GodReflection: Come and See—God Saved the Best for Now
“Come and see,” said Philip (John 1:46). “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now” (John 2: 10).
Gold ones, silver ones, diamond studded ones and rough replicas. Millions of crosses serve as jewelry, decoration and symbols across our globe. Our modern crosses have their origin in THE CROSS of all Roman crosses. From it, humankind crucified the Creator of the universe. From two crossed pieces of 
rustic wood the Creator of life was killed by those He created.
Gods of Myth don’t die. Our God died—for us His children.
John’s Gospel begins his account of God’s descent to earth, in the form of God the Son, to provide Himself as the sacrifice that would atone for the sin of the human race. He is Jesus.
The name of “Jesus” means “God saves.” And, his name “Immanuel” means “God with us.” This selfless-suffering act would make possible the return of creation to its sinless and perfect Eden state. His essence is firmly rooted in the “three in one” and the “one in three” Godhead.
A cross and a resurrection were the only way to reunite God the Father to His Adams and Eves throughout time. We are all God’s created ones who join with Eve and Adam in sin. I need the cross as much as Adam needs the cross.
So, John asks me to come and see one of the major historic events of all time. Outside of Jerusalem was a land/rock formation people called the Skull. There they nailed Jesus to the cross. Two other men were crucified with him. One was on each side of him. Jesus was in the middle (19:17-18).
Unlike the other Gospels, John omits the details of the robber’s conversation, the mocking and insults from the base of the cross, the darkness, the earthquake, the splitting of the Temple’s veil, the reaction of the Roman centurion and the resurrection of the holy people at the nanosecond of Jesus’ death.
There seems to be laser beam focus upon what is taking place on the cross. This is none other than Triune God about to die for children who have never given due honor. Time and again they have chosen the satanic over the Holy. Even we who stand this side of the cross far too often still make choices that dishonor. We need the cross.
The best has been saved for my now. John invites me to come and see what is perhaps Jesus final act of love prior to his death. For it is through his cross that family becomes available to all believers.
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home (19:26-27).
No longer is family limited by bloodline. For the blood from the cross’ births sons and mothers for all who once stood alone.
From the cross of all crosses, God struggles to speak his final words as a man prior to his death. “I am thirsty” . . . After Jesus drank he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and died (19:28 & 30).
John saw it all. At the foot of the cross he inscribes a footnote. The Apostle of Love wants me to depart the scene challenged by what I saw. I saw God on a cross for me. John’s post script is worthy of my notice:
. . . one of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus’ side. Right away, blood and water flowed out. The man who saw it has been a witness about it. And what he has said is true. He knows that he tells the truth. He is a witness so that you (I) also may believe (19:34-35).
I came and I saw. God saved it for my now. What are two or three words that come to mind as you see God on a cross?
Stay tuned.
Dr. Gary J. Sorrells
A GodReflection: Come and See God on a Cross
Gary@Godreflection.org www.GodReflection.org
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