1. The Meaning of Jesus’ Cross
The event in which Jesus Christ was crucified stands at the very heart of Christian faith—a salvific act so pivotal that all the Gospels underscore it as their central message. John 19:17–27 provides a comparatively concise record of Jesus’ crucifixion and the moments leading up to His death. Yet behind this brief account lies a profound measure of suffering and, at the same time, a depth of love impossible to capture fully in human words. Here, we will explore the significance of the cross as conveyed by Pastor David Jang and consider the message this suffering brings to us today.
In John 19:17, we read: “And he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).” Golgotha, meaning “the skull,” was the site of Jesus’ crucifixion—an execution hill used by the Roman Empire to carry out its most severe capital punishments. Crucifixion was then considered the cruelest form of execution, in part because the condemned were forced to carry the very cross on which they would be nailed, all the way to the place of execution. Jesus willingly bore this historically brutal sentence, filled with malice and hatred, and John records it with striking brevity. This brevity underscores that the path of the cross was a chosen journey of suffering—one aimed at our salvation.
In his interpretation of this passage, Pastor David Jang emphasizes the holy and weighty nature of humanity’s sin and Jesus’ sacrifice in bearing it. For Jesus, voluntarily carrying the heavy cross to Golgotha was not a mere historical procedure of execution; rather, it was the redemptive act by which He would liberate all humanity from the oppression of sin and death. It was both an act of immeasurable love and a grief-stricken suffering beyond what human reasoning can fully comprehend. This is why the Gospel writers sometimes fall silent and at other times seem to relay events with only a few words, striving to communicate that colossal truth, explains Pastor David Jang.
During that era, those condemned to crucifixion were typically escorted by four Roman soldiers. They carried a plaque around their necks stating their charges and were led to the place of execution along a roundabout route to maximize public exposure. In theory, such a procession could provide the condemned with a final chance to plead their case, but more often, it served to amplify mockery, pain, and shame to the extreme. The charge inscribed for Jesus—“Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”—was likewise affixed above His cross. Many Jewish leaders objected to that sign, arguing it insulted their religious pride, but Pilate refused to change it. Ironically, even as a form of ridicule, it emblazoned in world history the declaration that Jesus truly is the King.
In Matthew 27:27–31, we see an even more detailed depiction of the brutality Jesus endured on His way to Golgotha. The soldiers clothed Him in a scarlet robe, placed a crown of thorns on His head, spat on Him in mockery, and struck His head with a reed. After that, they forced Him to bear the heavy cross to the execution site. Though Jesus had done good works, healed people, and taught love, He was ultimately subjected to the harshest punishment amid the hatred of a deceitful crowd.
Pastor David Jang draws particular attention to how Jesus’ suffering went beyond mere physical pain, becoming the moment He bore all the sins and malice of humankind. Roman soldiers, Jewish religious leaders, and even those calling Him “King of the Jews” in mockery—each represented the depravity of the human heart. Yet despite their violence and derision, Jesus refused to evade the cross, ultimately sacrificing Himself so that we might receive forgiveness of sins and the path to salvation. This is a core message Pastor David Jang emphasizes.
The appearance of Simon of Cyrene is a memorable detail found in the Gospels (Matt. 27:32; Mark 15:21). When Jesus grew too weak to carry the cross any farther, the Roman soldiers compelled Simon to shoulder it. Scripture notes that Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus, pointing beyond mere historical trivia—there is an allusion that, later on, Rufus became significant in the church (Rom. 16:13) and that Simon’s family experienced a dramatic transformation after this encounter with Jesus’ cross.
Pastor David Jang highlights that even being forced to carry Jesus’ cross can become a special doorway to understanding Christ’s suffering and can spark a profound life change. Simon had only come to Jerusalem to observe the Passover, yet in taking up Jesus’ cross, he likely encountered firsthand the reality of “carrying someone else’s burden of sin.” In this way, the cross enacts a holy transformation on the individual level, while also possessing the power to change families and entire communities.
