The Lord’s Death
“Christ Jesus…humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross”
(Philippians 2:5,8).
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Galatians 3:13).
Many people in the history of man have been willing to give their lives for a noble cause, or for the protection of their country, or for their friends or family. But Christ gave His life voluntarily for His enemies. And not only that, but He willingly submitted to death by crucifixion — a long, slow, painful and extremely shamefully humiliating death.
The cross is despised and mocked by those who have no love for the Lord Jesus. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:18). However the rest of the verse says: “But unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” No wonder Paul said, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).
