The View From the Cross

The time has come for the Son of Man to be given his glory The time has come for the Son of Man to be given his glory. I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat. (Jn. 12: 23-24 CEV)

What are the “seeds” of the cross?

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions he was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon him and by his wounds we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53: 3-5)

After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied. By his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great and he will divide the spoils with the strong because he poured out his life unto death and was numbered with the transgressors (Isaiah 53:11-12)

Jesus suffers “To bring many sons and daughters to glory” (Hebrews 2:10) Jesus suffers and is glorified because of it (Hebrews 2:9) We suffer but it isn’t worth comparing to the glory being revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

We are in the growing pains right now but when the bud that grows from this fallen seed blooms it will produce resurrection flowers.

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him He endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12: 1-3

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23: 32-34

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23: 39-42

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23: 43