Who Holds the Cross of Christ?

Pilate asked Jesus, “Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” (John 19:10) Pilate thinks he holds the cross of Christ. Jesus knows otherwise. How we see and understand the cross is determined by who we believe holds the cross.

In human hands the cross is imposed.
In God’s hands it is chosen.

In human hands the cross takes life.
In God’s hands it gives life.

In human hands the cross is the means of execution.
In God’s hands it is the means of reconciliation.

In human hands the cross is for punishment.
In God’s hands it is for salvation.

In human hands the cross is a tragedy.
In God’s hands it is a triumph.

In human hands the cross is an instrument of death.
In God’s hands it is the sword of life plunged into the heart of death.

In human hands the cross raises a question of what we believe about God.
In God’s hands it makes a statement of what God believes about us.

In human hands the cross tells a story of destruction.
In God’s hands it tells a story of love.

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.