Last Sunday, as I sat down in my church, I looked up to see a cross suspended mid-air at the front of the worship center. I watched as people one by one became aware that it was there.  I also discovered later that some people went through the entire service without noticing the cross at all.

Easter is a time to focus on the resurrection, but I hope we don’t forget to take notice of the cross. Yes, the resurrection is to be celebrated, but before we can celebrate the resurrection, we have to look at the cross. The cross was where Jesus sacrificed his life to atone for our sins. He paid the price for us. He took our place.

Many times when we see the Jesus on the cross pictured in today’s culture, the focus is on the physical pain that he suffered. It is true that this is a very real part of the crucifixion. He was beaten, scourged and pierced. His body was in excruciating pain. But, that was only one aspect of his suffering.

Think for a moment about the agony of mind and spirit that Jesus went through. This sinless man suddenly felt all the guilt and shame of every sin committed. He had done nothing wrong yet; he was being punished as if he had. He did not die because he was arrested and hung on that cross. He could have escaped, but he chose to give his life to take our punishment.

This Easter we certainly want to celebrate the resurrection. He is alive! We must realize we can’t have Easter Sunday without Good Friday.  It’s easy to celebrate the glorious but doesn’t forget the glory that came before. Worship the risen Savior but don’t miss the cross. Most of all don’t miss that the cross was for you. He loved you enough to give his life for you. Do you love him enough to give your life to him?

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:24:25) (NIV)