The incarnation of Jesus is not simply an incarnation to endure the world’s mess; it is an incarnation to suffer the world’s sin. At the cross, Jesus suffered the death that we deserved; He endured punishment that we deserved. He is our substitute; our atoning sacrifice; our reconciliation with the Father. The cross is paradoxical because in death there is life. In dying on a tree, Jesus secured our place at the tree of life. The tree connects us with true life.
Adam fell at a tree, and by a tree he was saved. At a tree Eve was seduced, and through a tree the bride was restored to her husband. At a tree, Satan defeated Adam; on a tree Jesus destroyed the works of the devil. At a tree man died, but by Jesus’ death we live. At a tree God cursed, and through a tree that curse gave way to blessing. God exiled Adam from the tree of life; on a tree the Last Adam endured exile so that we might inherit the earth.[1] The tree is our life; at the cross, the love of God was made known; at the cross the wrath of God was satisfied.
Let us pray: We pray, O Christ, that our vision will be sharpened to see suffering in light of your suffering; to see death in light of your death; to see the gospel in light of your Word. Amen.
[1] Peter Leithart. The second paragraph comes largely from his writings.
