Why Invoke the Crucifixion?

Steven’s Scribbles
“Why Invoke the Crucifixion?” 
Matt. 16:24-27

    Throughout the Gospel’s, Jesus invokes the language of the crucifixion? (See: Matt. 16:24-27; Matt. 10:34-39; Luke 14:25-8) But why? He had not been crucified yet? First, everyone was aware of what a crucifixion was. They knew that to be crucified, that it was a public display of having one’s life taken away. The biggest difference is that we are giving up our lives voluntarily, just as Jesus did. However, our faith is still to be very public. Not just our conversion, but our daily living for Christ. Next, we need to understand that our eternal life comes with a cost. When we submit to Christ in baptism, and thereby reenact His Gospel (Rom. 6:3-6), we are trading with Him. He gave His life for us, so that we may give our lives for Him. “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Now we as sheep must turn our lives over to Him in like manner. Lastly, it is vivid. Even though we are separated from that event by almost two thousand years, we can still see it very plainly in our minds. This should serve as a consistent reminder of how we are to behave daily for the One who died for us. I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley