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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Cross (as in the Cross of Christ) (08/17/06)
The world is filled with many great works of art, beautifully crafted by men and women since the beginning of time. Picture Leonardo Da Vinci painting the Sistine chapel. Imagine the vision that so many architects and designers had for the New York City skyline. The wonders of the pyramids, the Eiffel tower, and the castles of Europe are places that can take our breath away. For thousands of years, master craftsmen have used their skills to create their works of art that dazzle any generation. Jesus Christ, the carpenter, left His masterpiece, that old, rugged cross.

Jesus spent His lifetime as a carpenter. From the early days of His childhood, He studied with Joseph to learn more about the family trade. With the many miraculous things that Jesus did throughout His lifetime, it would be amazing to see the many pieces He crafted as a carpenter. But, as He gave up the blue-collar life to go into ministry full time, He had only one masterpiece left, the Cross.

The Cross is more than simply the way of Christ’s demise, it has become a symbol of faith for Christians all over the world. God has always had a way of taking the difficult moments in our lives and using them for good. Through His pain on the Cross, Jesus has given us hope for a better life.

“He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward.” Hebrews 12:2 NLT

Often, it is forgotten how shameful Jesus’ death was. He did not die an honorable death in battle. He was not allowed to die in peace. In fact, He died alongside criminals in a long, torturous way. But, even in this, He was able to share His glory. He did this by continuing to show His grace in the midst of His own demise.

The day of His death, Jesus was being crucified alongside two criminals. One of the criminals questioned Jesus. The criminal asked Jesus to prove He was the Messiah by saving Himself from death on the cross. The other criminal protested, asking how the man could not have faith, even as he faced death. The second criminal then asked Jesus to remember him when He got to heaven.

“And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 24:43 NLT

This was the final stroke in Jesus’ great masterpiece. The great artists and craftsmen have always been able to amaze our senses through the beauty of their work. With rich colors, large scale, and big dreams, they have left us in awe. On the other hand, Jesus has left us utterly speechless with that old, rugged cross and the beauty of His love.

That old, rugged cross is a symbol of hope, love, and everlasting life. It is simplistic in its beauty, but profound in its message. The Cross of Christ is truly the world’s greatest work of art.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Joanne Sher 
08/27/06
This is a wonderfully expressed exposition on the cross - truly enjoyed, and learned much from, it. My only real suggestion to you is a different title - this made me think of the hymn, and though I love it, it kept my thoughts, at least to an extent, on the hymn rather than your wonderful writing.