Take the Time to See the Cross
Cale Pritchett

Scripture: John 3:3-7, 13-17
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to the spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ - John 3: 3-7

“No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” - John 3:13-17

Devotional: 
I’ve noticed recently how many crosses we see around us, and I tried to do the math on how many we’re exposed to in the U.S.

Data from the Pew Research Center suggests that 36% of adults in the U.S. have a cross of some kind for spiritual reasons, which would be around 95 million people. Another 19% report having jewelry for spiritual purposes, approximately 50 million more. Add to that an estimated 100,000+ Christian churches in the U.S., with several crosses displayed on each building, and the numbers grow quickly.

It’s likely we see a cross every day, if not multiple times per day.

But do we look to the cross for the right reasons?

In John chapter 3, we read about an interaction Jesus has with a Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus. Jesus tells Nicodemus that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are “born again.” Nicodemus, being scholarly and literal, struggles with this. How can someone be born again? It’s a fair question. As someone who leans toward logic, I would have found Jesus’ words confusing too.

Jesus goes on to explain several important truths.

1 – Just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean it isn’t real.
This second birth isn’t like our first birth from our mother’s womb. It is a birth into the eternal kingdom of God, born of the Spirit. Jesus compares the Spirit to the wind. We can’t see the wind or control where it goes, but we see its effects. In the same way, we may not fully understand the Spirit, but we shouldn’t let our limited vision or logical instincts keep us from faith.

2 – Only Jesus bridges heaven and humanity.
Jesus tells Nicodemus that heavenly things are difficult to grasp. No one has ascended into heaven to understand them except the Son of Man. Jesus is speaking about Himself. Nicodemus may not have fully understood that in the moment, but we do. Jesus uniquely reveals the heart of God because He came from God.

3 – Turning to the cross is how we find peace with God.
In verses 14 and 15, Jesus says the Son of Man must be “lifted up,” just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness. In Numbers 21, after the Israelites rebel and suffer the consequences of their sin, God instructs Moses to place a bronze serpent on a pole. Those who looked at it in faith lived.

In the same way, Jesus would be lifted up on the cross. Eternal life is not earned through actions, sacrifices, or good deeds. Jesus’ death and resurrection accomplish what we could never accomplish ourselves. But like the Israelites in the wilderness, we must choose to look in faith. We must turn toward Him.

With so many crosses around us every day, we are constantly reminded of that invitation. The cross is not just decoration or jewelry. It is a symbol of sacrifice, grace, and hope.

The next time you see one of the millions of crosses around you, pause. Look to it. Remember the gift of salvation God has given through Jesus. And choose again to walk in the peace He offers.

Prayer:
Gracious and forgiving God, we are forever grateful for the path you gave us to you through Jesus. We set aside the shortcomings of our own wisdom to look to the Cross so that we can live in your gift of peace and wholeness on earth, through faith. Amen.