cross appears, dissolve my heart in thankfulness, and melt mine eyes to tears.  But drops of grief can ne’er repay the debt of love I owe; here, Lord, I give myself away - tis all that I can do.

Tom