Evening star., 1923-03-17

Jesus cruciixion is the most sig
II ficant event that ever occurred in
the history of the world. 1t has been
called the most pathetic scene in the
annals of men. In fact. there is moth
ing like it in the record of the ages.
II is the tragedy of the centuries.
While the Crucifxion presents the
story of the lowest descent in the in
fanny of crime and cruelty ever re-
corded in history. it also reveals the
greatness of Gods love and the Won
ders OF His grace. The cross was not
a divine afterthought for il WAS a
part of Gods program from the be-
ginning. ChriStS death was i'll ac-
cordance with the divine plan to COM
mend the Fathers love TO us. in that
while we were Vet sinners, Christ
died for us"
Our Lords death was more than q
demonstration Of Gods love. Jesus
revealed by it the passionate purpose
of the heavenly Father to save sim
nerS. The saving significance of the
cross has given it the central place in
the history of Christianity. Redemp-
tion by the blood of the Lord has been
the very core of the divine revelation
in Him. He was wounded for our
tranSgreSSionS. He was bruised for
our iniquities; the chaStiSement OF
our peace was upon Him: and with
HIS stripes we are healed" in ac-
cordance with the predictions of the
prophets. 1t is Christ. lifted up on
the cross and seen by faith, who
proves Himself still to be the Savior
and Lord, as well as the power and
wisdom of God unto salvation. This
fact has made the crucitixion the cul-
mlnation of the Masters earthly ca
reer and the foundation of our faith
NO one can grasp the meaning of
Jesus being crucified unless he studies
all that the Scripture has given US
concerning the tragedy of Calvary.
that has made the skull-shaped hill
outside the city wall one of the
worlds most important historical
sites. Every one who has revereutly
studied the Eihle narrative is com
PEELED TO admit that the depths of all
the issues of the Lords death are un-
fathonable by men. The three classes
the Indifferent. hostile and friendly
that gathered around the cross
have remained among men. We re
veal the class to which we belong as
well as our character by our attitude
AS we approach the cross. Let us
draw near calvary in a spirit OF wor-
ship, free from criticism.
Paul tells us that Christ died for
our sins. according to the Scriptures"
This turns our thoughts to the Old
Testament. There one finds first of
all, the practice of animal sacrifice in
the Hebrew religion. and then there
is the idea of the servant of Jehovah
VINO saves by suffering: and around
this typical figure gather. as illus
rating the same truth. the saints
and heroes Of the old dispense ton
who suffered for the sake of truth
and righteousness. and thus on behalf
OF others. Sacrifice was not peculiar
~ a I.al
religion il received the deepest moral
significance. When men approached
God in worship they presented a sac
rince. the efficacy of which was va
rtously conceived. but the purpose of
which was universally recognized as
me removal of the hindrance to fell
l0wship with God due to sin Har-
mack has pointed out that wherever
the gospel has been preached the sac
rince of animals has ceased, proving
nat the cross of Jesus fully satisfied
The needs that sacrifice sought to meet
among men. Woodrow Wilson saw
In the spectacle of twenty nations
hghting for the redemption of hu-
nanity striking proof that Christ still
ruled in the hearts of men" calling
upon them to follow His example of
dying to make men free. The issues
OF Jesus on the cross are vital and
important to all, especially Chris
tianS.
While there is great value in study
ing the combined writings of the Bi-
hle In reference to the Lords death
the limits of space call for us to focus
our attention upon the narratives of
Luke. We are compelled to pass over
the events between last weeks lesson
and today's study. We would like to
point out the illegal trials and unjust
condemnation of PLATE that permit-
ted the Masters enemies to follow
Jesus. who was weakened by the
mental. moral and physical strain
through which He had passed during
the previous night TO that extent that
the soldiers had to draft Simon an
African Jew, who was entering the
city. while they were on their way
10 Calvary. and compel him to carry
the Lords cross 10 the place of exc
cution.
Cruclfixion was a death that no
Roman could suffer. 1t was reserved
for slaves and criminals, who were
not considered worthy of any special
consideration. 1t was this fact that
gave the superscription written by
l'liate sting and deadly insult to
the Jews, whom he hated. especially
the leaders. who had forced him
against his own will to sign the death
warrant of Jesus. The Master car
RED, according to law, and it was