A PUBLICATION OF NEW VISION

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

How to experience God’s power even when

you feel weak and powerless.

The Power of the Cross

How to experience God’s power even when

you feel weak and powerless.

© 2014 by Jason Matters & New Vision Church of the Nazarene

Bible references indicated by (NIV) are taken from the 2011 edition of The Holy Bible, New International Version. Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM

Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Bible references indicated by (GNT) are taken from the Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) Copyright © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

This work was originally produced for the Good Friday worship service at New Vision Church of the Nazarene on April 18, 2014.

Special thanks to Larry Stock, whose God-inspired ideas lead to the outline and ideas found here. Special thanks also to Beth Ivers, whose creativity and eye for a good story lead to a great conclusion and application. Further thanks to Rob Ivers for designing the graphic found on the front cover.

Special thanks to all of the volunteers at New Vision Church who really make the ministry happen! New Vision Church of the Nazarene 100 S. Sunrise Dr., Raymore, MO 64083 www.newvisionchurch.com info@newvisionchurch.com 816.348.0303

CHAPTER ONE

Weakness or Power?

For the message of the cross is

foolishness to those who are perishing,

but to us who are being saved it is the

power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

Weakness or Power?

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to

us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

It is a well-documented historic reality that a religious teacher named Jesus, hailing

from the town of Nazareth, died on the cross in approximately 33 CE. For many, this

is merely historical reality. But for so many Christians, it is more. It is a meaningful,

powerful event stirring emotions from deep within. This historical reality provides

meaning and purpose for their lives. This event strengthens and even empowers them

to live the life they have dreamed. For them, the cross represents power.

You may think that dying on a cross doesn’t seem powerful, but weak. You would be

in good company. Speaking to the people of his day, the Apostle Paul said,

22Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling

block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than human

wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

1 Corinthians 1:22-25 (NIV)

In the Jewish view of the world, from which Christianity arose, there were two groups

of people: Jews and non-Jews (also called the Gentiles, or as here, the Greeks).

Writing to a very diverse and cosmopolitan crowd in the ancient city of Corinth, Paul

recognized the cultural disdain for the cross. To the Greeks, whom he perceived as

pursuers of wisdom and knowledge, the idea of the Son of God dying on a cross was

ignorance and foolishness. To the Jews, whom Paul perceived as pursuers of power, a

crucified Messiah indicated failure and weakness.

Cicero, a Roman statesman, described crucifixion as "the most cruel and disgusting

penalty" (Verrem 2:5.165) and "the most extreme penalty" (Verrem 2:5.168). Another

Roman, Julius Paulus, put crucifixion at the top of the list of the worst capital

punishments and listed death by burning as more preferable. Usually prohibited for

Roman citizens, crucifixion was commonly reserved for slaves and foreigners.

Ancient historians regularly described mass crucifixions of groups who rebelled

against Roman rule, a stern warning to onlookers who might be tempted to lead a

similar revolt. When allowed, the crucified person was stripped naked in order to

maximize the humiliation. Crucifixion was just as much about insult as it was injury.

Lenny Bruce, an author known for satire, obscenity and controversy, wrote about the

crucifixion, “If Jesus had been killed twenty years ago, Catholic school children would

be wearing little electric chairs around their necks instead of crosses.”

Indeed, it is difficult to imagine that crucifixion represented anything other than

weakness.

The Bible tells us that Jesus hung on the cross from 9 in the morning until 3 in the

afternoon. 6 hours. 3,600 minutes of pain, suffering and insult. In this short book

we will examine those hours on the cross and the love that lead to it.

I hope you will agree that Jesus was doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power even while suffering and dying.

CHAPTER TWO

Insults & Mocking

Those who passed by hurled insults at

him, shaking their heads and saying . . .

“come down from the cross and save

yourself!”

Mark 15:29a & 30 (NIV)

Insults & Mocking

Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying . . .

“come down from the cross and save yourself !”

Mark 15:29a & 30 (NIV)

It is 10:00 AM. Jesus has been hanging on a cross or an hour.

