Lent is that time of year when much of Christendom focuses their attention on the cross of Jesus.
Although the cross is a familiar, loved symbol today, crucifixions were hardly lovely. We know from historical records that especially evil leaders arranged for public crucifixions. For the most part, however, they were conducted in secluded places away from the mainstreams of daily activity because they were so gruesome, abhorrent.
So just as the Old Testament scapegoat was taken outside the camp during the Exodus of the Israelites—bearing their collective and personal sin into the Wilderness (Lev. 16)—Jesus died outside the camp. We read, Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. (Heb. 13:12 NIV)
The writer of Hebrews continues by offering an invitation, Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. (Heb. 13:13)
Originally published February 26, 1982.
Picture: Flower in Hawaii, 2004. Photo by Patty.
Although the cross is a familiar, loved symbol today, crucifixions were hardly lovely. We know from historical records that especially evil leaders arranged for public crucifixions. For the most part, however, they were conducted in secluded places away from the mainstreams of daily activity because they were so gruesome, abhorrent.
So just as the Old Testament scapegoat was taken outside the camp during the Exodus of the Israelites—bearing their collective and personal sin into the Wilderness (Lev. 16)—Jesus died outside the camp. We read, Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. (Heb. 13:12 NIV)
The writer of Hebrews continues by offering an invitation, Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. (Heb. 13:13)
Originally published February 26, 1982.
Picture: Flower in Hawaii, 2004. Photo by Patty.
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