The Cross of Jesus Christ and the Wonders of that Cross

Sermon Title: Cross of Jesus Christ: The Wonders of That Cross Speaker: Alton Bailey Date: March 22, 2026 Location: Church of Christ Summary: Discover the Wonders of the Cross of Jesus Christ in this powerful Church of Christ sermon by Alton Bailey. Explore the joy set before Him as Jesus endured the cross, the paradoxes of Calvary, and why the message of the cross is the power of God. From Persian origins of crucifixion to God's ultimate love and justice, learn what kept Jesus on the cross and how it draws all men. A moving message on Hebrews 12:2 and the greatest exhibition of love. Full Transcript: Introduction: I want to speak to you a few moments this morning concerning the cross of Jesus Christ and the wonders of that cross. And it's such a blessing that he went to the cross for us. You know, he was in the glories of heaven in John 17:5 before he came to this earth. Because he said as he prayed to the Father, “glorify me with the glory I had with you before the world was.” But he gave all of that glory up that he was being glorified in heaven, I think by the angels for sure. He gave that up to come to this earth, to walk as a man, to be tempted in all ways as we, and yet without sin, to be mistreated, despised, as Wade was reading this morning in the Bible reading, how those apostles were mistreated because of Jesus Christ. Running the Race with Endurance If you will, let's turn to Hebrews 12:1. I'll read it to you. He said, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, as the writer had mentioned those great witnesses of chapter 11. He said, therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” He says we're to look unto Jesus. He's the author and the finisher of our faith. Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. I've studied that and I've looked at that and I've pondered on that concerning Jesus, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame. And I thought, how can it be joyous to go to the cross? And that's what it says. Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame of that cross. It was the most despicable way that you could be put to death. And he did that for us. You know why it was joy for him? As I mentioned this in times past, probably when I coached football and baseball, I did that for 17 years on the junior high and high school level. And there's a difference in happiness and joy. Happiness is based upon what is happening right now. We would win a ball game. We were happy. When we lost the ball game, we were unhappy. We were sad. But as we look out over the career of 17 years of coaching, it was a joyous time of my life. And if you played athletics, looking back at your time of those athletic days on a team, most likely you have a joyous remembrance of it. But it wasn't happy when you're doing all those wind sprints. Jesus was not happy. You remember he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “let this cup pass from me.” But he said, “not my will, but your will.” But it was joy to go to that cross because he knew what the results would bring for us. And that's how much he loved us. Historical Background of Crucifixion Crucifixion was invented by the Persians in 522 B.C. My source of information is from F.P. Ratiff and L. Sears from the Department of English and Classical Culture, University of the Free State. Crucifixion in Isaiah chapter was written about Jesus being crucified in Isaiah 53 in about 700 B.C., and crucifixion hadn't even been invented at the time Isaiah told us. So Jesus, before he came to this earth, he knew how he was going to die, didn't he? In the 4th century B.C., Alexander the Great brought crucifixion forward from the Persians, according to my source I just gave you. The Phoenicians introduced it to Rome in the 3rd century B.C., concerning crucifixion. The Romans perfected it. I mean, they knew where that nerve ending was when they had nailed that spike. And they used it, the Romans used crucifixion for 500 years. It was the most despicable way to put someone to death. Roman Constantine, you remember in the 4th century, I think he ruled from like 306 A.D. to 336, he done away with crucifixion. No doubt today it'd be ruled unconstitutional in our nation, wouldn't it? Because of the cruelty of it. According to the source that I studied, a person normally hung in crucifixion from six hours, that's what Jesus and the two thieves hung, six hours to up to four days. The ones that were crucified were beaten before they were nailed to the cross. Hemorrhage, dehydration, a heart attack often was the cause of death. And the Romans perfected this. The crime of the one being crucified was put above their head. Do you remember Jesus, “King of the Jews”? They couldn't find anything of sin so they just put “King of the Jews.” Encouragement from Hebrews and John In Hebrews 10:32-33, the New American Standard, “But remember the former days, the writer said, when after being enlightened, you remember those days you Hebrew Jews who have become Christian and some of you are thinking