Earlier in the day, the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, attempted to sway the crowd

in Jesus’ favor in order to release the one he knew was innocent. Stirred up by their

leaders, the crowd chanted, demanding his crucifixion. Pilate relented and sent Jesus

to his death. A short while later, as he hung on a cross outside the city, suffering and

struggling for each breath, the crowds gawked and hurled their insults at him. We

read this: in Luke 23:35-37 & 39 (NIV)

35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let

him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, “If you are

the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

38There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save

yourself and us!”

The rulers, the soldiers, the crowd and even a fellow condemned join the chorus of

insulters.

We can’t blame them. From their vantage point, he was a failure. The cross meant

humiliation and weakness. To those who hoped Jesus would be their political

Messiah, he was a defeated would-be king. After all, for those who tried to overthrow

the Roman government, the cross was a sign that Rome was powerful and that they

were weak and not-powerful.

But then we read this: “

40But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same

sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done

nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:40-43 (NIV)

Paradise? Today? What was Jesus thinking? It sounds as if Jesus was looking forward

to something, not regretting something. It sounds as if Jesus saw his death as

something good, and not as if he was dying as a failure. It almost sounds as he is

making promises and offering hope, as if he is still holding onto some power that is

not just for this life.

Powerless people usually feel hopeless. Albert Camus wrote that, “A man devoid of

hope and conscious of being so has ceased to belong to the future.” Even while

suffering and dying what many saw as the death of hope, Jesus looked to the future!

Jesus was full of hope, because Jesus was doing something powerful on the

cross, and he was full of power even while suffering and dying.

CHAPTER THREE

Spikes & Beams

But he was pierced for our

transgressions, he was crushed for our

iniquities; the punishment that brought

us peace was on him, and by his wounds

we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

Spikes & Beams

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are

healed.”

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

11:00 AM Two hours, hanging from two nails- one in each wrist.

The Romans were not the first to employ crucifixion as a method of capital

punishment, but they perfected it to maximize pain and suffering for as long as

possible.

Before being thrown onto a wooden beam, the condemned was lead to the flogging

post, where the Roman soldiers inflicted as much pain as possible with whips, rods,

and the classic “cat of nine tails,” a whip modified to include pieces of glass, rock or

metal on the ends. With each forceful blow, the skin was ripped open and nerves

were stimulated to produce sharp pain. Many never made it to the cross, as the

flogging was so brutal. The Romans understood death, though, and knew how to

stop before killing a man, thereby prolonging the suffering.

After the flogging, the condemned man usually carried his own cross to the

designated crucifixion site outside the city walls. Since the weight of the entire cross

was probably well over 300 pounds, he only carried the horizontal crossbar, which

weighed approximately 100 pounds.

The hands could be nailed or tied to the crossbar, but the Romans preferred nails.

Archaeologists discovered near Jerusalem the remains of a crucified body, and dated

it to the time of Jesus. The preserved remains revealed tapered iron spikes,

approximately 5 to 7 inches long, driven though the wrists rather than the palms. A

nail was also driven through the feet or ankle.

The physical effects of three nails caused more than a few puncture wounds. The

nails driven through the wrists would crush or sever the rather large nerve, producing

stabbing nerve pain flowing through each arm. Someone has compared the pain to

repeatedly whacking one’s funny-bone, resulting not in laughter but in tears and

anguish.

While on the cross, the condemned might survive for hours or even days. Breathing

was almost impossible. In order to exhale, the condemned had to raise his body by

putting all of his weight on his feet, supported only by the third iron spike in his feet

or ankles. Again, explosions of pain ripped through his legs as he gasped for air.

Eventually, the condemned lost the strength required to breath and usually died by

suffocation.

And so, for 6 hours, Jesus endured excruciating pain on the cross.

To add to the humiliation of the “would be king” we read that the soldiers placed a

crown on his head. But this was not of honoring gold, but of insulting thorns. And

with every breath and movement the thorns jammed into the thin and sensitive skin

on his head.

What power a man must have to endure so much pain. There was no weakness here.

