The cross is one of the most powerful and iconic symbols in history. When we see the cross, we are reminded of the incredible love and sacrifice that Jesus demonstrated for us. But have you ever asked yourself, "What do I see when I look at the cross?" Is it just a simple 'T'—a mere shape—or do you see love, life, and a Savior who is calling you to follow Him?The resurrection is not only proof of Jesus’ divinity but also a call to live like Him. As we reflect on the meaning of the cross and the resurrection, we are invited to not just believe in Jesus’ victory over sin and death but to live in the power of that victory every day.
The Cross and the Call to Obey Jesus
In 1 John 2:3-6, the apostle John writes, “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them.”
When we claim to know Jesus, our lives should reflect His love and obedience. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge Him as our Savior; following Jesus means obeying His commands, living as He lived, and loving as He loved. This obedience is not burdensome but a natural response to Jesus's overwhelming love on the cross. Jesus’ life and resurrection empower us to live out His teachings daily.
Hard Truth: If we claim to know Him, but our lives don’t reflect His love and obedience, we are lying to ourselves. The resurrection is not just proof of Jesus’ divinity—it’s a call to live like Him. Jesus, who perfectly obeyed the Father and loved others selflessly, is the example we are to follow.
So, the question is, are we simply believers in the resurrection or followers of the risen Christ?
The Cross Reveals True Love
In 1 John 2:7-8, John reminds us that the call to love others is not a new command but one that has existed since the beginning. “Love was always part of God’s plan. From the Old Testament to Jesus’ ministry, love has been at the heart of His plan for humanity.”
Jesus embodied perfect love in everything He did. The most significant demonstration of His love was on the cross, where He willingly laid down His life for us. His resurrection proves that love has the power to overcome hate, life has the power to overcome death, and light has the power to overcome darkness.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect this love. We are called to love one another, not just with words but with actions, as Christ loved us. It is impossible to claim to be walking in the light of Christ if we hate or disregard others. Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection prove that God’s love is a transformative force in our lives. When we experience this love, it compels us to love others in return.
Walking in the Light of Christ
In 1 John 1:5-7, John writes, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
On Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified, it seemed like darkness had won. Shaken by His death, the disciples must have wondered if everything they had hoped for was now lost. But on Easter Sunday, when Jesus rose from the dead, He proved that darkness could not—and would not—have the final word. Jesus, the Light of the world, broke through the darkness of sin and death, offering us eternal life and reconciliation with God.
As believers in Christ, we are called to walk in His light. This means living in obedience, living in love, and living with the confidence that Jesus’ resurrection has defeated the darkness of sin and death. The resurrection life is about living in His light today—not just waiting for heaven, but living as people who have been transformed by His grace.
Forgiveness and the Call to Return to the Cross
In 1 John 1:8-10, John reminds us of the importance of confession and renewal. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Though Jesus’ death on the cross was once and for all, we are called to return to Him for renewal daily. The cross is not just where we received salvation—it is where we return day after day for grace and forgiveness.
No matter how far we’ve wandered, the cross remains our place of grace. Jesus’ sacrifice is complete, but our need for Him is ongoing. His resurrection assures us of eternal life and offers us daily renewal in our walk with Him.
A Life of Confidence and Love
In 1 John 2:28-29, John encourages us: “Continue in him, so that when he appears, we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.”
Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we can live confidently in the hope of His return. The resurrection assures us that we can stand unashamed before God, knowing that Jesus has purified us through His sacrifice. Only through His resurrection can we confidently approach God and confidently live out our faith in the world.
Easter isn’t just a one-time event—it’s the foundation for daily living. The resurrection calls us to live for Jesus today—to walk in His light, love others, love God, and boldly embrace the eternal life He has given us.
What Do You See When You Look at the Cross?
