Symbols are powerful means of communication in our culture. The American Flag, for example, communicates freedom. Patriotism. Honor. Valor. Courage. Our power and purpose as a country. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And the unity and pride we feel as Americans.
Symbols in similar manner identify a sports team. A political party. A fast food restaurant. Or an athletic shoe.
In the Bible there are symbols that speak to us in a unique way. Especially regarding Jesus. He is symbolized as “The lamb of God.” “The Prince of Peace.” “The Good Shepherd.”
Consider these three symbols that relate to Christ and Christians: The Cup. The Cross. The Crown.
The Cup That Christ Drank
Jesus spoke metaphorically of a cup that he was going to drink. He told the apostles they would not be able to drink of it (Matt 20:28). In Gethsemane’s garden He feverently prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Lk. 22:42).
And what was the cup that he drank? Physical suffering? Emotional agony? Mental anguish? F.W. Farrar says, it was something deadlier than death. It was the burden and the mystery of the world’s sin which lay heavy on his heart; it was the tasting in the divine humanity of a sinless life, the bitter cup which sin had poisoned. It was the bowing of (Godhood) to endure a stroke to which man’s apostasy had lent such frightful possibilities.”
On that fateful Friday, Jesus drank the bitter cup. For you. And me.
The Cross that He Bore
Scripture says Jesus was tortured by Roman scourging prior to the cross. A practice so barbaric and excruciating that many died. Following this Jesus bore the cross to Calvary’s hill. There He suffered the anguish of the cross. The shame. The humiliation. Medical doctors have written about Jesus’ death and concluded that is probably preceded by starvation. Tetanus. Trauma. Joint-rending cramps. Searing pain where the tissue was torn from his lacerated back. Intermittent partial asphyxiation.
Yes on the black Friday when the sun was darkened, Jesus died. For you. And me.
The Crown that He Wore
The cup and the cross were Friday’s symbols of man’s sin, God’s plan, and Jesus’ love. But then came Sunday! Up from the grave He arose! Powerful! Victorious! Alive!
In that magnificent moment he exchanged the crown of thorns, for the crown of glory given by God. King of Kings! Lord of Lords! The blessed and only Potentate! (1 Tim 6:15). The Hebrew writer said that his triumph over the grace “crowned him with glory and honor.”
What About Christians Today?
Do we think we are exempt from drinking the bitter cup? Oh, it won’t be the same as His, but we will drink. Of sorrow. Pain. Woe. We haven’t been promised a life of easy, free of pain and problems. We will suffer. We will drink the cup.
But it is in the cross that we find strength. Help. Hope. It in we learn to love as He loved. We learn self-sacrifice like He gave. We learn the paradox that through dying with Him, we can live with Him. And for Him. The cross becomes a symbol for everything that Christianity means to us. Forgiveness. Pardon. Reconciliation. Salvation.
And what is the purpose? The Bible says when we endure, that we will “receive the crown of life.” It is an “imperishable crown.” “A crown of righteousness.” A heavenly crown!
I don’t know what kind of Friday you are going through, but just remember Sunday’s coming! And so is the crown!
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
Excellent post, Ken!
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Thanks, Larry!
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Bro. Ken: as always, these Friday posts are what gets me through Saturday’s…until we can all meet to remember the “Cup, Cross, & Crown”, on the first day of the week! 🙂 have a GREAT day, today! love in Him, Julie
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Ken.. I am reminded of Matthew 19:29.. I am so glad you are among these in my life.. Bill
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