1) Jesus knew the Purpose of the Cross

He died so we might have “ever lasting life”. That lesson is made clear when we sing the song: “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe”.1Thess._5:9-10 “God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together” 

2) Jesus knew the Weight of the Cross

John_19:17 “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha” All three writers, Matthew, Mark and Luke tell us that Simon of Cyren assisted Jesus when He could carry it no further. He has promised to be by our side, in our time of need if we will ask.  

Maybe you can help someone bear their cross or ease their burden. Maybe they wouldn’t fall under the weight of their cross if you would lend a helping hand. Remember this; it is easier to wear a cross than to bear the cross.  

3) Jesus knew the Shame of the Cross

Historians tell us that only the worse kind of criminal died by crucifixion. In addition, the person to be crucified was stripped naked. In this case the soldiers gambled for His clothing. Matt._27:35 they parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet and psalmist, ‘they parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did their cast lots’. Psalm_22:18 

4) Jesus knew the Misery of the Cross

The agony and the pain He endured are unimaginable. In addition He hung there until He drew His last breath and if that weren’t enough, they denied Him any relief, even a drink of water to a dying man. We have heard of prisoners who were captured and tortured to obtain information. The suffering can become so great that death would be preferred to living under these circumstances.

Finally, when a soldier sees a cross it has a very special meaning.

Bill Watkins