What the Gospels say about the cross of Jesus

I think I've always felt that I've learned about what the cross of Jesus means through looking at New Testament letters and even key Old Testament passages like Isaiah 53 than through reading the gospel accounts. In some ways, the teaching of the gospels is perhaps more implicit on what Jesus was actually accomplishing on the cross. We see a factual, historical narrative with key incidents but not much narrative commentary on what the actual significance of these incidents is. The writers give you the evidence and challenge you to come to the same conclusion that they have: Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Mk 1:1). But there is a richness to the gospels especially in their biblical references and allusions, and through a close study we learn many important truths about the cross of Jesus.

1. Divine plan- the heart of the gospel is that God has designed a plan to reach and deliver the poor, oppressed and those caught in Satan's oppressive grip (Lk 4). The cross is the key to how this plan is put into action. How does Jesus release people? Through His death on the cross. The wonderful healings we see in Jesus' ministry are a foretaste of the amazing salvation He offers.

2. Part of the Messiah's role - The picture of the suffering servant from a few passages in Isaiah (eg. Isa 53) form a key backdrop to how the gospel writers understand the crucifixion of Jesus. Not just an unfortunate ending to an idealistic, heroic teacher, the cross in fact is seen as an essential part of Christ's identity and mission, to give his life as a ransom for many (Mk 10.45). In John's gospel Jesus often refers to his suffering and crucifixion as 'the hour' (Jn 16.32, 17.1) which would be followed by glory and turn His disciples' sorrow into joy (Jn 16.20,22). Jesus understood the cross as His mission which He had to complete before going back to His Father (Jn 16.28).

3. Promised and predicted in both the Old Testament and by Jesus Himself. In Jn 3.14-15 Jesus teaches that the Son of man must be lifted up, making a parallel with the bronze serpent Moses made and the salvation the cross would bring. The cross is there in the 'I am' sayings and images- 'I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.' (Jn 10:11) In the parable of the tenants, Jesus predicted Israel's ultimate rejection of their Messiah, just as they had refused to listen to the prophets: 'He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture:

‘The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvellous in our eyes.' (Mk 12:6-11, quoting Ps 118.22-23)

In the gospels we see specific prophecies fulfilled such as Psalm 22, quoted by gospel writers when Jesus' garment is taken and lots are cast for it, and other details too like the mockery of His enemies. But also the gospels show how the whole promises of God have been fulfilled in Jesus' death and resurrection: 'Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms' (Lk 24.44).

4. Kingship. Far from being a sign that Jesus was not God's chosen king, the cross is shown as integral to Jesus' royal position as the descendant of David. This is shown on the reception of Him as the son of David when the people laid palms before him as He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (Mk 11). There is the irony of sign placed over the cross calling Him King of Jews (Mt 27.37) The thief on the cross recognises Jesus has a kingdom (Lk 23.42). In Jn 18.36 He says His kingdom is 'not of this world'. Yet He is still in control even as the horrific events unfold - in Jn 17.6 the people who come to arrest Him fell to the ground. In Jn 19.30 he 'gave up his spirit' implying His death was His choice. Once He has gone through the suffering of the cross, Jesus returns in glory and splendour, and speaks of His second coming which will be glorious and universal.

5. Passover. The last supper is a symbolic presentation of the cross. Jesus sees the cross as the once-for-all fulfilment of the Passover because He is the 'lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world'(Jn 1.29). He becomes the atonement for sin. Jesus' blood becomes the blood of a new covenant for the forgiveness of sins. In Luke's account he says 'until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God' (Lk 22.6) He dies at the ninth hour, the time of evening sacrifice.