Triumph of the Cross

“And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:8-9).

By: Patricia Mitchell

Triumph of the Cross in Basilica San Clemente, Rome

Try to imagine the paradox: The cross, an instrument of extreme cruelty and disgrace, has become God's instrument of triumph and glory. With the battle over sin and death accomplished, Jesus now sits exalted in glory at the right hand of the Father.

Because of Jesus’ submission to the will of the Father, even to the point of death, he has won the victory of all victories. His death put an end to death. His suffering has dispelled our darkness. By Jesus’ victory, God’s plan is accomplished. Jesus’ last words from the cross—“It is finished” (John 19:30)—rang out as a proclamation that the old creation, grown weak and tired in sin, was ended. A new creation in his risen life was about to begin, and we are all heirs of that new creation—the people he won through his death on the cross.

We who have been “bitten” by the serpent and have the poison of sin in our veins are called to look with faith upon the crucified one and be healed (Numbers 21:4-9). We are invited to look at Jesus’ wounds, to…

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