“The Crucified Christ”


BIBLE READING: Galatians 3

While preaching in Galatia, Paul vividly described the atoning death of Jesus on the cross.  Concerning his work in Corinth, the apostle wrote, "I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (1 Cor 2:2).  Paul was not saying that Jesus' death was the only topic he discussed, but rather that it was the core of his message.  Later in the same letter, he wrote, "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (I Cor 15:3-4).
The sacrifice of Christ must be at the heart of our message today.  By portraying the suffering and agony of Christ as well as the meaning of the cross, we can help others appreciate God’s amazing grace.  Looking closely at Jesus' death can help people recognize the offensive nature of sin for which He made atonement.  It can also instill a deeper trust in Jesus as Savior, the only sacrifice for sin.
God has given us a memorial to remember Jesus' death.  Each Sunday we celebrate the Lord's Supper.  This constant reminder of Christ's suffering should prevent us from trusting in our own good works or righteousness.  It should also deepen our faith in the crucified and risen Lord.  As we partake of the bread and the fruit of the vine, we not only remember His body and blood but also "proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (I Cor 11:2).

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