Studying the meaning of the cross always humbles me. For many of us, we’ve grown up hearing that Jesus died “so we could go to heaven.” That’s true—but it’s not the whole truth. The cross was not just about my personal forgiveness, it was the moment when God’s kingdom broke into history in a decisive way.

N.T. Wright puts it beautifully: “The cross establishes the kingdom of God through the agency of Jesus.” In other words, Jesus’ death wasn’t a tragic interruption to His mission—it was the very way He became King.

Think about it. The world expected a Messiah who would conquer Rome with a sword. Instead, Jesus conquered sin, death, and every dark power through His own suffering. Colossians 2:15 says He “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.” The cross wasn’t a loss—it was a victory parade.

And here’s the stunning part: Jesus invites us to be part of that kingdom now. We don’t just wait for heaven; we live under His reign today—bringing His justice, His peace, and His love into our families, our workplaces, our communities. That means kingdom work isn’t just what we do in church. It’s also how we run our businesses with integrity, treat our employees fairly, manage our finances wisely, speak truth in love, and care for the poor.

In Philippians 2:8–11, Paul reminds us that because Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death—even death on a cross—God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name. The crown came through the cross. The kingdom came through sacrifice.

If that’s how our King established His rule, then that’s how we’re called to live—laying down our pride, embracing humility, and serving others. That’s not weakness. That’s kingdom power.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that Your cross is not just my rescue, but the foundation of Your kingdom. Help me live under Your reign every day—not in compartments, but in every part of life. Teach me to walk in humility, to serve with love, and to bring Your kingdom values wherever You’ve placed me. You are my King, and I want my life to reflect that truth. Amen.