Let’s face it, we naturally find the crucifixion of Jesus repulsive. After all, who enjoys pain, abandonment, and despair? In the words of Jürgen Moltmann, the Cross is a “profane horror.” Perhaps this is why Moltmann says in the first sentence of his work The Crucified God, “The cross is not and cannot be loved.”
There is, however, reason to love the Cross. It comes by considering the crucifixion from the vantage point of heaven, that is, by acquiring the Father’s perspective on his Son’s death. When we see what God saw, and understand its significance, we will recognize that the darkness of the Cross was in fact the dawning light.
The following five minute recording explains why this is so, and why it enables us to see the Cross as lovely. It was delivered at the NCC Good Friday service.