about giving up Jesus and going back under the law of Moses? You remember those former days? You became a Christian and you were enlightened, you endured a great conflict back then of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle. What do you think Jesus was made? A public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations and partly by becoming shared with those who were so treated? You went through a lot of that, you Hebrew Jews who have become Christian and now you're some of you wanting to give that up, give up Jesus, give up what he did for you and go away and go back under the law of Moses.” Let's read John 19:31-34. John chapter 19, verse 31 beginning, “Therefore it was a preparation day, talking about Jesus' crucifixion, that the body should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, for that Sabbath was a high day. Sabbath was a Saturday, what we know of as Saturday, also it was the Passover, that's why it was a high day, it was a Passover. Paul mentioned this about Jesus being our Passover, this was a high day. The Jews asked Pilate that the legs might be broken, that they might be taken away, all three of them, they asked for the, break all three of them's legs, the two thieves and Jesus. So they went to Pilate to ask for this. And then the soldiers, they came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Jesus, but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.” You see, if you're hanging on a cross and your arms are spread and they got your feet nailed to that piece of wood, and what happens is there's a diaphragm inside your chest, it sinks down, it cuts off your air, and you have to push up to get a gulp of air, and that's how you breathe. And so these Jews went to Pilate, and you see they became religious then, didn't they? They didn't want the bodies to hang over the Sabbath, especially the Passover. So break their shin bones, crush them, why? So they can't push up and get a gulp of air. What a Savior. The wonders of the cross. Definition of Wonder and the Power of the Cross And the word wonder, according to Webster's dictionary, is defined as a cause of astonishment or admiration, marvel. Webster's dictionary defines metaphor as a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, New American Standard, “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” In Galatians 6:14, “But may it never be, Paul said, that I would boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The power of God for man's salvation in the gospel of Jesus, in Romans 1:16. The cross was not an accident by God, it just didn't happen. It was planned by God, wasn't it? In Isaiah 53:10, it was planned by God to crush his son. It pleased the Father, it says in the New American Standard, to crush his son. Jesus was required to shed blood. He couldn't have died of a heart attack. Jesus couldn't have died of cancer. He couldn't have died of an accident. You remember Jesus was talking to those Jews in Luke 13:3? Oh, he goes back and he said, well, they were trying to mock him about the Galileans that Pilate had killed and took their blood, verse 1 of Luke 13, and mixed it with the animal blood. Oh, they must have been worse sinners than anyone else. And Jesus said, “I'll tell you no, but except you repent, you'll likewise perish.” Then he talked about the Tower of Siloam. He said, “what about those 18 that the Tower of Siloam fell that was in Jerusalem? And they died. That was an accident. It fell on them.” Jesus couldn't have died of an accident. He couldn't have died of cancer. He couldn't have died of a heart attack. He had to die the death on the cross for us. In Acts 7:58, when they, the Jews had driven Stephen out of the city, they began stoning him. And the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul, who later became the apostle Paul. In Revelation 1:5 to him, speaking of Jesus who loved us and released or washed us, in the New King James Version, from our sins by his blood. Soap and water wouldn't do it. It took the blood of Jesus. In John 12:27, Jesus said, “Now my soul has become troubled.” You remember, we were talking earlier, there's a difference of happiness and joy. “Now my soul has become troubled. And what shall I say? Father save me from this hour, but for this purpose, I came to this hour.” In verse 32 of John 12, and Jesus said, “and if I am lifted up, if I'm lifted up from the earth, I will draw all peoples to me.” That's crucifixion. That's taking the cross. They would lay, according to my source, the cross is laid and they'd have a hole dug in front of it. And they'd lay the cross down flat on the ground and they'd lay the person on the cross. And they would nail them to the cross and they would pick the cross up at the head and drop it in the hole. You can just imagine the tearing of the flesh. And that's what Jesus said, “if I am lifted up from the earth,” that's what it says. In John 12:32, “I will draw all men to myself,” but it's under his conditions that we come to him. The cross will draw all men to Jesus. We are to stand behind the cross as a gospel preacher and not in front of it. The emphasis is not to be on the preacher, but it's to be on the cross of Jesus. Preachers stand behind it, put the Lord out front. The cross was a central theme of preaching in the first century, wasn't it? And it's to be the same today. The cross drew both the Jews and the Gentiles together. Turn with me to Ephesians 1:22-23. As Paul is writing to the church at Ephesus, and notice what he says in verse 22, “And he, God, put all things under his, Jesus' feet. And he gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” You see, we're Gentiles. We're not Jews. And thank God that we've been allowed by God to be a part of that body, the church that Jesus purchased with his own blood. