Christians implicitly understand that as sinners, we were the weak and vulnerable who, through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, were saved from being beaten and left for dead by our sin and the sins of others on the dangerous Jericho Road of culture. Sin is violence, ultimately destroying everyone. The cross is the violence to end all violence. The cross is where Jesus demonstrates the priceless value of a person. The cross is where Jesus becomes our Good Samaritan. The cross is where perfect justice meets perfect mercy. And the mercy of the cross is open to all. The cross is the epicenter of the universe, reversing the effects of sin and death through the hope of the resurrection. The cross frees us from sin and the fear of death, empowering us to “Go and do the same,” giving life back to our fellow travelers.

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