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Why the Cross?    

Marilyn Appleby

nailsThis week we look at readings about Jesus going to the cross. One from Isaiah in the form of an Old Testament prophesy, and one in the Gospel of John, quoting Jesus’ own words. What is so remarkable is that the prophesy in Isaiah was written hundreds of years before Jesus was even born!


Some sceptics maintain that the Bible has been made up and that it is not a genuine account of all that happened. Yet, when we read Bible accounts like those we have today, which contain so much detail, we see how impossible the task would be, to write the words of the Bible in such a way that cleverly links the Old and New Testament accounts in the way they do.

I believe this makes it paramount for Christians to endeavour to set the record straight, and to enlighten non-believers about the truths of God’s words found in the Bible. There is an undeniable link with the Old and New testaments—links which speak such truths and which put the seal of authenticity on God’s Word.

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5