So, what do you see when you look at the cross? Is it just a ‘T’? Or do you see love, life, and a Savior calling you to follow Him? The cross and resurrection of Jesus challenge us to live lives of obedience, love and hope. They call us to reflect His light, share His love, and confidently follow Him daily because the resurrection life is not just about what happens after we die. It’s about how we live today, knowing that Jesus’ victory over sin and death is ours to claim. Are you ready to follow Jesus, live in His light, and share His love with the world? The cross and resurrection are calling us to do just that.
The Cross and the Call to Obey Jesus
In 1 John 2:3-6, the apostle John writes, “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them.”
When we claim to know Jesus, our lives should reflect His love and obedience. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge Him as our Savior; following Jesus means obeying His commands, living as He lived, and loving as He loved. This obedience is not burdensome but a natural response to Jesus's overwhelming love on the cross. Jesus’ life and resurrection empower us to live out His teachings daily.
Hard Truth: If we claim to know Him, but our lives don’t reflect His love and obedience, we are lying to ourselves. The resurrection is not just proof of Jesus’ divinity—it’s a call to live like Him. Jesus, who perfectly obeyed the Father and loved others selflessly, is the example we are to follow.
So, the question is, are we simply believers in the resurrection or followers of the risen Christ?
The Cross Reveals True Love
In 1 John 2:7-8, John reminds us that the call to love others is not a new command but one that has existed since the beginning. “Love was always part of God’s plan. From the Old Testament to Jesus’ ministry, love has been at the heart of His plan for humanity.”
Jesus embodied perfect love in everything He did. The most significant demonstration of His love was on the cross, where He willingly laid down His life for us. His resurrection proves that love has the power to overcome hate, life has the power to overcome death, and light has the power to overcome darkness.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect this love. We are called to love one another, not just with words but with actions, as Christ loved us. It is impossible to claim to be walking in the light of Christ if we hate or disregard others. Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection prove that God’s love is a transformative force in our lives. When we experience this love, it compels us to love others in return.
Walking in the Light of Christ
In 1 John 1:5-7, John writes, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
On Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified, it seemed like darkness had won. Shaken by His death, the disciples must have wondered if everything they had hoped for was now lost. But on Easter Sunday, when Jesus rose from the dead, He proved that darkness could not—and would not—have the final word. Jesus, the Light of the world, broke through the darkness of sin and death, offering us eternal life and reconciliation with God.
As believers in Christ, we are called to walk in His light. This means living in obedience, living in love, and living with the confidence that Jesus’ resurrection has defeated the darkness of sin and death. The resurrection life is about living in His light today—not just waiting for heaven, but living as people who have been transformed by His grace.
Forgiveness and the Call to Return to the Cross
In 1 John 1:8-10, John reminds us of the importance of confession and renewal. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Though Jesus’ death on the cross was once and for all, we are called to return to Him for renewal daily. The cross is not just where we received salvation—it is where we return day after day for grace and forgiveness.
No matter how far we’ve wandered, the cross remains our place of grace. Jesus’ sacrifice is complete, but our need for Him is ongoing. His resurrection assures us of eternal life and offers us daily renewal in our walk with Him.
A Life of Confidence and Love
In 1 John 2:28-29, John encourages us: “Continue in him, so that when he appears, we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.”
Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we can live confidently in the hope of His return. The resurrection assures us that we can stand unashamed before God, knowing that Jesus has purified us through His sacrifice. Only through His resurrection can we confidently approach God and confidently live out our faith in the world.
Easter isn’t just a one-time event—it’s the foundation for daily living. The resurrection calls us to live for Jesus today—to walk in His light, love others, love God, and boldly embrace the eternal life He has given us.
What Do You See When You Look at the Cross?
So, what do you see when you look at the cross? Is it just a ‘T’? Or do you see love, life, and a Savior calling you to follow Him? The cross and resurrection of Jesus challenge us to live lives of obedience, love and hope. They call us to reflect His light, share His love, and confidently follow Him daily because the resurrection life is not just about what happens after we die. It’s about how we live today, knowing that Jesus’ victory over sin and death is ours to claim. Are you ready to follow Jesus, live in His light, and share His love with the world? The cross and resurrection are calling us to do just that.
Posted in Easter 2025