How to experience Gods power even when you feel weak and powerless.

A PUBLICATION OF NEW VISION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

The Power of the Cross

How to experience Gods power even when you feel weak and powerless.
2014 by Jason Matters & New Vision Church of the Nazarene
Bible references indicated by (NIV) are taken from the 2011 edition of The Holy Bible, New International Version. Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version NIV Copyright 1973, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Bible references indicated by (GNT) are taken from the Good News Translation (Todays English Version, Second Edition) Copyright 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

This work was originally produced for the Good Friday worship service at New Vision Church of the Nazarene on April 18, 2014. Special thanks to Larry Stock, whose God-inspired ideas lead to the outline and ideas found here. Special thanks also to Beth Ivers, whose creativity and eye for a good story lead to a great conclusion and application. Further thanks to Rob Ivers for designing the graphic found on the front cover. Special thanks to all of the volunteers at New Vision Church who really make the ministry happen! New Vision Church of the Nazarene 100 S. Sunrise Dr., Raymore, MO 64083 www.newvisionchurch.com info@newvisionchurch.com 816.348.0303

CHAPTER ONE

Weakness or Power?

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

Weakness or Power?

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

It is a well-documented historic reality that a religious teacher named Jesus, hailing from the town of Nazareth, died on the cross in approximately 33 CE. For many, this is merely historical reality. But for so many Christians, it is more. It is a meaningful, powerful event stirring emotions from deep within. This historical reality provides meaning and purpose for their lives. This event strengthens and even empowers them to live the life they have dreamed. For them, the cross represents power. You may think that dying on a cross doesnt seem powerful, but weak. You would be in good company. Speaking to the people of his day, the Apostle Paul said,
22Jews

demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 (NIV)

In the Jewish view of the world, from which Christianity arose, there were two groups of people: Jews and non-Jews (also called the Gentiles, or as here, the Greeks). Writing to a very diverse and cosmopolitan crowd in the ancient city of Corinth, Paul recognized the cultural disdain for the cross. To the Greeks, whom he perceived as pursuers of wisdom and knowledge, the idea of the Son of God dying on a cross was ignorance and foolishness. To the Jews, whom Paul perceived as pursuers of power, a crucified Messiah indicated failure and weakness. Cicero, a Roman statesman, described crucifixion as "the most cruel and disgusting penalty" (Verrem 2:5.165) and "the most extreme penalty" (Verrem 2:5.168). Another Roman, Julius Paulus, put crucifixion at the top of the list of the worst capital punishments and listed death by burning as more preferable. Usually prohibited for Roman citizens, crucifixion was commonly reserved for slaves and foreigners. Ancient historians regularly described mass crucifixions of groups who rebelled against Roman rule, a stern warning to onlookers who might be tempted to lead a similar revolt. When allowed, the crucified person was stripped naked in order to maximize the humiliation. Crucifixion was just as much about insult as it was injury. Lenny Bruce, an author known for satire, obscenity and controversy, wrote about the crucifixion, If Jesus had been killed twenty years ago, Catholic school children would be wearing little electric chairs around their necks instead of crosses. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine that crucifixion represented anything other than weakness. The Bible tells us that Jesus hung on the cross from 9 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon. 6 hours. 3,600 minutes of pain, suffering and insult. In this short book we will examine those hours on the cross and the love that lead to it. I hope you will agree that Jesus was doing something powerful on the cross, and

he was full of power even while suffering and dying.

CHAPTER TWO

Insults & Mocking

Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying . . . come down from the cross and save yourself! Mark 15:29a & 30 (NIV)

Insults & Mocking

Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying . . . come down from the cross and save yourself ! Mark 15:29a & 30 (NIV)

It is 10:00 AM. Jesus has been hanging on a cross or an hour. Earlier in the day, the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, attempted to sway the crowd in Jesus favor in order to release the one he knew was innocent. Stirred up by their leaders, the crowd chanted, demanding his crucifixion. Pilate relented and sent Jesus to his death. A short while later, as he hung on a cross outside the city, suffering and struggling for each breath, the crowds gawked and hurled their insults at him. We read this: in Luke 23:35-37 & 39 (NIV)
35The

people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, He saved others; let him save himself if he is Gods Messiah, the Chosen One.
36The

soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.
38There 39One

was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: Arent you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!

The rulers, the soldiers, the crowd and even a fellow condemned join the chorus of insulters. We cant blame them. From their vantage point, he was a failure. The cross meant humiliation and weakness. To those who hoped Jesus would be their political Messiah, he was a defeated would-be king. After all, for those who tried to overthrow the Roman government, the cross was a sign that Rome was powerful and that they were weak and not-powerful. But then we read this:
40But

the other criminal rebuked him. Dont you fear God, he said, since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.
42 Then 43 Jesus

he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. answered him, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.

