Day 7: The Empty Cross

READ

Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. Luke 23:50-54

Read also Matthew 27:57-59; Mark 15:42-47; John 19:38.

REFLECT

The cross is the primary symbol of Christianity. Jesus’ death on the cross has forever changed what it originally meant. While it used to only signify torture, suffering, pain, and humiliation, it now carries a message of hope and victory. The true message of the gospel lies in the truth that Jesus was not only crucified on the cross; He was also taken down, buried, and resurrected.

The cross of Christ is empty. This means that Jesus really took our place and died the death we should have died. He did not pretend to be dead and then silently came down. He did not escape in the dead of the night and hid so that He could leave His disciples with the message that He is just “somehow” dead. People knew and saw that His body was taken down, prepared, and buried. His death signified that He really did what He said He would do—He really died and suffered for all our sins.

The empty cross is also proof that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient and complete. He did not stay on the cross or have to go back to it. His work is done. It is finished! Unlike others who died on the cross, His death was not hopeless or a dead end. Because He truly died but did not remain dead, His cross is a symbol of hope and victory. The picture of the cross that all Christians should embrace is not of Him hanging at Calvary, but instead of the empty cross.

This Black Saturday is usually a picture of grief and despair based on the idea that Jesus is dead. But Christ’s death was a preparation for the ultimate victory. At the dawn of Christ’s resurrection day, He provided the ultimate blow against death and He conquered its sting. Today, we can rejoice and celebrate that the cross stands empty.

“The Old Rugged Cross”

by George Bennard

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine

A wondrous beauty I see

For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died

To pardon and sanctify me

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross

Till my trophies at last I lay down

I will cling to the old rugged cross

And exchange it someday for a crown

RESPOND

• Knowing that the message of the empty cross is that Jesus’ death is real, what are the struggles and issues in our lives that we need to put to death together with Christ?
• As we reflect on the empty cross, are there times that we feel that our faith is empty and hopeless? Why?
• What are the areas in your past that still bring shame and guilt? How can you live a life of confidence in Jesus’ death and sacrifice at the cross?

PRAYER

Lord, today, remind me and help me understand Your death on the cross. Remind me of how true and complete Your death is so that I can live confidently in You. Thank You because the old has passed away and I am no longer who I used to be. Make me understand that because of the empty cross, Your sacrifice is complete. I no longer need to trust myself and instead live a life of complete trust in You. Amen.

SONG

Red & White

by Every Nation Music