Making Our Way to Calvary - Pt 5

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” (Luke 23:32–38 ESV).

 

In today’s devotional I’ve chosen St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407) to quote as we make our way to the Cross. He is renowned as one of the greatest preachers in Christian history, earning the moniker "golden-mouthed" (Chrysostom) for his immense eloquence. A Church Father and Archbishop of Constantinople, he is best known for his powerful sermons, commitment to serving the poor, and for composing the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom used in Eastern Christianity. His preaching on the Cross and the love of God expressed in the Cross is incredibly impactful as we consider our own response to Calvary:

 

“But we are able to see Christ’s inexpressible love for man not only from the cross itself but also from the words which He spoke while upon the cross. At the very time when He was nailed and they were mocking Him, deriding Him and spitting upon Him, He said: “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34)… At the same time that they were saying, “If You are the Son of God save Yourself,” He was accomplishing everything necessary to save these same ones who were reproaching Him. …He did forgive them, if they wished to repent, because if He had not forgiven them this sin, Paul would not have become an apostle;’ if He had not forgiven them this sin, the three thousand and the five thousand, and the many other thousands, would not have immediately believed.”

 

St. John Chrysostom famously declared the Cross a triumphant weapon and symbol of salvation, noting it turned the earth into heaven and served as a "trophy against the devil". He emphasized it as the ultimate proof of God's love and the source of human resurrection, transforming a symbol of death into a crown.

 

While there is much more to be seen in our reading today and we will look further at the two thieves crucified on either side of Jesus tomorrow; however, for today, I hope you will focus your attention on that center cross. There Jesus, the King of all kings proffered all that was necessary for every person ever created to be forgiven. It was a complete and perfect sacrifice. He paid the debt we could never pay and died the death we deserved!

 

Turn aside, even for just a moment, and recognize how great a love the Father has for you. The Apostle Paul said it this way:

 

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (Romans 5:6–9 ESV).