Paul in 2 Cor. 11 : 21 – 31 describes the perils he had to endure in his Christian discipleship. A life that carries the cross is a new way to discipleship. Even though the cross was considered to be a disgrace, in the eyes of the Christians it became pure and precious (1 Cor. 1 : 18). Eventually the cross became a symbol of Christians- a symbol of reconciliation, forgiveness and love ( 2 Cor. 5: 19; Ephesians 2: 14 -16). Therefore through the cross Christ reestablished the relationship between man and God. The Greek word for cross, Stauros, is mentioned 28 times and the Greek word, Stauro, which denotes the act of crucifying is mentioned 46 times in the New Testament.The act of executing by hanging on a tree existed in Egypt (Genesis 40 : 19), Cathage, Persia (Esther 7: 10), Assyria, Greece and Rome. History records Alexander’s command to crucify 2000 survivors after his Siege of Tyre. No Roman citizen except slaves and criminals were crucified. Crucifixion was brought to an end when Constantine was the emperor. In Old Testament days the practice was to hang the body on the tree after death (Deuteronomy 21: 22, Numbers 25: 4) as a warning to others ( Deut. 21: 22, 23; Joshua 10: 26, Galatians 3: 13).
Let’s take a look at some other features of the cross
- A Symbol of Unity: Through cross God reconciled everything in this world to Him and brought peace (Colossians 1: 20). “Having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2: 14).
- A Symbol of Victory (Colossians 2: 15)
- A Symbol of God’s wisdom (1 Cor. 1: 18, 23)
- A Symbol of removing the curse and giving blessings (Deut. 21: 23; Galatians 3: 13)
The Cross and discipleship share a very close relationship because a true disciple is one who takes the cross and follows him.
1. Discipleship of the Cross gives Forgiveness (Genesis 26: 12 -33)
The ultimate symbol of God’s love is seen in the cross. It is the pinnacle of forgiveness. The discipleship of the cross provides a mentality to forgive. We see in Genesis 26: 12 – 33 Isaac’s forgiving nature. The Philistines closed the wells that were built during Abraham’s time. Isaac again dug these wells. But the shepherds of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s shepherds. Isaac moved from there and dug wells. They quarreled again for this. He again moved and dug another well. He named the place Rehoboth. Isaac’s forgiveness is evident here. That night God appeared to him. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham” (Genesis 26: 24) declared the Lord. This exemplifies that forgiveness will bring blessing. Here we should remember Jesus’ words in Luke 21: 19 that by standing firm you will gain life.
2. Discipleship of the Cross Strengthens Mission (2 Cor. 11 : 21 -31)
The endurances due to the cross in St. Paul’s life were many. These sufferings strengthened his ministry. He endured more than just enduring any man (2 Cor. 11: 28). But he found joy in weakness and asked the Corinthian church, “Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?” Daily he went through the pressures of his concern for the churches (2 Cor. 11: 28). Thus we see the cross strengthening the mission.
3. Discipleship of the Cross in Day to Day Life ( Mark 10: 46 – 52)
Jesus calls us to take his cross daily and to follow him (Mark 8: 34; Luke 14: 26, 27). When Bartimaeus received his healing, he decided to follow Jesus (Mark 10: 52). All the blessings that Christ gives should prompt us to follow Christ more. But following Christ and becoming his disciples is through the carrying of the cross. Thus the discipleship through the cross will provide us a nature of forgiveness, the strength for mission and the reinforcement for our daily life.
Translation : Neena Kishor, Ph.D Scholar, Department of English, University of Kerala