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:23-25, the New American Standard, Paul said, “But we preach Christ crucified. To the Jews, it's a stumbling block, but to the Gentiles, it's foolish. But to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God, because of the foolishness of God is wiser than man.” You know, the Jews said, oh, this is foolishness. I mean, the Gentiles, the Jews said it was a stumbling block. Paradoxes of the Cross Let's look a few moments at some of the paradoxes of this cross, you know, differences, seemingly not opposite, light and darkness. The word paradox, according to Webster's dictionary, is a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense. And yet, perhaps, it's true. The cross of Jesus was the most tragic event in the history of man. But to we that are Christian, it was the most wonderful event in the history of man. The cross of Jesus was the saddest spectacle man has ever beheld. Yet it came out of the greatest joy. Isaiah 53:10 it pleased the father for Jesus to go to the cross. And it pleased and gave Jesus joy to go there, as we read in Hebrews 12:2. The cross of Jesus seemed to be Satan's greatest victory. But it was his greatest defeat. Now he understands Genesis 3:15. Satan understands Genesis 3:15 now. When God was speaking to Satan, he said, “you'll bruise his heel, but he'll bruise your head.” The bruising of the heel is a crucifixion, but the bruising of the head is Jesus going to the cross and God raising him from the dead. That's a crushing blow upon the head of Satan. Jesus surrendered all, and he expects us to surrender all. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29, he tells us, well, let's just read that. In Matthew 11:28-29, notice what a savior we have. He says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I'll give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. Take my yoke, it is easy, and my burden is light.” I'll tell you how you can judge what hell will be like. If the Lord himself went to the cross, the cruelest way to be put to death, and he did it for us, can't we imagine what hell would be like from what he went through for us? The cross was God's greatest manifestation of how God hates sin. And yet the cross was God's supreme proof of how much he loves us. The cross was the darkest hour in man's history, and yet it was the time for the greatest light to come upon the earth. In Matthew 27:45, the New American Standard, “Now from the sixth hour, high noon to the ninth hour, three in the afternoon, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour.” In the cross, we see human vengeance as they cried out and wanted his blood, didn't they? They didn't want to stone him to death, they wanted him crucified. They cried out for his blood. And yet we see the divine forgiveness of sin when Jesus hung on the cross, those Roman soldiers, you know, they cast lots for one garment, divided one into four parts, and he said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34, verse in the New American Standard. In the cross, it portrays man's sinfulness and God's holiness. The cross signifies human weakness and divine strength. It is not surprising to have, as we sing the song, “when I survey the wondrous cross,” the wonder of the victim, Jesus of the cross. He's man's best friend, isn't he? In Matthew 15:13, Jesus said, “greater love has no one in this than lay down his life for his friends.” Life and in death, Jesus was the perfect demonstration of unselfishness, wasn't he? John 17:5, he gave up the glories of heaven. Jesus is a great example for us. In 1 Peter 2:21, the New American Standard, since Christ also suffered for you, Peter said, in the New King James version, he said to those pilgrims of the dispersion, verse 1. Since Christ suffered for you, Jesus said, I mean, Peter said in 1 Peter 2:21, “leaving you an example for you to follow his steps.” Truly, Jesus esteemed us better than himself, didn't he? Isn't that what Paul taught in Philippians 2:3-8? Esteem others better than yourself? We have an example by Jesus Christ himself, the wonder of the victim of the cross. Priorities and What Kept Jesus on the Cross We put a lot of emphasis on stuff, don't we? Stuff. They took his clothes off of him. In Matthew 8:20, Jesus said, “the foxes have holes and the birds of