Cradle + Cross + Crown

The birth of Jesus 2000 years ago in a makeshift cradle changed the world forever. It says this about the significance of that birth in one of Jesus’ biographies:

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:21–23 ESV)

According to the Bible, Jesus is ‘God with us’—He is the Creator who entered into his creation. Jesus is like us in every way—he had the same struggles and temptations, but unlike us, Jesus is without sin. He lived the perfect life that we have failed to live. The four gospels display his perfect character, gracious compassion, and faithful convictions.

His purpose in coming to earth was to save or rescue his people from their sin.

Jesus says this about why he came:

“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 ESV)

What an incredible thought – the One to whom all glory and praise is due as our Almighty Creator – in great humility has come near to serve us in our great time of need. We are those who are trapped in our sin, deserving God’s just judgment, and yet Jesus pays the price for our ransom.

“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (Matthew 16:21 ESV)

The cross is how Jesus rescues his people. Having already lived the perfect life we failed to live, Jesus then died on the cross, in our place, and for our sin. He rose again triumphantly, defeating death, and he offers forgiveness of sin and life beyond the grave to all who trust in Him.

Before Jesus went to the cross, he said this to his followers:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24–25 ESV)

Following Jesus involves handing over control of our lives to Him. We remove the crown from our heads and see that Jesus is rightfully crowned our Lord and Master.

After his death and resurrection, and just before he ascended back to His Father in heaven, Jesus gave this commission to his followers:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18–20 ESV)

Jesus—crowned with all authority—sent out his disciples to be part of his mission in the world to invite more people to follow Him. Those disciples were obedient to that mission, and for the last 2000 years, the teachings of Jesus and the good news of Jesus have been passed from one generation to the next.

At Christ our Refuge, we invite those who already know Jesus to participate in His mission in the world and those who don’t yet know Jesus to respond to his invitation.

“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:27–30 ESV)