In Matthew 27:33–34, we read that Jesus was offered wine mixed with gall. This was a kind of primitive anesthetic to dull the torment of crucifixion. Yet when Jesus tasted it, He refused to drink. Pastor David Jang underscores that by declining this pain-diminishing mixture, Jesus did not carry our sin “halfway” or “in a numbed condition.” He bore in full the entire penalty and agony that our sin demanded. Christ did not scale back His sacrifice but wholly and completely fulfilled His sacred mission, thereby granting us true freedom.
In John 1:29, John the Baptist points to Jesus, exclaiming, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” This phrase serves as a powerful symbol of Jesus’ suffering. Just as the Passover lamb in the Old Testament shielded the Israelites from death, Jesus, the Lamb of God, became the atoning sacrifice for all humanity, rescuing us from sin and the grave. Pastor David Jang maintains that even in modern times, we must constantly remember this doctrine of “substitution,” that Jesus bore the burden of our sins. Each step He took, carrying His cross to Golgotha, was both a march of love and the prelude to the redemption that would upend the course of human history.
Pastor David Jang also points out that Jesus’ teaching, “Love your enemies,” reaches its apex in the crucifixion. Even as He hung on the cross, beaten, spat upon, and ridiculed, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This is the most dramatic instance of Christ’s life perfectly matching His teaching. Pastor David Jang stresses that whenever we look at the cross, we should learn from the profound unity between Jesus’ words and deeds—His speech and actions were never at odds. We must not merely talk about forgiveness or love in theory; rather, the cross teaches an active discipleship that extends radical love to our enemies.
Another crucial aspect of the crucifixion is that it achieves “the simultaneous fulfillment of God’s justice and love.” According to Pastor David Jang, God’s holiness demands judgment against sin, yet His boundless mercy and grace for us are consummated in the shedding of Jesus’ blood. These two qualities—holiness and grace—are not at odds but converge in the grand narrative of the cross. Jesus explicitly stated, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45), and by dying on the cross, He opened the way for us to be declared righteous. The cross of Golgotha is the road by which we may be freed from the bondage of sin, allowing us to come freely to God. This is the heart of the Christian gospel.
In clarifying the nature of that salvation, Pastor David Jang points out that “Jesus did not avoid crucifixion, even though it was the most disgraceful, agonizing form of death.” This shows that His love for us surpassed human limitations and fear. Even when we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8), the Lord reached out to us first—an astounding expression of grace. Jesus’ declaration “It is finished” (John 19:30) upon the cross encapsulates the completion of this epic journey of both suffering and love.
Ultimately, the suffering that John 19:17–27 describes is not merely a historical event that took place centuries ago in Palestine; it is a story of salvation that resonates with every person living today. By offering Himself once for all as the eternal sacrifice, Jesus made it unnecessary for us to bear any perpetual burden of sin. Yet, at the same time, He calls us to follow His example of the cross, reminding us: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). Reflecting on this verse, Pastor David Jang stresses that Jesus not only removed our burdens but also directs us to follow Him along the path of self-denial. That road is wholly unlike the world’s value system; it is the way of God’s kingdom.
In sum, Jesus’ crucifixion was the decisive event that accomplished the salvation of humankind. Through this event, all Christians receive forgiveness of sins, justification, and the hope of everlasting life. Pastor David Jang emphasizes that the cross must never be relegated to an abstract doctrine or a mere church emblem; rather, it must become the very substance of our lives. In the cross, we see God’s infinite love, and in Jesus—who walked that path—we find our true model. Thus, when we contemplate the cross, we cannot help but face our sinfulness and incapacity, while also finding our chance to enter true life through Jesus’ sacrifice and love.
This profound meaning of John 19:17–27 emerges most vividly in the image of Jesus walking up Golgotha and being nailed to the cross. Pastor David Jang challenges us to reaffirm the truth that “there can be no salvation without the cross, nor glory without suffering.” The path of discipleship, following Jesus, is a way of total dedication and love. The redeeming grace that frees us from the power of sin and death is found in the cross; that grace transcends time and extends to all people. And the One who flung open the gates of salvation is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, who willingly endured every agony upon the cross. Through Pastor David Jang’s teaching, we are reminded anew of this eternal truth.