air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Adam and Eve, you remember, lived in the Garden of Eden prior to sin, and it was a perfect environment, wasn't it? You know what messed it up? Sin. Adam sinned and Jesus didn't. Jesus had his priorities in the right place, didn't he? He came here to do the Father's will, didn't he? Do we have our priorities in the right place? Are we here to do God's will? Jesus told his apostles in John 15:10, “if you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and I abide in his love.” What kept Jesus on the cross? You, me. Didn't they go out by him and mock him? “Oh, if you be the Son of God, come down off that cross and we'll believe you.” Didn't they say that? What kept him on the cross? You and I kept him on the cross. God answers prayers. I believe yes, no, and not now. When Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, didn't he say, “Father, if it's your will, let this cup pass from me. Not my will, but your will.” And what did God say? No, but it was for us. Sometimes God says no to us. I know he has to me. I've asked for something, like a job. A year later, I didn't get the job and I thank God that I didn't because he gave me something better. What a Savior. God is love and he made that love known through the cross. God is just and he's a justifier of those who believe in him. In Romans 3:26 of here, speaking of God's righteousness at the present time, so that he, speaking of God, would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. We could just continue talking about the cross because that's the center of preaching. Isn't it such a wonderful blessing that we can become Christians? Isn't it a blessing that if we mess up, he can straighten it up if we repent? How could something so ugly like a cross be so attractive? The cross symbolizes life to a Christian, even though it was death for Jesus. The cross points towards the most beautiful character, speaking of Jesus, that's ever been portrayed. In John 21:25, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose, John said, that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.” The cross is the greatest exhibition of love. So people that don't take advantage of the cross and take advantage of obeying the gospel of Jesus, what is their excuse? If you're here this morning, you're not a Christian, we beseech you to come. One, and if you're here and you brought reproach upon the church, reproach upon the Lord, and you want it known that you've changed. And through that cross, you can do it. And that's what he wants us to do. Scriptures Used in the Lesson John 17:5 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB influence): “glorify me with the glory I had with you before the world was.” NKJV: “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” LSV: “And now, glorify Me, You Father, with Yourself, with the glory that I had with You before the world was.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us... looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” NKJV: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” LSV: “Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, having put off every weight, and the closely besetting sin, may run with endurance the race set before us, looking to the author and perfecter of faith—Jesus—who, for the joy set before Him, endured a cross, having despised the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 10:32-33 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated.” NKJV: “But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated.” LSV: “But remember the former days, in which, having been enlightened, you endured much conflict of sufferings, partly being made a spectacle both in reproaches and tribulations, and partly having become partners of those so living.” John 19:31-34 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “Therefore it was a preparation day, that the body should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, for that Sabbath was a high day. The Jews asked Pilate that the legs might be broken, that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.” NKJV: “Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.” LSV: “The Jews, therefore, that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, since it was the Preparation Day (for that Sabbath was a great day), asked Pilate that their legs may be broken, and they may be taken away. The soldiers, therefore, came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with Him, but having come to Jesus, when they saw He was already dead, they did not break His legs.