The Cross

March 24, 2015
Opening Hymns:
Jesus! the Name High Over All http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh193.sht


Scripture Reading:
Philippians 2:5-11
2:5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

2:6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,

2:7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,

2:8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross.

2:9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,

2:10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

2:11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Message:
When you think of a cross, what does it mean to you? What feelings stir up inside of you? For me I can’t think about a cross without thinking about Jesus, our Savior, who died for us. The cross has turned into a symbol of Jesus conquering death for us all! But it didn’t always symbolize that.

This scripture hints at how shameful it was to die on a cross. Not only was Jesus obedient to the point of death… He was obedient to “even death on a cross.” I can’t imagine how painful that kind of a death would be. With everyone around Him questioning who He is, and mocking Him… how hard would it have been not to save Himself. Every moment He could have turned back, but He never did. Instead, He saved us all.

Can you think of any other symbol that has changed as much as the cross? It went from representing death, despair, and shame; and has become a representation of life, salvation, and hope. Through Jesus’ love and sacrifice we can be changed too. We, who were once sinners can become children of God.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the love that You have given us. Let us always remember Your sacrifice, and let our lives be transformed, that we may spread Your love to those around us. Amen


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
362 Nothing But the Blood of Jesus http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh362.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.