The cross—the central symbol or emblem of the Christian faith. We see it all aroundus, affixed to the tallest point of churches, mounted on walls in sanctuaries, decoratinghomes, in jewelry form, and even as body art—reminding believers of the way of Jesus.
In fact, the symbol of the cross has become so commonplace and cultural that I wonderhow often we actually consider the depth of meaning the cross carries? And how oftendo we pause to consider the relationship between depictions of Christ’s cross spanningthe various streams of Christian faith?
Vision of Two Crosses
In the incarnational tradition, the cross is presented with the crucified Christ nailedto it, wearing the crown of thorns, emaciated, bleeding, naked, and alone. The evangelicaltradition presents a wooden cross—no blood, no Jesus, often without nails—just thecross. Have you ever considered the theological implications of these distinct imagesof the cross? One might associate the incarnational depiction of the cross with GoodFriday while the evangelical cross reflects Resurrection Sunday. Some might questionwhether we should give preference to the incarnational or evangelical depiction ofthe cross. Yet in taking a deeper look at the significance of each portrayal, we seethat both teach us important truths.
A God Who Suffers
The incarnational imagery of the cross connects us to the suffering of God. Evangelicalssometimes struggle with this notion because we tend to build our theological frameworkaround a victorious, all-powerful God. In fact, throughout history, we’ve tried tominimize the reality of Christ, the Son of God, being beaten, rejected, and crucified.Yet in doing that, we can miss a significant characteristic that is difficult to comprehendbut beautiful once grasped—that the crucifixion itself communicates something aboutGod’s nature which allows us to find suffering centrally planted in the story andcharacter of God.
An incarnational depiction of the cross points us to a God who understands suffering(Hebrews 4:15) and that, in Christ, we are able to approach a God who knows sickness, suffering,trial, persecution, rejection, and death. This image communicates a God with pathoswho can grieve with, feel with, and be compassionate toward those who suffer. In Show Me the Way, Henri Nouwen reflected on the relationship between these two realities:
“The core message of Jesus is that real joy and peace can never be reached while bypassingsuffering and death, but only by going right through them… We can deny the realityof life, or we can face it. When we face it not in despair, but with the eyes of Jesus,we discover that where we least expect it, something is hidden that holds a promisestronger than death itself. Jesus lived his life with the trust that God’s love isstronger than death and that death [and I will add sickness, misfortune, pandemic, and catastrophe] therefore does not have the last word. He invites us to face the painful realityof our existence with the same trust. This is what Lent is all about.”
Victory in the Resurrection
As someone who has grown up in the tradition of the evangelical cross, my faith hasbeen shaped by the belief that God is good, is always at work, and gives strengthto those who suffer. In fact, to tap into the Hispanic Pentecostal theology of myupbringing, we were taught that “Dios es Bueno—Todo el tiempo! Todo el tiempo—Dioses Bueno! Y a Su Nombre—Gloria! Y a Su pueblo—En victoria!” Translated: God is Good—Allthe time! And all the time—God is Good! And to His Name—Be the Glory! And for Hispeople—To live in victory!
The evangelical tradition celebrates the glorious and powerful resurrection of Jesus;death does not win and the grave is merely the first chapter of the miracle of resurrectionand eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:55). This blessed hope gives the believer existential confidence and provides incomprehensiblepeace in the midst of situations that are otherwise chaotic (Philippians 4:6). The empty cross reminds Christians that suffering, crucifixion, and the grave donot have the final word. We’re reminded that the suffering Christ indeed rose againon the third day and is now seated at the right hand of the heavenly throne (Revelation 5).
What Both Crosses Mean for Us Today
Examining the incarnational and evangelical crosses together teaches us somethingprofound in this season of pandemic, world crisis, uncertainty, fear, sickness, andeven death. Both crosses illustrate theological truths for us to embrace. God knowssuffering very well—even to the point of throwing Himself into the pit of our sufferingso that through His courageous and sacrificial offering we might find healing (Isaiah 53:5). And the empty cross, planted there on a hill, points to One who conquered sin anddeath and invites others to participate in Resurrection life.
As we enter into Holy Week and observe the wonderful traditions that are present inthe milieu of Christian expressions, I invite you to keep both crosses in mind andreflect on the following questions over the course of the week:
- Which image of the cross are you typically drawn toward and why?
- Do you have difficulty reconciling your understanding of God with human suffering?If yes, why might that be?
- Take a moment to visualize the suffering Christ. What might God be speaking to you about the way He views human suffering?
- Are you personally experiencing pain, suffering, or loss? Invite Jesus to enter intoyour suffering with you and walk alongside you through this season.
- Are you in need of the hope of resurrection? How might the image and truth of theempty cross remind you of God’s promises?