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” NKJV: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” LSV: “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those perishing, but to us being saved it is the power of God.” Galatians 6:14 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” NKJV: “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” LSV: “And may it never be for me to glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Romans 1:16 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” NKJV: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” LSV: “For I am not ashamed of the good news of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone believing, both to Jew first, and to Greek.” Isaiah 53:10 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “But the LORD was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.” NKJV: “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.” LSV: “And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him, He has made Him sick; If His soul makes an offering for guilt, He sees seed—He prolongs days, And the pleasure of YHWH prospers in His hand.” Luke 13:1-3 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “Now on that very occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.’” NKJV: “There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.’” LSV: “And there were certain present at that time, telling Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifices; and Jesus answering said to them, ‘Do you think that these Galileans became sinners beyond all the Galileans, because they have suffered such things? No—I say to you, but if you may not reform, all will perish in the same way.’” Acts 7:58 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.” NKJV: “and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.” LSV: “and having cast him outside of the city, they were stoning him—witnesses also put down their garments at the feet of a young man called Saul.” Revelation 1:5 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NKJV): “and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” NKJV: (same as above) LSV: “and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn out of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth; to Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His blood.” John 12:27-32 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” ... “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” NKJV: “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” ... “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” LSV: “Now has My soul been troubled; and what will I say? Father, save Me from this hour? But because of this I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!” ... “and I, if I may be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” Ephesians 1:22-23 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” NKJV: “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” LSV: “and He put all things under His feet, and gave Him—Head over all things to the assembly, which is His body, the fullness of Him who is filling the all in all.” 1 Corinthians 1:23-25 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” NKJV: “but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” LSV: “but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews indeed a stumbling-block, and to Greeks foolishness, but to those called—both Jews and Greeks—Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God, because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” Genesis 3:15 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel.” NKJV: “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” LSV: “and I put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed: He bruises you on the head, and you bruise Him on the heel.” Matthew 11:28-29 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” NKJV: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” LSV: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest; take My yoke on you, and learn from Me, because I am meek and humble in heart, and you will find rest to your souls.” Matthew 27:45 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour.” NKJV: “Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.” LSV: “And from the sixth hour darkness came over all the land to the ninth hour.” Luke 23:34 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” NKJV: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” LSV: “Father, forgive them, for they have not known what they do.” Matthew 15:13 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted.” NKJV: “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.” LSV: “Every plant that My heavenly Father did not plant will be rooted up.” 1 Peter 2:21 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB/NKJV mix): “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.” NKJV: “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” LSV: “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example to you, that you may follow His steps.” Philippians 2:3-8 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves... Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” NKJV: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself... Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” LSV: “Nothing in rivalry or vainglory, but in humility of mind counting one another more excellent than yourselves... For let this mind be in you that is also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, thought [it] not robbery to be equal to God, but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men, and having been found in appearance as a man, humbled Himself, having become obedient to death—even death of a cross.” Matthew 8:20 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” NKJV: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” LSV: “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere He may rest the head.” John 15:10 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” NKJV: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” LSV: “If you may keep My commands, you will remain in My love, according as I have kept the commands of My Father, and remain in His love.” Romans 3:26 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” NKJV: “to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” LSV: “for the showing forth of His righteousness in the present time, for His being righteous, and declaring righteous him who is of the faith of Jesus.” John 21:25 (Bible Hub Parallel) Speaker's version (NASB): “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.” NKJV: “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.” LSV: “And there are also many other things—as many as Jesus did—which if they may be written one by one, I think not even the world itself is able to contain the scrolls written.” Matthew 15:13 (Bible Hub Parallel) (repeated reference) Speaker's version (NASB): “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted.” NKJV: “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.” LSV: “Every plant that My heavenly Father did not plant will be rooted up.” John 17:5 (Bible Hub Parallel) (repeated reference) See full entry above. 1 Peter 2:21 (Bible Hub Parallel) (repeated reference) See full entry above. Philippians 2:3-8 (Bible Hub Parallel) (repeated reference) See full entry above. Matthew 8:20 (Bible Hub Parallel) (repeated reference) See full entry above. John 15:10 (Bible Hub Parallel) (repeated reference) See full entry above. Romans 3:26 (Bible Hub Parallel) (repeated reference) See full entry above. John 21:25 (Bible Hub Parallel) (repeated reference) See full entry above. More Scriptures that May be Relevant Deuteronomy 21:22-23 (Bible Hub Parallel) “If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.” Psalm 22:16 (Bible Hub Parallel) “For dogs have surrounded Me; The assembly of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet.” Isaiah 53:5 (Bible Hub Parallel) “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Matthew 16:24 (Bible Hub Parallel) Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Mark 8:34 (Bible Hub Parallel) When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23 (Bible Hub Parallel) Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Galatians 2:20 (Bible Hub Parallel) “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 3:13 (Bible Hub Parallel) “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’).” Colossians 1:20 (Bible Hub Parallel) “And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 2:14-15 (Bible Hub Parallel) “Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” 1 Peter 3:18 (Bible Hub Parallel) “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” Romans 5:8 (Bible Hub Parallel) “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 6:6 (Bible Hub Parallel) “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (Bible Hub Parallel) “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Philippians 3:10 (Bible Hub Parallel) “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” Outline with additional links I. Introduction – The Glory Christ Left Behind Jesus existed in the glories of heaven before coming to earth (John 17:5). He prayed for the Father to restore the glory He had with Him before the world was. Christ voluntarily gave up heavenly glory, came as a man, was tempted in all points as we are yet without sin, and was mistreated and despised. II. Running the Race with Endurance – Looking to Jesus Call to lay aside every weight and sin that easily ensnares us and run with endurance the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1). Look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, despising the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). Distinction between happiness (based on current circumstances) and joy (deeper, long-term perspective from coaching illustration). Jesus was not happy in Gethsemane but had joy knowing the results of the cross for us. He prayed, “let this cup pass from me” yet submitted, “not my will, but your will.” III. Historical Background and Cruelty of Crucifixion Crucifixion invented by Persians around 522 B.C. The practice is traced to Persian origins in the 6th century B.C. (with possible earlier roots in Assyrian/Babylonian impalement). Source: Retief & Cilliers, "The history and pathology of crucifixion" (2003) Prophesied in Isaiah 53 (~700 B.C.) centuries before the practice existed. The suffering servant passage describes piercing, bruising, and sacrificial death long before crucifixion became a known execution method. Isaiah 53 Spread by Alexander the Great, introduced to Rome by Phoenicians, perfected by Romans (used ~500 years). Alexander