2. The Love Revealed Through Jesus’ Suffering
When we meditate on Jesus’ crucifixion, we naturally call to mind “the grace of salvation” granted to us. However, salvation does not stop at the mere forgiveness of sins; it must powerfully transform our whole lives. Pastor David Jang teaches that we need practical applications so that the suffering and love of Christ do not remain just theological concepts. Just as Jesus personally carried His cross to Golgotha, we, too, must walk that path.
The first core value Jesus shows us by carrying the cross is obedience. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not as I will, but as you will” (Matt. 26:39), and ultimately He obeyed the Father’s plan entirely, walking the way of the cross. This teaches us that following God’s will, no matter the cost, is truly the path of life. Pastor David Jang asserts that modern Christians, often distracted by comfort and worldly success, must regain this spirit of “sacrificial obedience” through reflecting on the cross.
Secondly, the cross shows that “loving even your enemies” is not just an empty slogan but the central principle for real life. From the cross, Jesus prayed for those crucifying Him. Such a love is incomprehensible from a human point of view, yet it reveals the very heart of God. According to Pastor David Jang, this kind of love is not mere sentimentality or moral virtue but “a supernatural force that manifests when the gospel truly takes root in us.” Sacrificial love is never easy in a world rife with pain and conflict, but contemplating the cross enables us to grasp the crescendo and power of that love.
The third application is living a life of self-denial. Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Pastor David Jang underscores that while Jesus has already opened the path of salvation by dying in our place, each individual is responsible for actually walking that path. We still harbor selfishness and worldly desires that pull us away from the cross. Hence, we must seek the Holy Spirit’s help daily and model our attitudes on Jesus’ obedience and sacrifice, learning to “deny ourselves.” We can only hope to achieve this spiritual journey through the grace that flows from the cross.
Fourthly, Jesus’ suffering calls us into solidarity with the weak and to share in their trials. Although the cross summons up Jesus’ utter isolation—rejected and mocked—it also shows that He is “God with us,” who suffers alongside humanity. Pastor David Jang challenges believers to recall the cross whenever we see others in distress, urging us to weep with them and work on behalf of those who are wronged. Such “practical compassion,” carried out by the church as the body of Christ, is how we fulfill Jesus’ commandment in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Moreover, the cross demonstrates the profound power of humility. Philippians 2:6–8 explains that though Jesus was in very nature God, He emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and obeyed even to the point of death. Crucifixion was the lowest, most humiliating form of death, and yet, as God incarnate, Jesus willingly submitted to it. This act in no way diminished His divine nature but instead revealed God’s love and justice in perfect unison. Pastor David Jang encourages us to recognize how easily we seek to exalt ourselves, but to look upon the cross as a lesson in how “emptying oneself” brings enormous spiritual blessing.
Further, Jesus’ crucifixion inherently assumes the promise of resurrection. His passion and death were not the ultimate or final outcome; rather, they were part of God’s plan, culminating in the resurrection. Pastor David Jang reminds us that the suffering we face in our own lives can become a meaningful process under God’s care, just as Jesus’ suffering gave way to the glory of the resurrection. This underscores the vital Christian truth that “there is no resurrection without the cross, and no cross without resurrection.” While the cross at first seems to end in humiliation and agony, the empty tomb beyond it changes everything.
In all these dimensions, Jesus’ crucifixion is not just a religious symbol but a way of life. Since this path of suffering was the road Jesus Himself walked, we, as His disciples, must follow. Pastor David Jang often says, “To know the cross is to live a life that bears it.” This means we must reveal the spirit of the cross in our daily conduct: serving others with humility, rejecting unrighteous compromises, offering ourselves where love is needed, and even embracing those who oppose and hate us. When such actions become tangible in our lives, the world will begin to perceive that the gospel truly expresses itself through love and sacrifice.
Pastor David Jang also raises an important challenge: how can the church community embody the teachings of the cross? Many churches, preoccupied with institutional development, growth, and external programs, may risk losing sight of the cross’s essence. But Christian faith is always rooted in the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and at the center of His teaching lies the “new commandment”: “Love one another” (John 15:12). Such love is not an abstract idea; it must permeate each person’s life and shape the culture of the community. We need to practice kindness, resolve conflicts through forgiveness and reconciliation, and extend an open-hearted love to those who are marginalized or vulnerable.