Luke 23:40-43 (NIV) Paradise? Today? What was Jesus thinking? It sounds as if Jesus was looking forward to something, not regretting something. It sounds as if Jesus saw his death as something good, and not as if he was dying as a failure. It almost sounds as he is making promises and offering hope, as if he is still holding onto some power that is not just for this life. Powerless people usually feel hopeless. Albert Camus wrote that, A man devoid of hope and conscious of being so has ceased to belong to the future. Even while suffering and dying what many saw as the death of hope, Jesus looked to the future!

Jesus was full of hope, because Jesus was doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power even while suffering and dying.

CHAPTER THREE

Spikes & Beams

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

Spikes & Beams

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) 11:00 AM Two hours, hanging from two nails- one in each wrist. The Romans were not the first to employ crucifixion as a method of capital punishment, but they perfected it to maximize pain and suffering for as long as possible. Before being thrown onto a wooden beam, the condemned was lead to the flogging post, where the Roman soldiers inflicted as much pain as possible with whips, rods, and the classic cat of nine tails, a whip modified to include pieces of glass, rock or metal on the ends. With each forceful blow, the skin was ripped open and nerves were stimulated to produce sharp pain. Many never made it to the cross, as the flogging was so brutal. The Romans understood death, though, and knew how to stop before killing a man, thereby prolonging the suffering. After the flogging, the condemned man usually carried his own cross to the

designated crucifixion site outside the city walls. Since the weight of the entire cross was probably well over 300 pounds, he only carried the horizontal crossbar, which weighed approximately 100 pounds. The hands could be nailed or tied to the crossbar, but the Romans preferred nails. Archaeologists discovered near Jerusalem the remains of a crucified body, and dated it to the time of Jesus. The preserved remains revealed tapered iron spikes, approximately 5 to 7 inches long, driven though the wrists rather than the palms. A nail was also driven through the feet or ankle. The physical effects of three nails caused more than a few puncture wounds. The nails driven through the wrists would crush or sever the rather large nerve, producing stabbing nerve pain flowing through each arm. Someone has compared the pain to repeatedly whacking ones funny-bone, resulting not in laughter but in tears and anguish. While on the cross, the condemned might survive for hours or even days. Breathing was almost impossible. In order to exhale, the condemned had to raise his body by putting all of his weight on his feet, supported only by the third iron spike in his feet or ankles. Again, explosions of pain ripped through his legs as he gasped for air. Eventually, the condemned lost the strength required to breath and usually died by suffocation. And so, for 6 hours, Jesus endured excruciating pain on the cross. To add to the humiliation of the would be king we read that the soldiers placed a crown on his head. But this was not of honoring gold, but of insulting thorns. And with every breath and movement the thorns jammed into the thin and sensitive skin on his head. What power a man must have to endure so much pain. There was no weakness here. This was not the death of a weak man. This was a man full of strength, for Jesus

was doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power even while suffering and dying.
Detailed, formal information for this summary was provided by http://www.frugalsites.net/jesus/crucifixion.htm

CHAPTER FOUR

Why Did Jesus Die?

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down ones life for ones friends. John 15:13 (NIV)

Why Did Jesus Die?

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down ones life for ones friends. John 15:13 (NIV)

12:00 PM Three Hours. A strange mid-day darkness covers the land. Jesus died for me Maybe we have heard it too many times. Or maybe you know too many people who glibly proclaim, Jesus died for me, but then live their lives as if it makes no difference, maybe even using his death as their get out of jail free card, allowing them to sin even more. Maybe that is you. Franciszek Gajowniczek knew it well and it changed his life. Gajowniczek (pronounced guy-of-KNEE-check) was placed in the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz. We dont usually pair the words death and grace when we hear of that terrible place known for its gas chambers disguised as shower houses. Over one million prisoners died at Auschwitz, most of them Jews. Imprisoned in the camp with Gajowniczek was a Franciscan priest named Maximiliam Kolbe. A great mind, with two earned doctorates, Kolbe gave his life to serving God through the church. While imprisoned at Auschwitz, Father Kolbe shared his food, gave up his bunk, and prayed for his fellow prisoners.

On one unforgettable day in July, 1941, the prisoners were lined up. A prisoner had escaped and they all knew the consequences and had witnessed the scene too many times. Ten random numbers would be called, each identifying a prisoner. The ten would be marched to a special fenced cell where the prisoners would live with no food or water until they died. The tenth number called was Franciszek Gajowniczek. He fell to the ground, sobbing. My wife and my children, he cried. Then someone heard movement among the ranks of prisoners. Koble stepped forward and asked to speak to the Commandant. Remarkably, his request was granted. I want to die in his place. I have no family and I am old and weak. He is young and strong. Who are you? the Commandant inquired? I am a Catholic priest.