the Great encountered and spread the practice in the 4th century B.C. The Phoenicians transmitted it to the Romans in the 3rd century B.C., after which the Romans refined and used it extensively for approximately 500–600 years. Source: Retief & Cilliers, "The history and pathology of crucifixion" (2003) Constantine abolished it in the 4th century A.D. due to its extreme cruelty. Emperor Constantine I (reigned 306–337 A.D.) abolished crucifixion in the early-to-mid 4th century, largely out of reverence for Christ’s death. Source: Retief & Cilliers, "The history and pathology of crucifixion" (2003) Typical duration: 6 hours to 4 days; death often from hemorrhage, dehydration, or heart attack. Victims typically survived from about six hours up to four days. Death resulted from a combination of scourging-induced hemorrhage, dehydration, hypovolemic shock, and progressive asphyxia, often culminating in cardiac arrest. Source: Retief & Cilliers, "The history and pathology of crucifixion" (2003) Victims beaten beforehand; legs sometimes broken to hasten death (as requested for Jesus and the thieves). Condemned persons were usually scourged before crucifixion. To speed death (especially before the Sabbath), soldiers performed crurifragium (breaking the legs). John 19:31 Source: Retief & Cilliers, "The history and pathology of crucifixion" (2003) Crime posted above the head (for Jesus: “King of the Jews”). A placard (titulus) stating the charge was commonly placed above the victim. For Jesus it read “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Source: Retief & Cilliers, "The history and pathology of crucifixion" (2003) Description of breathing mechanics on the cross and why legs were broken on preparation day/Passover John 19:31-34. Arms outstretched and body weight pulling downward severely restricted breathing; victims had to push up on nailed feet to inhale and exhale, causing rapid exhaustion. Breaking the legs prevented this motion, leading to quick suffocation. The Jews requested this because the next day was a high Sabbath (Passover), and bodies were not to remain on the cross overnight. When soldiers reached Jesus, He was already dead, so His legs were not broken. Source: Retief & Cilliers, "The history and pathology of crucifixion" (2003) Main Source for Historical and Medical Details: F.P. Retief and L. Cilliers, “The history and pathology of crucifixion”, South African Medical Journal, 93(12):938-941 (2003). Full PDF available here: ResearchGate – The history and pathology of crucifixion IV. Encouragement Not to Turn Back – Remembering Former Sufferings Reminder to Hebrew Christians of past endurance after enlightenment, including public spectacles and sharing in others’ tribulations (Hebrews 10:32). Warning against returning to the law of Moses after experiencing what Jesus did. V. The Wonders and Power of the Cross Definition of “wonder” (cause of astonishment or admiration). The word (message) of the cross is foolishness to those perishing, but the power of God to us being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18). Paul’s boast: only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14). The gospel (including the cross) is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). The cross was not accidental; it was God’s deliberate plan to crush His Son (Isaiah 53:10). Jesus had to shed blood; He could not die by accident, heart attack, or disease. Examples from Luke 13 (Galileans and Tower of Siloam) showing necessity of repentance and the specific death required (Luke 13:1). Washing from sins by Jesus’ blood, not soap and water (Revelation 1:5). Jesus’ troubled soul and purpose: “for this purpose I came to this hour” and “if I am lifted up… I will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:27). Preachers must stand behind the cross, emphasizing Christ crucified, not themselves. The cross unites Jews and Gentiles in one body, the church purchased with His blood (Ephesians 1:22; 1 Corinthians 1:23). VI. Paradoxes of the Cross Most tragic event in history, yet the most wonderful for Christians. Saddest spectacle, yet produced greatest joy (it pleased the Father and gave Jesus joy). Appeared as Satan’s greatest victory, but was his greatest defeat (bruising the heel vs. crushing the head – Genesis 3:15). Jesus surrendered all and calls us to do the same: “Come to Me, all you who labor… Take My yoke upon you…” (Matthew 11:28). Greatest manifestation of God’s hatred of sin, yet supreme proof of His love. Darkest hour (darkness from sixth to ninth hour – Matthew 27:45), yet brought greatest light. Human vengeance and cruelty vs. divine forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). Portrays man’s sinfulness and God’s holiness; human weakness and divine strength. Wonder of the victim: Jesus as man’s best friend who laid down His life. Perfect example of unselfishness: gave up heaven’s glory (John 17:5); left us an example to follow His steps (1 Peter 2:21; Philippians 2:3). VII. Priorities, Sacrifice, and Application Emphasis on “stuff” vs. Jesus having nowhere to