In treading the path Jesus took, we also learn of God’s justice. The cross was a place where God’s severe judgment upon sin was executed. Jesus was not only kind; He fully embodied the righteous wrath of God against sin. Although sinless Himself, He took on the sins of humanity, paying a price infinitely heavy. Pastor David Jang notes that in this lies a paradox: “God hates sin as much as He loves us.” This is the core of the crucifixion, and it propels the Christian life.
All the miracles Jesus performed and the teachings He gave find their culminating moment at the cross. The love, service, holiness, and power He revealed are all completed in that event, which then leads to the resurrection, opening the doorway of eternal life to us. Pastor David Jang says, “Whenever you look at the cross, remember that it is not failure or defeat, but the greatest victory.” Though the world’s eyes see crucifixion as a criminal’s shameful end, in reality, this event shattered the power of death and neutralized the sting of sin—a true “spiritual revolution.”
Such power of the gospel continues even now. Though two millennia have passed, the salvation Jesus accomplished on the cross remains ever-effective for those who receive Him as Lord, and by the Holy Spirit’s power, we can experience that love and grace in daily life. Pastor David Jang thus advocates that evangelism must forever center on “the cross and the resurrection.” Human wisdom or rhetorical skill alone cannot bring about inner transformation, but the moment a person deeply accepts the message of the cross, his or her heart is reborn.
Gazing upon the cross often confronts us with our own powerlessness, failures, and sins. But it is precisely there that we see God’s forgiveness, healing, and hope. Pastor David Jang summarizes this by saying, “The cross exposes our sin but simultaneously proclaims forgiveness and salvation.” It lays bare how dire the problem of sin really is, even as it demonstrates the enormity of God’s grace in solving that problem.
Jesus’ suffering on our behalf was an act of sacrificial love, and it also set an example we are called to follow. As our world grows more complicated and its values ever more hedonistic and self-serving, the humility, love, sacrifice, and service portrayed by the cross poses an even stronger challenge. Pastor David Jang calls on believers in this modern era to reclaim a cross-centered life by meditating on Jesus in Scripture and prayer daily, and by practicing the essence of the cross in all areas of life. This vibrant adherence to the cross is precisely why the Christian gospel has continually thrived in the midst of varying human cultures and histories.
Moreover, just as Simon of Cyrene was coerced to carry Jesus’ cross, we, too, may face moments of “unwilling sacrifice.” Ironically, such compelled service can become the starting point of grace. Pastor David Jang notes that many believers feel forced or burdened by the demands of church volunteer work or community service, yet these obligations often deepen our understanding of Christ’s heart. Bearing the “load of the cross” against our inclination can unexpectedly lead to a deeper personal encounter with God, serving as a pathway for our faith to grow.
Hence, the cross is not some distant matter. Christ’s suffering is not merely a doctrinal truth we hear once on Sunday or something we lament over briefly during Lent. Rather, it is a reality actively at work in a believer’s daily life. Pastor David Jang remarks, “A life that begins and ends with the cross is the pinnacle of discipleship.” Far more than any grand achievements or church events, the true essence of faith is found when each believer follows Jesus’ path of obedience and love, even sharing in His suffering, thereby bringing the aroma of Christ to the world.
A further indispensable component of contemplating the cross is repentance. If we talk about Jesus’ sacrifice yet remain numb to sin, or turn a blind eye to injustice and evil, we distort the cross’s meaning. Although Jesus freed us from the bonds of sin by His crucifixion, that freedom must be used as a tool for righteousness and love, not for moral indifference. Pastor David Jang repeatedly stresses this point, reminding us of Paul’s warning in 2 Corinthians 6:1 not to receive God’s grace in vain. Repentance is not just admitting past wrongs but making a decisive shift in our lives toward God’s will.
