No Limits

Several images may come to mind when we think about the Christian faith. You may envision a cross, ichthys (Christian fish), a dove, or a triquetra. As for me, the image of a cross is the first that comes to my mind.

For most, when we see this symbol, we think about the unrelinquishing love, the ultimate sacrifice, and unimaginable hope Jesus gave to all of mankind. God sacrificed His own son so that we may live forever. However, when I was a child, I did not understand why people loved the symbol of the cross. I was very confused why people would celebrate Jesus Christ dying. Not only did Jesus of Nazareth die, but He was put on trial, found guilty by the Jewish leaders and Pontius Pilate, and was ultimately crucified. So, in the eyes of a child, why was the cross a powerful symbol of God’s immense love and sacrifice?

As a child, I had amazing Sunday School teachers and went to church every Sunday with my family. The amount of knowledge, love, and faith that was poured into me at my childhood church was immeasurable. Even though I was not a “lost sheep” as a child, I still struggled with why Jesus was crucified, and every time I saw a cross, I felt deep sorrow. I went as far as not wanting to wear a cross necklace, in fear it would remind me of the pain and tragic death Jesus had to suffer.

Logically, I understood why people loved the cross, but unfortunately, I still struggled with the imagery. Emotionally, it took me becoming a parent to my own two beautiful daughters to fully understand why we cherish that symbol of Christianity. There is no greater sacrifice than giving up your own child for the greater good. Jesus was God’s flesh made new. As a parent, I would do everything humanly possible for my daughters, if it meant ensuring they would never be hurt or suffer. God’s love extends beyond Jesus. He wanted all His children to know that He was our heavenly Father, not just to Jesus.

I participate in the Women of Faith Bible study that meets on Thursday afternoons in the St. Luke’s Mansion Library at our Downtown Campus. We have been reading, studying, and discussing the book, None Like Him: 10 ways God is different from us, by Jen Wilkin. While I always enjoy our studies, the first chapter, Infinite: God of No Limits, was eye-opening. It reminded me that the cross is an undeniable symbol that there are no limits to God’s immense love and sacrifice.

Jocelyn Morgan, Edmond Campus Director of Children’s Ministry