An old Christian drama depicts a little boy working in his parent’s carpentry shop in first century Jerusalem. He protests his chore, which is to assist in building a cross. The parents insist that he help because Rome has given them a contract for construction of crosses.

In another scene the boy is weeping. What is wrong? his parents ask. He responds, I went to the marketplace, and I saw Jesus of Nazareth, the Man we love to hear preach, and He was carrying my cross! They took Him to Golgotha and nailed Him to MY cross!

The parents insist, Oh no, son, that was not your cross. Other people in Jerusalem build crosses. That was not your cross. Oh yes, it was! exclaims the boy. When you were not looking, I carved my name on the cross I was making. When Jesus was carrying His cross, He stumbled right beside me, I looked, and my name was on His cross!²

I am sure many of you, like me, have heard the story of the crucifixion of Jesus several times. I was speaking to someone the other day about Easter, the plans they had, and the services they would be attending. As I listened to them, I realized how the Easter story, for some, has become just one more part of the day. It has simply become a tradition to attend church on Easter Sunday and remember the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord. Hearing the pain and suffering that Jesus endured brings tears to our eyes and feelings of awe as we think that someone would submit themselves to such horrific agony. But there is a problem… we have failed to make the story our own. We have come to generalize the story of how Jesus died for the sins of the world but have failed to claim this Salvation as ours.  

Take a moment and say this with me, Jesus died for the sins of the world. Now, change it up a bit and say out loud, Jesus died for MY sin. Did you feel the difference? Did you feel the stirring inside you as you made it personal? I know I did!

The death of Jesus was far from a simple story to be shared on Good Friday. It is a POWERFUL story of how He gave His life to give ME salvation, to give ME hope, to give ME peace, to give ME eternal life, to make ME a beloved child of God. Claim this truth as yours today. Jesus wants to have a personal relationship with us individually! As we remember His incomparable sacrifice today, let us not forget this: He carried MY cross.

Suggested prayer: Dear Jesus, saying thank you to the Man who died for me just does not seem like enough, but THANK YOU. Lord, just as you carried the cross for me, help me pick up my cross daily and live for you. You alone are worthy of my praise and adoration. Gratefully, in Your name, Amen.

1. Isaiah 53:5 (NLV).

2. www.sermoncentral.com

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.