Closer Look: The Baffling Beauty of the Cross

(3–5 minutes, easy setup)

Review the following information about crucifixion from the commentary with learners:

• Crucifixion was a Roman form of capital punishment that Jews found horrendous.
• It was often the chosen method of death for slaves or political rebels.
• Because of its connection with slaves and rebels, those who endured it suffered great shame and mockery.
• Crucifixion was very public and the crowd often participated in the jeering and mockery.
• The person who was crucified endured great personal physical suffering before and during the crucifixion.

Ask: Would it shock the earliest disciples to imagine our culture’s flippant and ornamental use of the cross? What feelings do you think they had at the site of a cross? Allow people to share perspectives and insights. Follow up by asking: As modern disciples, how can we remember the shocking seriousness but also now see the cross as an object of incredible beauty? Allow discussion. Be sure to note that we see the beauty in Jesus’ sacrifice making possible our new lives of freedom from sin and death. Emphasize that the cross represents letting go of this world’s way of living and declaring our loyalty to an eternal king whose reward is infinitely greater than any passing pleasure or pain in this world.