The Crucified and Risen Christ

The crucifixion and resurrection of Christ go together.  You can’t have one without the other.  If Christ has not been raised, then our faith is futile.  If Christ had not been crucified, then our debt still stands.  After the day of Pentecost, the Apostles began to proclaim the message of salvation, namely, that Christ has died for us and Christ has risen for us.Therefore, theologically and architecturally, the placement of the double image of the crucifixion and the resurrection at the central point of the sanctuary is most appropriate.  These images declare the teaching of the Apostles.  The image of the cross is the symbol of the death of Christ.  The title plate at the top of the cross explains why He was put to death.  It reads, “INRI” which stands for Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews.  The long awaited King was rejected.  The people turned their backs on Him.  Yet, God has not turned His back upon humanity.  Thus, the Resurrected Christ in the window faces those who have gathered at the foot of the cross with welcoming arms.  At His feet are planted a row of Easter lilies.  Just as a bulb is placed into the earth for a time, the body of Jesus was laid in the tomb for a time.  Then when it is spring, the lilies burst forth from the earth and show forth their glory.  Likewise, after three days, the Son of Man burst forth from the tomb to show forth His glory.

The crucifixion of Jesus is commonly referred to as Christ  being hung on a tree (See Acts 5:29-32; 10:39-43; 13:26-31) .  Now we know that a cross is made out of wood from a dead tree.  Theologically, we can’t help but make the connection between a tree being cut down and Jesus being cut off from His people.  We can’t help but see death in a piece of wood.  If you cut a branch off, it dies.  In the act of crucifixion, a dead tree is used as an instrument to bring death.  On the other hand, a living tree, especially one that bears fruit, brings life. 

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier