The life and teachings of Jesus Christ have certainly inspired billions of followers over the last 2000 years, yet the Christian faith places the majority of its emphasis on the death of Jesus, and the cross, a Roman instrument of torture, has become the symbol of that faith. Have you ever wondered why?

If you have seen Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ, you will know that it gives a shocking insight into the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus Christ, portraying in graphic and moving detail his arrest, trial, torture and crucifixion. Why does the Christian faith concentrate so much on Jesus' death? A brutal injustice was certainly done and an innocent man was horribly killed. His dignity and silence in dealing with his accusers and torturers is certainly a shining example of the love and compassion that he taught and lived, but Jesus' death actually has a far deeper significance.

It reveals a God who understands

When we face personal suffering, our instinct is to ask 'Why me?' Is God concerned about the pain in our world? Does he care about our grief and troubles? How can there be such suffering if there is a God of love? Many people end up rejecting God when they do not find the answers to these questions.

The astonishing claim of Jesus and his followers is that the living God is not distant and detached from the world. Rather, he chose to come and take part in the suffering of the world and experience it personally. In the person of Jesus, God himself walked among us, and lived as we live. He is a God who fully understands our pain and torment. Jesus experienced the reality of suffering. And in doing so changed it forever.

It reveals the human heart

What happened at the cross of Jesus clearly shows us that something is very wrong with human nature. On the one hand, it was the vicious destruction of an innocent human life. But on the other, it showed that we have all turned away from God's goodness. At the cross it was people like you and me saying, 'God, we don't want to listen to you. We want to do as we choose.' There is something so wrong with all of us that, when we get the chance, we will try to shut God out, ignore his laws, and live life our own way. This is what the Bible calls sin.

It reveals God's love for us

The way we each push God out of his rightful place in our lives has created a barrier between us and God. He is so holy that he cannot pretend our wrong doesn't matter. He is so full of justice that he cannot pretend that lies, injustice and selfishness count for nothing. There must be punishment. The penalty must be paid and the debt is enormous. But on the cross God paid the penalty himself. His own dear Son took the death we deserve and died in our place. What love for us!

When Jesus died, he cried out 'It is finished'. This was a cry of victory: 'It's accomplished! I've done it!' The cross means that it's possible for sinful people to be forgiven, have a fresh start in life and enjoy a relationship with God.

This is why the cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate symbol of God's love for us. He gave the most precious thing he had - his only Son - so that we could be forgiven.

It reveals a hope for the future

What good can come out of such a terrible death? This was the question that the early followers of Jesus asked themselves. But later they saw that the death of Jesus, rather than being a tragedy, was something that God had planned all along. That's why Jesus' followers call the day he died 'Good Friday'. But the story doesn't end there. Three days later Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The resurrection shows us that there is a hope for the future - eternal life - for everyone who receives Jesus' message of forgiveness.

It reveals a challenge to each one of us

If the cross of Christ is where God dealt with our sin, then it is also the place we must go to get right with him. Finding forgiveness is not a matter of us trying harder to do what is right in our own strength. It is about thankfully accepting what Jesus has done for us, turning away from what we know to be wrong, and starting to follow the One who died for us.

You may never before have given any thought to these matters. Or you may be a churchgoer, yet never have really understood the central message of the cross of Christ - that God offers complete forgiveness and will accept you through the death of his Son. But now that you can better understand these things, the question for you today, is will you continue to reject God and his claims on your life; will you try and get to God in your own way; or will you respond to the way God has made available to us all through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ?

If you want to know Jesus Christ and have peace with God you can pray the prayer below right now. The words aren't particularly special, it's what's in your heart that really matters.

What now?

If you have decided to follow Jesus, then it is important to do the following things.

1. Tell Someone - It is important to tell someone in order to underline the decision you have made. Often it is only when you tell someone else that it becomes a reality to you. It is probably best to start by telling someone who you think will be pleased to hear the news.
2. Read the Bible - Once we have received Jesus and put our trust in him we become children of God (John 1:12). He is our heavenly Father and he wants us to have a close relationship with him. We develop this relationship as we listen to him (primarily through the Bible) and as we speak to him in prayer. The Bible is the word of God and you might find it helpful to begin by reading a few verses of John's gospel every day. Ask God to speak to you as you read. We will be happy to send you a copy of John's gospel if you don't have one - please contact the office.
3. Start to speak to God each day (ie pray)
4. Join a lively church - It is important to be part of a group of Christians who get together to worship God, to hear what God is saying to them, to encourage one another and to make friends.