The Cross Throughout the Scriptures - Part 16
20. Following TLJC Means Bearing Your Very Own Cross.

Mat 16:13-27

Most Christians today prefer a theology or doctrinal teaching minus any personal cross.

If we are unwilling to forsake “self” and take up our cross in identification with the Crucified-Risen Son of God, we are on the road that leads to death.

If we are willing to bear in the body the marks of the Lord and go forth from “self” in the service of others, all is ours.

Gal 6:17 From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.

1Co 15:31b I die daily.

Gal 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

2Co 5:15 and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

Joh 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

1Jo 3:16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

The cross not only assures us of forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with God, but declares we must die and be raised up in newness of life.

Col 3:3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Following Him means being willing to take up your very own cross which has to do with denying self and living for others.

21. The Disciples Following the Lord in Fear of the Cross.

Mar 10:28-34

Isa 50:6 I gave My back to those who strike {Me,} And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting.

Isa 50:7 For the Lord God helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I shall not be ashamed.

As a man, who could be tempted in all points like we are, yet without sin, he had to make His decisions in the exercise of His free will.

To atone for the sins of the world, to bear the chastisement due to our sins, to satisfy the claims of a just and holy God, to express God’s love to the fullest for mankind who had gone astray, to bear God’s holy, righteous wrath against all the wickedness of the children of men.

Joh 12:23 “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”

Joh 17:1 These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee,”

Rev 3:21 “To the winner, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also became a winner and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

Mat 10:39 “He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it.”

Mar 8:34 “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

Luk 9:23 “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

22. The “I Am” of Jesus Confirmed by the Cross.

Joh 8:58

He did it in cleansing the temple, healing the sick on the Sabbath, and so severely condemning the Pharisees for their pride and hypocrisy.

Exo 3:14 “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

Our Lord, the Son of God and Son of man, was sure that the Cross would for all the ages substantiate His claims.

For the rulers of the Jews it satisfied them to know, Deu 21:23, that one put to death, hanged on a tree, was accursed of God.

Our Lord confirmed His claim to Messiahship by saying “Before Abraham was, I am.” His claim would find its greatest verification once He was lifted up on the cross.

TLJC was sure the cross would forever substantiate His claims and bring in the glorious age of the New Creation while the old creation would be terminated on the awful tree.

Gal 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;

and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.”

23. TLJC Speaking to Moses and Elijah of His Death.

Luk 9:28-35

The theme of their conversation was “his departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”

Mat 17:6 And when the disciples heard {this,} they fell on their faces and were much afraid.

Mat 17:4 “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

Mat 17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”

Mat 17:8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus Himself alone.

Pleroo -

a. To fill up a deficiency.

b. To fully possess.

c. To fully influence.

d. To fill with a certain quality.

The cross = achievement, victory, and consummation.

Robert McLaughlin Bible Ministries 2002