Article April 15, 1972 Issue

Why the Cross?

HELEN C. MOON

The cross, to many, symbolizes Christ Jesus' experience when he faced the ultimate of the world's hatred of Truth and Love. He was executed along with common thieves. He dared to challenge authoritative hypocrisy and braved the revenge such challenge aroused. He was betrayed and denied by those he had loved; he was deserted and misunderstood by many of his followers; he endured the awful sting of ridicule; and with willingness to fulfill his mission he suffered pain and death.

But Jesus was not preoccupied with selfish personal desires in the face of this great challenge. His main concern was to have his sacrifice understood. He cried. "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"^{Matt. 27:46;}

This cry resounds throughout history. Many, coming face to face with the claims of hatred, greed, selfishness, and hypocrisy, cry out: "How can these things be? Has my God forsaken me? 'Oh that I knew where I might find him!'"^{Job 23:3;}

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