Why Preaching Christ Crucified Is Not Just for Easter

The Cross Is Central to the Christian Faith

How we understand and grasp Christ crucified is essential. The very fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross is a historical fact. Yet, it is not just another event in history. The cross of Christ is where the sin of the world was placed upon the sinless Son of God. Jesus died whilst we were still sinners and enemies of God (Romans 5:8, 10). It was only Jesus who could be the atonement for our sin. God’s plan was to save the world through Jesus Christ to bring us back into relationship with Him.

The Cross Is the Only Way to Be Saved

The Cross Is Good News for a Dying World

Easter is a time where the dark, cold days of winter have been left behind and sunnier skies are ushered in. As spring bursts forth with new life and lighter, warmer days become more frequent; there is hope in the air. However, the crucifixion of Jesus is both hope-filled and horrifying. The picture of Christ crucified was the darkest day in all history. The sky turned dark, the ground shook, rocks split open, and it was as if the world in all its brokenness felt the magnitude of this history-shaking event (Matthew 27:45, 51). At the same time, graves were opened, many of God’s people were raised to life and the temple curtain was torn in two, signifying that the way to God was open (Matthew 27:51-52).

The Cross Was Proclaimed by the Early Church in Power

The apostle Paul said “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). This was Paul’s central focus and what he believed, taught and lived in the knowledge of. In 1 Corinthians 1:23-24, Paul said, “we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” The message may seem foolish to the outside world. It was in the days of the early church too. However, Paul recognized that Christ crucified was the power and wisdom of God. There is power and wisdom found in the truth of the gospel message.

The Cross Is for the Whole of the Christian Life

Although the crucifixion of Jesus happened over 2000 years ago, Jesus said that anyone who wants to be His disciple would have to deny themselves and take up their cross and follow’” Him (Matthew 16:24). The journey toward Easter includes Lent, where some choose to abstain or deny themselves certain things. Although this can be a helpful practice as Christians reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus more fully, the call to deny ourselves, taking up our cross and following Jesus, is lifelong.