The Cross Was No Accident
By Andrea Chatelain
“No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have the authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father.” John 10:18
The rottweiler was charging full force towards us. I scooped up my little white dog and turned my back waiting to feel the attack. That day changed everything. The relaxing walk I planned left me grieving my dog and scared to go outside for a year. I was traumatized and frozen. Could that be how the disciples felt at the foot of the cross too?
Their plan wasn’t God’s. They thought Jesus was going to bring political freedom, but didn’t realize He came to liberate them from sin and death. In fact, when Jesus told His disciples He’d die to save them, one named Peter was appalled and urged that would never happen. He didn’t want Jesus to suffer, but didn’t realize Christ was purposefully walking towards death.
Jesus said “No one takes [My life] from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord.” He was born to die. The cross was no accident, it was His plan from the beginning of time.
Unlike His disciples, Jesus knew the plan. He knew this great sacrifice was His mission. His Father had commanded Him to lay down His life to free us from sin, and He obeyed. Now, if we believe in Him, we can be made right with God.
How does that change your thoughts on Easter to know that God had a plan, from the beginning of time, to win you back? That He fought for you because you’re His kid. Think on that today. The cross is how much you’re worth to God. So let’s stand confident in His love today.
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She's part of the Wholly Loved Ministries team, is a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. It’s her joy to lead Bible studies in her neighborhood, church, and community because she believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers. Connect with Andrea more online at www.afruitfulwoman.com.
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Originally published Tuesday, 23 July 2019.
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