With Childlike Faith: A New Way to Look at the Crucifixion

She hung close to her mom as she watched the man carrying a cross down the aisle. She let out a shriek and tried to run to help him when they whipped his back. She cried with him, helpless as she watched the horrible scene unfold before her, so emotional that she had to be carried away. The deep sorrow and inexpressible joy that comes with the resurrection story is incomparable. Written by the finger of God from the beginning of time, it is unlike any story that could ever be written by man. During this time of the year, we hear this story in many different ways. We see various displays of the cross, so much that we run the risk of becoming desensitized to it all. But seeing my niece’s reaction to watching her dad play the part of Jesus in the church’s Easter play brought it back to reality. In her eyes, the man that meant the world to her, who she loved with all her heart and soul, was being attacked, going through such suffering, and there was nothing she could do about it. Jesus, however, said, “Let the little children come to me, and stop keeping them away, because the kingdom from heaven belongs to people like these” (Matt. 19:14, ISV). Emotional? Yes, we were created as emotional beings, in reflection of God’s heart. Innocent? I hope so. I hope we have not lost the purity in our hearts that would be appalled by the evils the enemy inspires in this world. He tried to completely annihilate our Savior, and on the cross, it looked like he had succeeded. But that’s not the whole story. Three days after Jesus’ crucifixion, he resurrected (just like He said), roaring with life in abundance like the Lion of Judah He is. “Why are you crying?” Jesus asked the woman looking for His dead body. He is alive; the victory has been won for us all; our God reigns! I invite you to celebrate with us in the inexpressible joy and innocence of a child, to praise, sing, shout, and dance your heart out in worship to our triumphant King. Jesus said, “Remember Me,” and we do so with joy because we remember Him as victorious. Happy Resurrection Sunday! For biblical studies books, visit the Xulon Press Bookstore. Originally published March 26, 2016.

The post With Childlike Faith: A New Way to Look at the Crucifixion appeared first on Xulon Press.