This was not the death of a weak man. This was a man full of strength, for Jesus

was doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power even

while suffering and dying.

Detailed, formal information for this summary was provided by http://www.frugalsites.net/jesus/crucifixion.htm

CHAPTER FOUR

Why Did Jesus Die?

Greater love has no one than this: to lay

down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13 (NIV)

Why Did Jesus Die?

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13 (NIV)

12:00 PM Three Hours. A strange mid-day darkness covers the land.

“Jesus died for me…” Maybe we have heard it too many times. Or maybe you know

too many people who glibly proclaim, “Jesus died for me,” but then live their lives as

if it makes no difference, maybe even using his death as their “get out of jail free”

card, allowing them to sin even more. Maybe that is you.

Franciszek Gajowniczek knew it well and it changed his life. Gajowniczek

(pronounced guy-of-KNEE-check) was placed in the Nazi concentration camp at

Auschwitz. We don’t usually pair the words “death” and “grace” when we hear of

that terrible place known for its gas chambers disguised as shower houses. Over one

million prisoners died at Auschwitz, most of them Jews.

Imprisoned in the camp with Gajowniczek was a Franciscan priest named Maximiliam

Kolbe. A great mind, with two earned doctorates, Kolbe gave his life to serving God

through the church. While imprisoned at Auschwitz, Father Kolbe shared his food,

gave up his bunk, and prayed for his fellow prisoners.

On one unforgettable day in July, 1941, the prisoners were lined up. A prisoner had

escaped and they all knew the consequences and had witnessed the scene too many

times. Ten random numbers would be called, each identifying a prisoner. The ten

would be marched to a special fenced cell where the prisoners would live with no

food or water until they died. The tenth number called was Franciszek Gajowniczek.

He fell to the ground, sobbing. “My wife and my children,” he cried.

Then someone heard movement among the ranks of prisoners. Koble stepped

forward and asked to speak to the Commandant. Remarkably, his request was

granted.

“I want to die in his place. I have no family and I am old and weak. He is young and

strong.”

“Who are you?” the Commandant inquired?

“I am a Catholic priest.”

His request was granted and Father Kolbe was escorted to the doomed cell where he

and nine others waited out death by starvation. He continued to sing and pray,

outliving the others. He finally died when the camp doctor inserted a lethal injection

into his heart.

And Gajowniczek? Gajowniczek survived but his children did not. He later found

his wife and moved to a home in Poland. He cleared a special place in his back yard

where he set a rock. On the rock he affixed a brass plate with two words engraved on

it: Maximillian Kolbe.

The grace and new life that he experienced in a camp known for death changed his

future. He said this, “Because of Maximilian Kolbe, every breath that I take,

everything that I do, every single moment, is to me -like a gift.”

Gajowniczek had no doubt that he was alive because someone died for him!

The same is true for us. This is what we celebrate on Good Friday! We read this in

the Bible:

6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very

rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to

die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for

us.

Romans 5:8 (NIV)

We were sinners, enemies of God, and Jesus died for us! Jesus stepped out of the

ranks and said, “I will die for them!” That is love – a very powerful love! The power

of the cross is the unfathomable love of God – love that is powerful! Jesus was

doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power even while

suffering and dying.

Source: Max Lucado, Six Hours One Friday, and http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/08/how-to-really-live/

(Accessed 4/16/2014)

CHAPTER FIVE

Remember & Proclaim

For whenever you eat this bread and

drink this cup, you proclaim the

Lord’s death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV)

Remember & Proclaim

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s

death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV)

1:00 PM Jesus is still suffering and the sky is still dark.

Jesus knew the power of what would happen on the cross. So, the night before he

was arrested, he celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples.

We read this:

23The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he

broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same

way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this,

whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:23b-25 (NIV)

Using the traditional food of the yearly Passover feast, the unleavened bread and one

of the cups of wine, Jesus took the opportunity to offer his followers two symbols of

himself and his work on the cross. Taking simple bread, made with no leaven

(signifying the purity of his life), he abruptly ripped the loaf, signifying for them the

piercing of his body invoked during his crucifixion. He gave them some and they ate.

