John 19 | The Reach of the Cross

It was an unusual plan. A plan like no other. A plan designed in heaven for the Son of God to be crucified for our sins so we could be forgiven.

In the reporting of what happened that night, there are several men mentioned in John, Chapter 19.

The criminals who were crucified with him “one on either side.” (One of these repented and believed while on the cross)
John, the “Beloved Apostle,” of the inner circle who were closest to Christ (vs. 35)
Joseph of Arimathea, who “being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away his body” (vs. 38);
And “Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight” (vs. 39).

Four believers. One a fisherman; one a criminal who had committed crimes worthy of death; one a wealthy religious man who was a member of the Sanhedrin council (Joseph of Arimathea); and one a prominent teacher of the Jewish faith who had come to Jesus by night.

All these men came from vastly different backgrounds. The criminal was a man of obvious sins; the religious leaders looked fine but were just as lost and separated from the Father; and an everyday fisherman scorned by the religious elite. But all were saved in like manner by the action of the One they gazed at upon the cross.

Never be shocked at the reach of Christ. His Spirit and His gospel extend to every single segment of society. He can save anyone—those whose sins are most apparent and those who seem to be religious who are just as lost.

We should see everyone we meet as a prime candidate for the gospel, for the cross can reach anyone, anywhere. Even you and even me.

Father, thank You for the universal nature of the gospel. Give us clear eyes to see everyone as needy and everyone as one whom Christ will save. Help us never underestimate Your power to redeem us all!