Written by Dynamis Ministries | April 17, 2025
If you’re a rock climber, then you are most certainly familiar with the term crux. For climbers, the crux refers to the most difficult part of a climb. Sometimes, it’s the section that is most technical; at other times, it requires the most strength or endurance. Occasionally, it may demand the most agility. Whatever the challenge may be, the crux is the make-or-break point in the route —either you’ll reach the crux and fail or get past it and make it to the summit.
Interestingly, crux is a Latin word that means cross.
This week, we have been observing the most significant week of the Christian Calendar: Holy Week. Today, Maundy Thursday marks the beginning of the climax of the Gospel, the pinnacle of God’s redemptive plan. It entails the events of today —the Last Supper, the washing of the disciples’ feet and Jesus’s arrest and trial, which set the wheels in motion for the crux of God’s plan for human salvation.
And in this story, the crux also happens to be a cross.
The cross that Jesus carried, the cross that Jesus was hung on, the cross on which he breathed his last is THE CRUX of our faith. It was the make-or-break point in God’s story. If Jesus had failed at the assignment, our salvation would not have been possible. However, if he overcame the crux, then eternal life would be granted to all who believe. We know from the Easter story that Jesus’ journey did not end on the cross nor in the tomb. We know that Jesus emerged from the tomb, that he overcame death, and that this resurrection power is what grants us salvation. Praise Jesus for overcoming the crux!
What is truly amazing about the Christian narrative is that the crux of our faith has nothing to do with our own works or actions. Salvation is not a reward we earn for overcoming life’s challenges. Rather, salvation is a gift we receive because Jesus overcame everything for us. Understanding that Jesus triumphed over the crux should not only fill us with gratitude and worship but also reframe how we view life’s challenges and hardships along our journey. Because the hardest part is already overcome, we know that regardless of the trials that come our way, we will still reach the summit!
Whether you have been walking with Jesus for many seasons or are new to the journey, we pray that this Holy Week you will experience the sacrificial love of God in fresh, new ways. As you reflect on Jesus’ journey to and through the tomb, his story will become more alive and real to you than ever!
Happy Easter!
