Scripture: Hebrews 12:1–3
On this Communion Sunday, the image before us is not a suffering Savior still hanging on a cross, but an empty cross. The empty cross declares one powerful truth: Jesus arose. What once symbolized shame, pain, and death now stands as a testimony of victory, hope, and resurrection life.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us:
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Jesus endured the cross, not because He was defeated by it, but because He looked beyond it. For the joy set before Him, He scorned its shame and is now seated at the right hand of God. The cross was never the end of the story, it was the pathway to resurrection.
Looking Beyond Our Crosses
Each of us carries burdens that feel like crosses, painful seasons, disappointments, betrayals, and struggles that test our faith. Yet, just as Jesus did, we must learn to look beyond where we are and trust God for the miraculous conclusion He has already planned.
Jesus carried His cross largely alone. His disciples fled. Only a few stood nearby—His mother, John, and some who watched from a distance. Even religious leaders mocked Him. Still, His death was a sacrifice for our salvation, reconciliation, and restoration.
Jesus declared, “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” Abundant life speaks of blessing, fruitfulness, and effective change—blessed in the field, blessed in the house, blessed going in and blessed going out. Because of the cross, our lives are not meant to remain the same.
God’s Plan Was Always at Work
The betrayal, suffering, and crucifixion of Jesus were not accidents—they were part of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus said,
I lay down My life that I may take it again… I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.
From Genesis to Isaiah to the Gospels, Scripture reveals that Christ bore our infirmities, carried our sorrows, and took upon Himself the weight of our sin. Because He lives, lives have been changed—and people see that change and desire it for themselves.
The Apostle Paul reminds us:
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.
Strength for the Journey
Jesus knew rejection was coming—even from those closest to Him. Peter would deny Him. Judas would betray Him. Still, Jesus pressed forward because He understood this was more than a physical struggle—it was a spiritual one.
Likewise, when we commit to lifting up Jesus, we may face opposition, betrayal, and rejection. But beyond the cross is victory.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” And Scripture tells us an angel came and strengthened Him. When we submit to God’s will, He provides strength for the task and reminds us that we are not alone.
Living in Resurrection Reality
Through Christ, we are new creations. We are made righteous, perfected by His sacrifice, and made alive in Him. Too often, believers struggle to obtain victory over sin and temptation, forgetting that Christ already secured it on the cross.
We are not living according to possibility—we are living according to fact. The work is finished. We are more than conquerors.
Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily and follow Him. Salvation is free, but discipleship requires endurance. We are called to be living sacrifices, walking in resurrection life, declaring, “It is not I, but Christ who lives in me.”
Hope Beyond the Cross
Even in moments of despair, we hold onto hope:
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed… They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.
The empty cross reminds us of redemption, salvation, healing, overcoming power, and new life. What once represented death now proclaims victory.
Today, we remember the old rugged cross, but we rejoice even more in the empty cross, because our Savior lives.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto us.