They ate, or consumed a bit of bread, but signified the receiving for themselves what

he did for them. And he told them to remember!

After the meal, he took a cup of wine and told them of the new covenant, one that

would fulfill the covenant with Moses and their ancestors. This covenant would be

sealed not with the blood of animals, but with the blood of Jesus to be spilled during

the ordeal of his death. Like the bread, he invited them to drink, to consume, to

receive into themselves the symbol of his blood. By drinking, they were accepting for

themselves the new covenant in Jesus. And he told them to remember. Jesus knew

that what was about to happen on the cross was so significant not only for them, but

for the world, that they should never forget!

Then he hinted that this simple ritual of bread and wine should be repeated, as often

as necessary. And with each celebration of remembrance, they would proclaim to

everyone watching that they are receivers of Jesus and participants in his covenant.

They would remind themselves and everyone else that Jesus’ death was significant and

life changing!

The death of Jesus – remember it, give thanks, and proclaim it! And celebrate his

power – for Jesus was doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power even while suffering and dying.

CHAPTER SIX

Still in Control

I am the good shepherd. The good

shepherd lays down his life for the

sheep.

John 10:11 (NIV)

Still in Control

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11 (NIV)

2:00 PM Still dark. Still suffering. Nearing the end.

Jesus could have called on his Father and the angels to rescue him. Nails did not

hold him to the cross. Love kept him on the cross. While others saw him as defeated

by Roman power, Jesus was still in control.

Earlier in his ministry, Jesus reminded the disciples that he was always in control, no

matter what the circumstances might suggest. He told his followers,

10The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one

takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority

to take it up again.

John 10:17-18a (NIV)

During Jesus’ trial, Pilate, the Roman governor, interrogated Jesus privately. When

Jesus refused to answer his questions, Pilate said,

0 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or

to crucify you?”

11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.

John 19:10-11a (NIV)

Later in the hour, and nearing 3:00 PM, Jesus tells the crowd that he is thirsty. And

someone gets him something to drink! Even while dying a criminal’s death, he is still

calling the shots.

What kind of weakling, at the hour of his execution, commands the crowds? Jesus

was doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power even

while suffering and dying.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Power in Death

He did this so that through his death

he might destroy the Devil, who has

the power over death.

Hebrews 2:14b (GNT)

Power in Death

He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the

power over death.

Hebrews 2:14b (GNT)

3:00 PM His final minutes

Around 3:00 PM, Jesus spoke up one last time.

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[e] When he had

said this, he breathed his last.

Luke 23:46 (NIV)

The one whom many regarded as weak and powerless, after enduring hours of

torture, chose the moment of his death. Jesus was doing something powerful on the cross, and

he was full of power even while suffering and dying.

The Bible then tells about several mysterious events that occurred moments within

his last breath. In addition to the darkness that already shrouded the land, there was

an earthquake. And it was no small tremor, but a quake strong enough to break open

the tombs of those long dead. If you want to read something really crazy, read

Matthew 27:51-53! Jesus’ death was so significant, even the earth felt it! All of

creation recognized the power of the moment.

But there was more. We also read that the veil in the temple in Jerusalem was torn.

Matthew notes that it was torn from top to bottom – indicating that it was not

undertaken by someone who snuck into the temple. This curtain was significant. It

separated the inside of the Jewish temple from the “most holy place,” the inner room

of inner rooms. Placed in the temple was the Ark of the Covenant, constructed

under the supervision of Moses. It was said to be God’s footstool on earth. While

the priests entered the temple daily to offer incense, candles and bread to the Lord,

only the high priest was allowed to pass through the curtain and enter the most holy

place once per year, on the Day of Atonement, while making atonement for the sins

of the people. The penalty for entering this special place at any other time was death.

It is said that the priest would tie a cord to his ankle before entering so that, in case he

was found unclean and struck dead, his colleagues would be able to retrieve his body

without entering the sacred room. At the time of Jesus’ death, the curtain was ripped.

