Understanding the Cross:

When we think about the crucifixion of Jesus, it can be difficult to make sense of it. The Gospel writers didn't describe the crucifixion in graphic detail - they simply stated "they crucified him" and moved on. This is because crucifixion was so horrific that anyone living in that time would have understood the gravity without explanation. It was an act of terror by the Roman Empire designed to keep people in line.

But why do Christians make such a big deal about this awful event? Why are we still talking about Jesus' death 2,000 years later?

Why Is Jesus' Death Different From Anyone Else's?

When an ordinary person dies, family and friends gather to remember them as part of grieving. When a famous person dies, it might make the news cycle once. But we're still talking about Jesus' death because:

• He didn't stay dead

• His death accomplished things that changed history

Jesus Predicted His Own Death

In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus clearly predicted his death and resurrection three times:

• Matthew 16:13-23

• Matthew 17:22-23

• Matthew 20:17-19

Each time, Jesus referred to himself as "the Son of Man" - a title with significant meaning.

What Does "Son of Man" Mean?

When Jesus called himself "the Son of Man," it might seem like he was just talking about himself in the third person. But this title draws on a powerful passage from Daniel 7:13-14:

"I saw in the night visions and behold, with the clouds of heaven there was one like a Son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him."

This passage describes someone who would approach God's throne to receive complete authority over everything, to judge and fix the world.

Jesus Revealed His Identity Under Oath

The clearest moment where Jesus explained this title came during his trial before the high priest in Matthew 26:59-66. When put under oath and asked if he was "the Christ, the Son of God," Jesus responded:

• "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven."
  This statement was so shocking that the high priest tore his robes and accused Jesus of blasphemy.

• The Son of Man Came to Rule - But to Die First
  Jesus clearly came to rule, but when he talked about himself as the Son of Man, he didn't always focus on becoming the ruler of the world. Usually, he talked about his roles as teacher and sacrifice.

In Matthew 20:17-19, Jesus predicted his death in detail:

• "See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day."

The Son of Man Came to Serve

• Right after this prediction, the mother of James and John asked Jesus to give her sons special positions in his kingdom. This led Jesus to teach an important lesson about leadership:

• "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28)

• The path that the Son of Man took to the throne went through execution, burial, and resurrection. Jesus came to set an example of servant leadership and to willingly give his life for his disciples.

What Does Jesus' Death Mean For Us?

Jesus' death has multiple meanings and accomplishments:

• He died for our sins to bring us near to God. Our sins had separated us from God, and his death, particularly his blood, draws us into God's presence.

• He died as our example, correcting our selfish ways. As Philippians 2 teaches, we should have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled himself and became obedient to death.

• He died as Scripture had anticipated and as God had purposed. Everything God had been doing throughout history focused on Jesus' death, resurrection, and enthronement in heaven.

• He died to establish a new movement - a new creation. Through his blood, those who were far off have been brought near. He created one new humanity where there's no longer Jew and Gentile, but a new creation in him.

Life Application

Jesus didn't die just so we could go our own way while someone else paid our tab. He died so we could be near him and be part of his family - to be cleansed, forgiven, made right, and made new.

Take some time this week to reflect on these questions:

• Which aspect of Jesus' death speaks most powerfully to you right now? Is it forgiveness of sins, his example of service, the fulfillment of God's plan, or being part of his new community?

• How does understanding Jesus as both the suffering servant and the coming king change how you view him?

• Jesus said, "The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve." How can you follow his example of servant leadership this week in your family, workplace, or church?

• What areas of your life do you need to surrender to Jesus' lordship, recognizing that he is the Son of Man who will one day return with all authority?