All Roads Lead To The Cross

The greatest moment of all human history is what Christ did on the cross. Certainly, there have been remarkable moments from the past such as the creation of the universe and a miracle-filled exodus. And without doubt, there will be remarkable moments to come; such as the return of Christ and the marriage feast of the Lamb. But the Cross stands by itself. The greatest revelation of the triune God’s love, wrath, faithfulness, mercy, willingness, infinity, and more is there. We will be singing the praises of a lamb slain all through eternity. While there are other wondrous works of God that we will explore and rejoice in, we never leave the cross in doing so.

Not only is the cross the anchor of our souls, it is also a classroom for our instruction. We get a taste of that even during the life of Christ. The cross was ever in view for Christ during his ministry. It cast a shadow over all that Jesus taught. So when the time came to actually go to the cross, the lessons were still coming, but they came primarily by example.

This is why Peter turns us back to the cross continually. In chapters two, three, and four of 1 Peter he bolsters his readers’ understanding of what to do and why to do it by holding up the cross of Christ. I want to highlight these passages so that we too might become cross-centered people.

In 2:21-25 Peter looks to the cross as the ultimate example of suffering with grand purposes in view. Peter has just been instructing his readers to live as good servants. The best way you can serve is to live according to conscience toward God, even if it means suffering. To be clear, suffering can come due to sinful choices. As John Wayne said, “Life is tough. It’s tougher if you’re stupid.” We are going to suffer, but Peter says don’t bring more suffering on yourself by stupidly choosing to sin. To instruct his readers in suffering for the sake of serving others, he looks to the cross. In verses 21-25, Peter says that Jesus lived with perfect conscience, never returning evil for evil. Instead, He served people through his suffering in that his wounds brought about our healing. Therefore, learn from the cross and be encouraged. Through your suffering you may serve others.

In 3:13-17 Peter is helping his readers understand that suffering for the sake of righteousness is blessed, good, and ultimately victorious. He tells them to not be intimidated, and to always be ready to make a defense for what you do and believe. Why? Because verse 16 says that “those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” This will happen and believers need to suffer in light of their ultimate victory. To further drive this home, Peter turns to the cross in verse 18. Jesus also died a scorn-filled death. But what happened? He was made alive in the spirit. This is victory! Additionally, Jesus then went and made proclamation to spirits now in prison. While that is a notoriously difficult verse, what seems clear is that a victory proclamation is being made in light of what was accomplished on the cross. Hell is put on notice; you failed! The cross, therefore, is the promise of victory. Learn this lesson well so that you also will take yours up and follow Him.

In 4:1-2, Peter makes his final explicit tie to the cross. And what a glorious one it is. Peter is about to address the reality that we live in a world that is going to malign us for rejecting its way of life. In light of such rejection, scorn, and even danger, how are we to equip ourselves? Peter says the best weapon you can wield is the cross.

Peter looks to the cross of Christ and speaks of what happened there. Christ died to sin and his death not only conquered sin, it also removed Him from being under sin in any way. Peter then makes the connection that the same thing will be true for you. Any Christian who suffers in the flesh, which means death, will be free from sin once and for all. Your death will be the final battle against sin, and you will emerge from it released from its presence and power. Therefore, arm yourself with this attitude. Suit up with this glorious reality that death is the doorway into freedom and fullness of life. Because of this, don’t fear death. The cross has neutered death so that it is no longer a ravenous pit, but a stepping stool to glory. What can the world do to you? If they torture and persecute you, you will earn a weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. If they kill you, they send you to heaven where you are free from sin. Learning this will be like putting on armor.

Oh, let us embrace the cross. Like Paul, may we know one thing; “Christ and Him crucified.” May it be true for us and our church that all roads, all thoughts, all feelings lead to the cross.