His request was granted and Father Kolbe was escorted to the doomed cell where he and nine others waited out death by starvation. He continued to sing and pray, outliving the others. He finally died when the camp doctor inserted a lethal injection into his heart.
And Gajowniczek? Gajowniczek survived but his children did not. He later found his wife and moved to a home in Poland. He cleared a special place in his back yard where he set a rock. On the rock he affixed a brass plate with two words engraved on it: Maximillian Kolbe.

The grace and new life that he experienced in a camp known for death changed his future. He said this, Because of Maximilian Kolbe, every breath that I take, everything that I do, every single moment, is to me -like a gift.
Gajowniczek had no doubt that he was alive because someone died for him!

The same is true for us. This is what we celebrate on Good Friday! We read this in the Bible:
6You

see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)

We were sinners, enemies of God, and Jesus died for us! Jesus stepped out of the ranks and said, I will die for them! That is love a very powerful love! The power of the cross is the unfathomable love of God love that is powerful! Jesus was

doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power even while suffering and dying.

Source: Max Lucado, Six Hours One Friday, and http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/08/how-to-really-live/ (Accessed 4/16/2014)

CHAPTER FIVE

Remember & Proclaim

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lords death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV)

Remember & Proclaim

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lords death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV)

1:00 PM Jesus is still suffering and the sky is still dark. Jesus knew the power of what would happen on the cross. So, the night before he was arrested, he celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples. We read this:
23The

Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.
26 For

whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lords death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:23b-25 (NIV)

Using the traditional food of the yearly Passover feast, the unleavened bread and one of the cups of wine, Jesus took the opportunity to offer his followers two symbols of himself and his work on the cross. Taking simple bread, made with no leaven (signifying the purity of his life), he abruptly ripped the loaf, signifying for them the piercing of his body invoked during his crucifixion. He gave them some and they ate. They ate, or consumed a bit of bread, but signified the receiving for themselves what he did for them. And he told them to remember! After the meal, he took a cup of wine and told them of the new covenant, one that would fulfill the covenant with Moses and their ancestors. This covenant would be sealed not with the blood of animals, but with the blood of Jesus to be spilled during the ordeal of his death. Like the bread, he invited them to drink, to consume, to receive into themselves the symbol of his blood. By drinking, they were accepting for themselves the new covenant in Jesus. And he told them to remember. Jesus knew that what was about to happen on the cross was so significant not only for them, but for the world, that they should never forget!

Then he hinted that this simple ritual of bread and wine should be repeated, as often as necessary. And with each celebration of remembrance, they would proclaim to everyone watching that they are receivers of Jesus and participants in his covenant. They would remind themselves and everyone else that Jesus death was significant and life changing!
The death of Jesus remember it, give thanks, and proclaim it! And celebrate his power for Jesus was doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full

of power even while suffering and dying.

CHAPTER SIX

Still in Control

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11 (NIV)

Still in Control

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11 (NIV)

2:00 PM

Still dark. Still suffering. Nearing the end.

Jesus could have called on his Father and the angels to rescue him. Nails did not hold him to the cross. Love kept him on the cross. While others saw him as defeated by Roman power, Jesus was still in control. Earlier in his ministry, Jesus reminded the disciples that he was always in control, no matter what the circumstances might suggest. He told his followers,
10The

reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my lifeonly to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. John 10:17-18a (NIV) During Jesus trial, Pilate, the Roman governor, interrogated Jesus privately. When Jesus refused to answer his questions, Pilate said,

0 Do

you refuse to speak to me? Pilate said. Dont you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?
11 Jesus

answered, You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.

John 19:10-11a (NIV) Later in the hour, and nearing 3:00 PM, Jesus tells the crowd that he is thirsty. And someone gets him something to drink! Even while dying a criminals death, he is still calling the shots. What kind of weakling, at the hour of his execution, commands the crowds? Jesus

was doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power even while suffering and dying.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Power in Death

He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death. Hebrews 2:14b (GNT)

Power in Death

He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death. Hebrews 2:14b (GNT)

