“Only the man who is prepared to own his share in the guilt of the cross may claim his share in its grace.” .
Chapter 2 of The Cross of Christ delves into the questions ‘Why did Christ die? Who was responsible for his death?’.
Stott explores the role of the Jews, Pilate and Judas in the crucifixion. He identifies the motivations behind their actions: jealousy, ambition and greed. .
And yet, as I read this chapter, I was convicted that I too am responsible for Christ’s murder- Jesus was brought to death because of my sins. I was struck again and again by my sin and humbled as I reflected on the way I reject Jesus in my heart. I am a hypocrite: offering lip service to God, yet disallowing my relationship with Him to permeate every part of my life. I am an idolator: looking to the things of this world to satisfy me, whilst avoiding the pain of whole-hearted commitment to Jesus. I ignore that Jesus is (not only my Saviour) but my Lord, who has a claim on my life and calls me to carry the cross. As I was confronted by my unfaithfulness and outright denial of Christ in my life, I was stripped of the pride creeping into my heart and saw again the beauty of the cross and my need for Jesus. .
There is also a complementary way of viewing the cross, as Stott goes on to explain. ‘Why did Christ die?’ He went to the cross voluntarily; deliberately. Jesus’ love for me drove him to the cross; the love of the Father gave him up, How wonderful is our Father in heaven, who “loved me and gave himself up for me.” (Gal 2:20)
Thanks Bo-J that has just made me thankful all over again for Christ and his death!