Pathways Press.com

Written by Kyle Norman,, a contemporary Canadian pastor, writer, speaker, and retreat leader.

Jesus shows his true nature; he reveals his fullness as the Messiah, the Savior, the Lord of all, not because he escapes the cross, nor transforms it into some easy symbol. No, He proves who he is and the salvation he brings by hanging there and taking upon himself not an easy or beautiful cross but one of derision, mockery, and shame. Jesus scorns all that the cross represents; he shows that he is the pioneer and perfector of our faith precisely because he endures the cross, takes it on, and does not forsake it. The cross, therefore, is the symbol of faith precisely because it is ugly, extreme, and a symbol of shame, abandonment, and derision. The cross represents everything that is not beautiful, majestic, or surrounded by pleasantry and Ease. It symbolizes faith because it is into that place that Jesus entered.

Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. [Hebrews 12:1-2]