In this way, the benefits of the cross are enormously wide-ranging. Assurance of salvation, forgiveness of sins, a new life-empowering grace, a transformed view of suffering, motivation to reach out in love to others, humility, obedience, and even the hope of resurrection—all these flow from Jesus’ passion. Pastor David Jang calls Golgotha “the center point of human history,” affirming that the blood Jesus shed there is the wellspring of God’s power to heal all sin and brokenness in the world.
At the same time, the cross signals our “restored relationship with God.” Because of sin, we were estranged, but through the cross, we gain a path back to Him. This reconciliation is not achieved by religious works or by presuming our own righteousness; it is solely a gift received through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice. Pastor David Jang describes this as “being clothed with the righteousness of Christ,” insisting we must rely on Jesus’ work on the cross rather than our own merits.
Jesus’ crucifixion forever altered the course of human history and culture. The Gospel passage of John 19:17–27 compresses the tremendous gravity and love found in the crucifixion. Pastor David Jang, reflecting on this text, exhorts believers not merely to observe the path Jesus took but to actively participate in it. Our day-to-day lives must become the stage on which we testify to Jesus’ life, teaching, and sacrificial love.
When we embrace the spirit of the cross, we cease to be Christians locked within church walls, instead becoming the salt and light of the world, marked by a practical spirituality. David Jang describes the core of such a church community as one that “serves in humility, walking in love and truth.” When a church is built on this foundation, people come to recognize that the cross is not just two wooden beams forming an instrument of execution; it is the channel of life for all humanity. There, we can demonstrate through our lives that “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” is truly King over every nation and generation.
The cross calls out to us across the ages. Whenever our faith falters, or we feel overwhelmed by guilt or shame, or we find ourselves lost in the midst of suffering, looking to the cross reveals how Christ’s pain and love pave a way forward. Pastor David Jang asserts that this is the gospel’s most powerful strength. No philosophy or ideology in the world can solve the problems of sin and death, but Jesus, nailed to a cross, overcame death by His resurrection and shattered the grip of sin. When His love thrives in each person’s heart, we can form a community where people truly love and serve one another, gradually witnessing God’s kingdom unfolding in our midst.
In all these reflections, Pastor David Jang insists repeatedly that the cross is the indispensable foundation of faith for every Christian. Without Jesus’ sacrifice, there is no salvation. Without His love, we cannot genuinely love one another. Hence, the cross must never be treated merely as a religious decoration on a church wall. Instead, its suffering, sacrifice, and resurrection power must be renewed in the deepest chambers of our hearts every day. When the cross becomes the center of our souls, we can then follow Jesus’ command to “deny yourself, take up your cross” and walk as true disciples.
Jesus’ crucifixion is not simply a gruesome event in first-century Judea. It is the greatest love story in human history. And we are invited not merely to watch it from a distance but to step onto that stage as participants. Our role is to respond to His love, let His salvation be made manifest in our lives, and spread that love to the world around us. In Pastor David Jang’s view, “cross-centered spirituality” reaches its fulfillment precisely through such committed participation and action. When Jesus Christ, who was crucified, is alive again in each of our hearts, we receive the power to overcome evil and despair, and the strength to love and serve one another.
Thus, Pastor David Jang highlights John 19:17–27, depicting Jesus’ crucifixion, as containing the essence of the gospel and the root of true discipleship. In watching Jesus carry His own cross and refuse even a pain-numbing drink, we discover the intensity of God’s love for sinners like us. Like Simon of Cyrene, we are reminded that we, too, must join Jesus on the path of the cross. This road is indeed a difficult one, yet it leads beyond suffering to the glory of the resurrection. As we cling to the cross and follow wherever Jesus calls us, we find genuine freedom and life, and we can form a community that testifies to the kingdom of God in the world.
Such is the modern significance of the biblical phrase “they crucified Him,” and it is the truth Pastor David Jang consistently preaches. Regardless of changing times and cultures, the fact that Jesus carried our sins to Golgotha will never fade. Having been saved through His suffering, death, and resurrection, we must likewise hold firmly to the spirit of the cross in our daily lives, being the salt and light of the earth. Only then will we tangibly experience and bear witness to “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” as the eternal and rightful ruler of our hearts and this world.