The Way of The Cross Up Close
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Straight to the Cross
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COLUMN: HANDS-ON FAITH
The Way of The Cross Up Close
by Barry Newton
Christ's crucifixion occurred once, yet the way of the
cross remains very much alive. To be a mature disciple,
we must travel that trail.
In Philippians 2:6-8, when Paul retold the events
leading to Christ being crucified, Paul captured what
caused Christ to take that path as well as provided
Christians with a mindset to be imitated. Christ did
not selfishly seek his own interests, rather "he
emptied himself" to become flesh. Then, instead of
being filled with pride, he further "humbled himself"
to become "obedient to the point of death, even death
on a cross."
This story of Jesus enduring nails piercing his flesh
is a story of love. For love is not self-seeking nor
proud (1 Corinthians 13:4,5). To love God requires
obeying God (2 John 6).
Furthermore, "this is how we know what love is: Jesus
Christ laid down his life for us" (1 John 3:16). No
wonder Paul chose to use the story of Christ to teach
the Philippian Christians what it means to "have the
same love … looking not only to your own interests, but
also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:2,4).
Yet the story of Jesus might seem distant to our lives.
We might be tempted to think, "Of course he did that.
Jesus was the Son of God."
For the Philippian church, reflections of the way of
the cross were about to hit very close to home. Soon
the living examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus would
be among them. Who were these men?
Paul could describe Timothy as taking "a genuine
interest in your welfare" and as having "proved
himself" (Philippians 2:20,22). Timothy had chosen the
low road of humility; he valued what would concern
Jesus instead of just pleasing himself.
Similarly while Epaphroditus had come close to death as
he ministered, yet he was not focused upon himself.
Instead he was preoccupied about the Philippian
Christians' well being. Paul could write that
Epaphroditus was "distressed because you heard he was
ill"(Philippians 2:26).
While some people live as enemies of the cross gorging
themselves upon their own interests, others carry their
crosses living out lives truly characterized by
Christ's love. The cross was more than an event that
saves; it is to become a way of life for Jesus'
disciples.
How much do our lives provide others with an up close
example of Christ's selfless love?
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