Do You Know What the Cross Means?

"It is finished."
John 19:30 (NIV)

Today is Good Friday- the day we remember that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sin. As a child I thought the Friday before Easter was anything but good considering that Jesus lived a perfect life, yet died a sinner’s death.

One of James Bruce's many questions continues to run through my mind and heart today as we remember Good Friday. One night several years ago when James Bruce had gotten in trouble for deliberately breaking something, I angrily sent him to his room and told him to go to bed. Kneeling beside his bed, I commanded through clenched teeth, "Say your prayers and go to sleep!" Looking up at me in the semi-darkness, James Bruce totally disarmed me when he quietly asked, "Mama! Mama! Do you know what the cross means?"

I literally let my breath out and relaxed as I considered his innocent, but pointed, question. Yes, I know what the cross means. It means:

• Forgiveness

• Second, third, and thousandth chances

• God's abundant and unmerited grace

• Freedom from the bondage of sin and the fear of death

• Eternal life

• Unlimited access into the presence God because Jesus not only made the way; He IS the way!

• Life and light instead of darkness and death

My list goes on and on, but you get the idea. Wherever we are today, let’s take a moment and consider James Bruce's question, "Do you know what the cross means?" Make your own list of what the cross means to you. And then thank God that Jesus was separated from His Father so that we who, by faith believe in Him, won't ever experience the cup of God's wrath and justice.

 The cross of Christ, for the sin of the world- that's Good News and that's Good Friday!