lay His head (Matthew 8:20). Sin ruined Eden’s perfection; Jesus kept perfect priorities doing the Father’s will (John 15:10). What kept Jesus on the cross? Our need – love for you and me. God answers prayers (yes, no, not now); sometimes “no” is best, as in Gethsemane. God is love and just, the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26). The cross makes ugly beautiful, death bring life, and allows repentance and restoration. Invitation: obey the gospel; if you have brought reproach, repent and return through the cross. The cross is the center of preaching and the greatest exhibition of love (John 21:25). Alternate Lesson Titles with Scripture Here is a single scriptural reference suggested for each alternate title. These are chosen to fit the theme naturally and could serve as the key verse or foundational text for the lesson. The Wonders of the Cross of Jesus Christ Hebrews 12:2 (Focuses on enduring the cross for the joy set before Him, highlighting the “wonder” of His sacrifice.) The Joy and Wonder of the Cross Hebrews 12:2 (Emphasizes the joy that motivated Jesus to endure the cross.) Enduring the Cross: The Wonders of Christ’s Sacrifice Hebrews 12:2 (Directly addresses enduring the cross while despising its shame.) The Power, Paradox, and Wonder of the Cross 1 Corinthians 1:18 (The message of the cross as the power of God – a profound paradox and wonder.) Why Jesus Endured the Cross – The Wonders Thereof Hebrews 12:2 (Explains the “why” through the joy set before Him.) The Most Wonderful Event in History: The Cross of Jesus Galatians 6:14 (Paul’s boast only in the cross, underscoring its supreme wonder.) Crucified for Joy: The Wonders of Jesus’ Cross Hebrews 12:2 (Jesus endured the cross “for the joy” set before Him.) From Shame to Glory: The Wonders of the Cross Hebrews 12:2 (Despising the shame yet resulting in glory at the right hand of God.) The Cross – Tragedy and Triumph 1 Corinthians 1:18 (Foolishness and weakness to the world, yet power and wisdom of God.) The Central Wonder of Our Faith: The Cross of Christ Galatians 6:14 (Boasting only in the cross as the center of faith.) What Kept Jesus on the Cross – The Wonders of Calvary Hebrews 12:2 (The joy set before Him kept Him there.) The Despised Cross That Brings Greatest Joy Hebrews 12:2 (Despising the shame for the joy set before Him.) Paradoxes and Wonders of the Cross of Jesus 1 Corinthians 1:18 (The great paradox: foolishness to the perishing, power to the saved.) The Cross: God’s Greatest Display of Love and Justice Romans 3:26 (God as both just and the justifier through faith in Jesus.) Looking Unto Jesus – The Wonders of His Cross Hebrews 12:2 (Looking to Jesus who endured the cross.) Primary Keywords (High-Impact – Use in Title & First Paragraph) Wonders of the Cross Cross of Jesus Christ Wonders of the Cross of Jesus Alton Bailey sermon Church of Christ sermon The Joy Set Before Him Endured the Cross for Joy Paradoxes of the Cross Strong Long-Tail Phrases (Excellent for Google Search) "wonders of the cross" Alton Bailey "cross of Jesus" wonders sermon "joy that was set before him" cross sermon "Hebrews 12:2" wonders of the cross "what kept Jesus on the cross" sermon "paradoxes of the cross" Church of Christ "crucifixion history" Retief Cilliers sermon "why Jesus endured the cross" joy "power of the cross" foolishness to perishing "looking unto Jesus" endured the cross Good Supporting Keywords & Phrases Crucifixion mechanics breathing Legs broken on the cross Passover King of the Jews titulus Constantine abolished crucifixion Persians invented crucifixion Isaiah 53 crucifixion prophecy Cross draws all men Stand behind the cross preacher God’s hatred of sin and love Blood of Jesus washes sins Recommended Title + SEO Combinations (Ready to Use) Wonders of the Cross of Jesus Christ – Alton Bailey Sermon The Wonders of the Cross | Hebrews 12:2 | Alton Bailey Church of Christ Endured the Cross for Joy: The Wonders of Calvary – Alton Bailey Paradoxes and Wonders of the Cross – Church of Christ Sermon What Kept Jesus on the Cross – The Joy Set Before Him Additional SEO Tips for Maximum Visibility: Include in the document: “Alton Bailey”, “March 22, 2026”, “Church of Christ” Add tags or meta description: “Powerful sermon on the wonders of the cross, joy in suffering, paradoxes of Calvary, and why Jesus stayed on the cross.” Hymn Recommendations When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Pure a cappella, excellent quality, with lyrics. → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57JY8sX-vL4 Jesus Paid It All (Emphasizes the blood of Jesus and what it accomplished) Clear a cappella with lyrics. → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdR1ULpwQDM Another version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BbHoKBy7m4 – Beazley arrangement) At the Cross (Directly about the cross where Jesus died for us) Traditional a cappella hymn. → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP_yF6uL0yE Kneel at the Cross (Invitation/application theme) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7LqsM-z75o