3:00 PM

His final minutes

Around 3:00 PM, Jesus spoke up one last time. Jesus called out with a loud voice, Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. [e] When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 (NIV) The one whom many regarded as weak and powerless, after enduring hours of torture, chose the moment of his death. Jesus was doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power even while suffering and dying. The Bible then tells about several mysterious events that occurred moments within his last breath. In addition to the darkness that already shrouded the land, there was an earthquake. And it was no small tremor, but a quake strong enough to break open

the tombs of those long dead. If you want to read something really crazy, read Matthew 27:51-53! Jesus death was so significant, even the earth felt it! All of creation recognized the power of the moment. But there was more. We also read that the veil in the temple in Jerusalem was torn. Matthew notes that it was torn from top to bottom indicating that it was not undertaken by someone who snuck into the temple. This curtain was significant. It separated the inside of the Jewish temple from the most holy place, the inner room of inner rooms. Placed in the temple was the Ark of the Covenant, constructed under the supervision of Moses. It was said to be Gods footstool on earth. While the priests entered the temple daily to offer incense, candles and bread to the Lord, only the high priest was allowed to pass through the curtain and enter the most holy place once per year, on the Day of Atonement, while making atonement for the sins of the people. The penalty for entering this special place at any other time was death. It is said that the priest would tie a cord to his ankle before entering so that, in case he was found unclean and struck dead, his colleagues would be able to retrieve his body without entering the sacred room. At the time of Jesus death, the curtain was ripped. The curtain that had previously represented humanities complete inability to approach a holy God was now removed. Access to God was granted to all! The new covenant was now in force. But the darkness, earthquake and ripping veil were more than natural or earthly effects. The moment of Jesus death revealed a spiritual battle between the forces of God and the forces of evil. The Bible tells us of the spiritual significance of his death.
14 Since

the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, 15 and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15 (GNT) Jesus was conquering death and our fear of it! We no longer have to fear death!

Jesus was doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power even as he died!

CHAPTER EIGHT

Changed Lives

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

Changed Lives

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

The death of Jesus was so powerful that it affected the people who watched it. Remember the guards who suggested that if he was the Messiah, he should save himself ? Seeing his death and the events surrounding it, he changed his mind, and we read this,
47 The

centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, Surely this was a righteous

man. Luke 23:47 (NIV) The very soldier who mocked him only a few hours earlier realized that he was the Son of God and looked to God and praised him! And his life was changed! Even the moment of his death was full of power changing peoples lives! And the reality of the death of Jesus has been changing lives ever since. The death of Jesus has changed my lifeand I hope he has yours. If not, he wants to. And when you accept his death for you and all that implies, your life will be changed!

You may remember that the guards were not the only ones who mocked Jesus. The crowd also jeered him and made fun of him. They saw a man on a cross, and they saw weakness. To those who considered him an enemy, the saw him as weak on the cross and saw themselves as powerful. But at end of those 6 hours, they realized something. We read that,
48 When

all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. Luke 23:48 (NIV) The people who made fun of him walked away with pain, knowing they were on the wrong side of this! They previously saw Jesus as weak, and themselves as strong. They walked away seeing Jesus as strong, and themselves as weak And that is right where God wants us. The dying thief admitted his helplessness and was granted paradise only by grace. The repentant soldier was granted forgiveness only by grace. And we really only experience grace as we admit our weaknesses and find Gods strength. The apostle Paul discovered this. After praying that God would deliver him from his weakness, God said, No, and that My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9a) Paul concluded, Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christs power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV))

Would you like to experience the power of the cross?

What is your weakness? -Fear of what might happen to your job? -Fear of what the doctor might tell you at your next appointment? -Inability to keep up with your bills? -Comparing yourself to others and never measuring up?

-Inability to receive Gods forgiveness and forgive yourself for something you did long ago? -A terminal illness or handicap that keeps you from carrying out your plans? The possibilities are endless. I dont have to list many more. You already know yours. It has already flashed across your mind, causing your shoulders to slump and your face to droop.

Jesus invites you to take your weaknesses, place them on the cross, and find Gods strength in your weaknesses. Instead of praying for God to take it away, heal it, or fix it, ask for his power to rest on you in spite of it. Claim his strength, no matter how weak you feel!
You might even take a small slip of paper, write your weakness on it, fold it, and physically hold it out to God. As you acknowledge your weakness, will you pray, Jesus, you were doing something powerful on the crossand you were full of power in this place of weakness. Take my weakness and surround me with your power.

There is Power in the Cross of Jesus! Dont forget it. And find your strength in his power! That is the power of the cross.

If you would like to know more about how Jesus Christ, his death, and resurrection can change your life, please do not hesitate to contact the church office and ask to speak to a pastor. You may call us at 816.348.0303 or email us at info@newvisionchurch.com

Jesus was doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power even while suffering and dying.

If you were encouraged by this book, please let us know so that we can continue to provide resources like this. You can reach us by email at info@newvisionchurch.com

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