Weekly Devotional: April 6 – April 12, 2025
Theme: The Cross and the Life It Gives to the Believer
By JK Woodall
The cross stands as the central symbol of Christianity—the place where God's ultimate sacrifice for humanity was made, and where life and death met in divine purpose. It was on the cross that Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, offering His life so that we might live in Him. This week, let us meditate on the power of the cross and the abundant life it gives to every believer.
Scripture Focus
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (ESV)
The cross is the ultimate expression of God’s love, offering eternal life to all who believe.
Romans 6:4 – “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (NIV)
The cross is not only a symbol of death, but of new life. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are raised to new life in Him.
Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (NIV)
Our old selves are crucified with Christ, and we now live through Him. The cross transforms us and makes us new.
1 Corinthians 1:18 – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (NIV)
The cross is the power of God that brings salvation to those who believe, turning what may seem foolish to the world into the greatest gift of all.
Colossians 2:13-14 – “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (NIV)
The cross is where our sins were forgiven, where the legal debt against us was canceled, and where we were made alive in Christ.
Reflections on the Cross and Life in Christ
The Cross as a Symbol of Sacrifice: Jesus willingly took the weight of our sin on the cross, offering His life so that we might have eternal life. The cross is a daily reminder of His immeasurable love for us.
Death and Life in Christ: Through Jesus' death on the cross, we are given the gift of life. We were once dead in our sins, but in Christ, we are made alive and called to live out His purposes.
Victory Through the Cross: The cross is not just a place of suffering; it is a place of victory. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, He conquered sin and death. This victory is now ours.
Living the Cross-Centered Life: As believers, we are called to live in the power of the cross. Our lives should be marked by sacrifice, love, and a commitment to following Christ wherever He leads.
Encouragement for the Week
Take time this week to reflect on the significance of the cross in your life. It is not only a place of past history but also the foundation for the life you now live. Embrace the truth that through the cross, you have been forgiven, made new, and called to live in the power of God’s love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the cross, where Your Son Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation. We are humbled by the depth of Your love and the power of the sacrifice that gives us new life. Help us to live in the freedom and victory that Jesus won for us on the cross. May we walk daily in the power of His resurrection, living out His love and grace to those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As we walk through life, may we never forget the power of the cross—the place where death gave way to life, and where we were forever changed. Live in the victory of the cross, for it is through Him that we are truly alive. ✝️
