What if Jesus had refused the cross?

William Barclay, the Scottish New Testament scholar, explains it this way:

If He had refused the cross or, if in the end, He had come down from the cross, it would have meant there was a limit to God’s love, that there was something which that love was not prepared to suffer for men, that there was a line beyond which it would not go.  But, Jesus went the whole way and died on the cross and this means that there is literally no limit to God’s love, that there is nothing in all the universe which that love is not prepared to suffer for men, that there is nothing, not even death on a cross, which it will refuse to bear for men.

Irene drove herself to and from dialysis treatment today.  JoAnna flew into SJC this morning; she and Irene went to Trader Joe’s and had a relaxing afternoon.  Irene was fatigued from the dialysis treatment but we ventured to dinner at Carpo’s.  We’re looking forward to a restful weekend.

What if Jesus had refused the cross?  Sin and disease would not have been crushed.  The abundant and victorious life would be only a pipe dream.  Eternal life would be only a far fetched delusion.  Purpose and direction in this world would be meaningless and futile.

Jesus willingly and lovingly remained on the cross, suffering an excruciating death, that we commemorate as Good Friday, in order that we might truly live.

…. 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.
Isaiah 53:5

Caminando con Fé

Dave