March 28, 2010
Translated by Lydia Ma

God has a comprehensive plan to redeem humanity which has always progresses as scheduled. From the beginning to the end, nothing about this redemption plan is left up to chance. Jesus' birth marked the start of this plan because his birth and his life were fulfillments of prophesies uttered by many prophets in the Old Testament. Jesus' suffering, or his "passion," marked the culmination of God's salvation plan.

Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity so that the relationship between God and humanity could be restored. He endured unimaginable suffering and became the mediator between humans and God. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, Christians all over the world remember and celebrate Passion Week around this time every year.

The reason the cross is viewed as a sign of suffering dates back to the Persian Empire. At the time, Persians viewed the earth as a sacred offering for their god, Ormuzd, and wouldn't allow criminals sentenced to death to defile the earth with their last breath. Therefore, they wouldn't let criminals who were about to be executed to touch the ground.

Centuries later, the Roman Empire adopted this practice and incorporated it in their crucifixions – a death sentence so cruel it was reserved only for non-citizens and those accused of treason, and Jesus fit the criteria.

The cross was considered the cruelest death sentence and a curse in those days. Those who died by crucifixion endured a slow and extremely painful death. Jewish author, Joseph Gedaliah Klausner (1874-1958) described crucifixion as the cruelest type of retributive justice.

Presbyterian churches initially didn't want to put up crosses on their churches because the cross was seen as a curse and a sign of suffering. This sentiment remained even as the gospel reached Scotland.

It wasn't until the 19th century that crosses began to be erected in Presbyterian churches. By that time, crosses were erected so that Christians could look up and rely on that sign of salvation and suffering because the cross symbolizes suffering, sacrifice, salvation, love, hope, and Christ as our mediator. The cross became a reminder of the suffering Christ endured to accomplish God's redemption plan.

As we approach Passion Week, those of us who've been redeemed need to reflect on Christ's suffering and how Jesus paid for humanity's sins. Let us also offer ourselves to God and pray for God's protection and guidance. May our faith in Christ and in his sacrifice give us hope in our days of suffering and helplessness.

Taiwan Church News