In Between the Manger and the Cross

Picture: Peace © Daniel Stege

We celebrate the birth of Christ by remembering the Christmas story. We read about the trials of Joseph and Mary, the birth of the Son of God in the manger in Bethlehem, the shepherds who came to visit Him and the travels of the wise men.  It is a story many people enjoy to hear, an account of Jesus that many will believe. The baby Jesus is easy to take in, a Jesus who is silent, who doesn't demand anything of us.

Another account of Jesus people can accept is the Christ on the cross. All of us want our sins forgiven, and we enjoy celebrating Easter. Jesus only spoke seven times when He was dying on the Cross. He said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)  “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” (John 19:26-27)  “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” (Matt. 27:46) “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28) “It is finished!” (John 19:30) “Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.” (Luke 23:46) When we think about what He said on the cross it doesn't call us to take action by His words alone.

The Jesus of the manger and the Jesus of the cross are easy to listen to because He doesn't make a claim on our lives. It is the baby Jesus and the Jesus who only says seven quotes on the Cross that makes Christmas and Easter easy for us, and for those who attend church on those two holidays. But Jesus isn't interested in us following Him only on Christmas and Easter. He wants us to take hold of the words He spoke in between the manger and the cross. Below are a few example of Jesus words that aren't popular because they call us to live as Jesus lived.

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

(Matthew 5:21-22 NIV)

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

(Matthew 5:43-44 NIV)

"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'  (Matthew 25:45  NIV)

And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

(Luke 14:27 NIV)

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'

(Mark 12:30 NIV)

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

(Luke 9:24-26 NIV)

You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

(John 3:7-8 NIV)

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" "Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him." Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you." Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.

(John 9:35-38 NIV)

After the resurrection Jesus gives us a command in Matthew 28:18-20, "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This section of Scripture isn't quoted at Easter services because these are words that give Jesus authority over us, and command us to live for Him.

The Jesus of the manger and the Jesus of the cross are easier to accept then the one who live in between these two events. If we only think of Jesus in these terms then we missing who He is, what He taught and whom we're called to follow. Who are you following today, a baby Jesus, a Jesus who spoke briefly from the cross, or are you following the Jesus portrayed in the gospel? Who has authority over heaven and of earth, which includes your life, and your daily choices?

Think about this question, are you seeking and serving the Jesus in the manger and on the cross but neglecting Him who is Lord of your life? A you wanting a Jesus who is comfortable and convenient, but missing the true Jesus; the One who has authority over all creation and is seeking a relationship with you today. So what is Christmas truly about for you? Is it time for you to move pass a cute and cuddly Jesus and start following the Jesus who is portrayed in Scripture, one who loves you enough to die for you, so you can spend eternity with Him.