Christ Crucified

Eisenach, Germany

Believe it or not, St. George Church in Eisenach is a Lutheran Church. Most of our American Lutheran churches, as well as other denominations, do not have crucifixes in our chancels. We prefer the empty cross because it signifies Jesus' victory over death, or is it because Christ on the cross symbolizes defeat and we don't like defeat.

"When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19:30 English Standard Version

Jesus died and we die.

When we look at a crucifix it reminds us of our own mortality (Romans 6:23) and we don't need another reminder. We're reminded of our mortality when we look in the mirror each morning. We're reminded of our mortality when we read the morning paper or watch the morning news. We're reminded of our mortality when we attend the funeral of a dear friend or relative. The last thing we want is a reminder of our mortality when we worship.

We not only see our mortality when we look at a crucifix but the extent of God's love for us. Jesus hangs there in our place. He dies because we die. He dies to conquer death. He dies that we might not be afraid of our death.

I'm not advocating that we remove the empty cross from our sanctuaries and set up crucifixes. I'm suggesting that we not be afraid of looking at both as important symbols of God's love for us.

Christ crucified means that we cannot be conquered by death. Jesus took our place.

Join the conversation at Praying With the Eyes on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/groups/173881749421231/

(Click on picture to enlarge.)

Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.