The curtain that had previously represented humanities complete inability to

approach a holy God was now removed. Access to God was granted to all! The new

covenant was now in force.

But the darkness, earthquake and ripping veil were more than natural or earthly

effects. The moment of Jesus’ death revealed a spiritual battle between the forces of

God and the forces of evil. The Bible tells us of the spiritual significance of his

death.

14 Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them

and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil,

who has the power over death, 15 and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because

of their fear of death.

Hebrews 2:14-15 (GNT)

Jesus was conquering death – and our fear of it! We no longer have to fear death!

Jesus was doing something powerful on the cross, and he was full of power

even as he died!

CHAPTER EIGHT

Changed Lives

For God so loved the world that he

gave his one and only Son, that

whoever believes in him shall not

perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (NIV)

Changed Lives

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever

believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (NIV)

The death of Jesus was so powerful that it affected the people who watched it.

Remember the guards who suggested that if he was the Messiah, he should save

himself? Seeing his death and the events surrounding it, he changed his mind, and we

read this,

47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous

man.”

Luke 23:47 (NIV)

The very soldier who mocked him only a few hours earlier realized that he was the

Son of God and looked to God and praised him! And his life was changed!

Even the moment of his death was full of power – changing people’s lives! And the

reality of the death of Jesus has been changing lives ever since. The death of Jesus

has changed my life…and I hope he has yours. If not, he wants to. And when you

accept his death for you and all that implies, your life will be changed!

You may remember that the guards were not the only ones who mocked Jesus. The

crowd also jeered him and made fun of him. They saw a man on a cross, and they

saw weakness. To those who considered him an enemy, the saw him as weak on the

cross and saw themselves as powerful.

But at end of those 6 hours, they realized something. We read that,

48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their

breasts and went away.

Luke 23:48 (NIV)

The people who made fun of him walked away with pain, knowing they were on the

wrong side of this! They previously saw Jesus as weak, and themselves as strong.

They walked away seeing Jesus as strong, and themselves as weak

And that is right where God wants us. The dying thief admitted his helplessness and

was granted paradise only by grace. The repentant soldier was granted forgiveness

only by grace. And we really only experience grace as we admit our weaknesses and

find God’s strength.

The apostle Paul discovered this. After praying that God would deliver him from his

weakness, God said, “No,” and that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is

made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a)

Paul concluded, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so

that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV))

Would you like to experience the power of the cross?

What is your weakness?

-Fear of what might happen to your job?

-Fear of what the doctor might tell you at your next appointment?

-Inability to keep up with your bills?

-Comparing yourself to others and never measuring up?

-Inability to receive God’s forgiveness and forgive yourself for something you

did long ago?

-A terminal illness or handicap that keeps you from carrying out your plans?

The possibilities are endless. I don’t have to list many more. You already know yours.

It has already flashed across your mind, causing your shoulders to slump and your

face to droop.

Jesus invites you to take your weaknesses, place them on the cross, and find God’s

strength in your weaknesses. Instead of praying for God to take it away, heal it, or fix

it, ask for his power to rest on you in spite of it. Claim his strength, no matter how

weak you feel!

You might even take a small slip of paper, write your weakness on it, fold it, and

physically hold it out to God. As you acknowledge your weakness, will you pray,

“Jesus, you were doing something powerful on the cross…and you were full of power

in this place of weakness. Take my weakness and surround me with your power.”

There is Power in the Cross of Jesus! Don’t forget it. And find your strength in his power! That is the power of the cross.

If you would like to know more about how Jesus Christ, his death, and

resurrection can change your life, please do not hesitate to contact the

church office and ask to speak to a pastor. You may call us at

816.348.0303 or email us at info@newvisionchurch.com

Jesus was doing something powerful on the

cross, and he was full of power even while

suffering and dying. “

”

If you were encouraged by this book, please let us know so that

we can continue to provide resources like this. You can reach

us by email at info@newvisionchurch.com

www.newvisionchurch.com