LOGOS TRADING POST - HOLY LAND OLIVE WOOD CROSS FOR WALL

Jesus Christ: The High Priest Who Knows Our Struggles

Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” The cross was a tool of great pain and death when it was used in Rome, but Christ has made it into a glorious reminder of His victory and the lasting joy we can find in Him. Whatever shape it takes or whatever design is carved into it, it is all about Him. We are happy to carry such a variety of olive wood wall crosses so that we can be a blessing to believers of all kinds.

It is also our pleasure as believers to carry the cross figuratively, not because it is easy, of course, but because it is the way that Jesus instructed us to live as His followers. It’s harsh words, the blessed Savior is recorded in Mark 8:34-38 to have said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with holy angels.” Many of us are familiar with the command to carry the cross, but reading further shows its connection to judgment, a judgement executed by the Son of Man Himself, Jesus Christ. He is the one to execute that judgement because He has been exalted to the right hand of God through overcoming His own cross, and because, as He tells us in Matthew 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Even still, let us not face judgment with fear, because we know the judge, and He loves us deeply. On the matter of judgment and entering into God’s “rest,” the author of Hebrews has to say in Hebrews 4:12-16, “The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

So then, it is certainly Christ’s ardent desire that we take up our cross, but He is able to understand just how difficult that is better than anyone, having had to bear His own cross in flesh. Have hope! When you take up your cross to follow Jesus, you do not do so alone. He bears that weight with you. After all, doesn’t He even say in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Jesus Christ: The Savior Who Has Endured & Has Been Glorified

Still, what is our own cross without Christ’s wooden cross? Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Let’s look at the passage we started with, Hebrews 12:2: “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Taking that in, we can understand a few things about Christ on the Cross.

First, he “endured the cross” for the sake of “the joy that was set before him.” Both the joy in His victory over sin and death and the joy in the redemption of the humanity that He loved were motivators for Him to reach that cross. He did not deny that it would be difficult - His prayer in Luke 22:42 making this clear - but He also acknowledged that greater joy was found in facing His cross than in fleeing from it. This is an example we can learn from; any difficulty He would have us face is often for a greater purpose, so we can face our circumstances confidently knowing that He has placed joy ahead of us.

Next, he “is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” By facing His cross, demonstrating the authority of God over death, Jesus was glorified and seated in His proper place. He is our high priest, and the king of kings. We can follow this example as well, to some extent. He will always be worthy of all glory, but we can come to share in it. The reference that comes to mind is 2 Corinthians 4:17, which says, “This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

The Holy Land Olive Wood Cross

Now, the most important cross is the wooden cross of Christ, and second is the cross He has told us to carry each day. Still, we would like to offer you a more humble cross. Consider purchasing a Holy Land Olive Wood wall cross from us, for it is ultimately our hope that it can enrich your faith, reminding you always of His wooden cross and reminding you to take up your own cross for His sake.