From Instrument of Defeat to Tree of Life
In the ancient Roman world, a cross was a sign of shame and defeat. But through Jesus’ Resurrection, its meaning was completely turned upside down.
Think of it as a spiritual fresh start: just as humanity’s story lost its way near a tree in the Garden of Eden, our story is healed and restored through the wood of Golgotha. Jesus transformed an instrument of execution into a fountain of eternal life, proving that love and life will always have the final victory over hardship and death.
The Story Behind the Exaltation of the Cross
Every year on September 14, churches commemorate The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, a feast day rooted in a famous story from history.
In the year 326 AD, Empress Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine, traveled to Jerusalem to locate the historical places of Jesus’ life. Beneath a pagan temple at Golgotha, her team uncovered three wooden crosses. To discover which one belonged to Jesus, Patriarch Makarios of Jerusalem touched each cross to a man who had passed away. When touched by the true Cross, the man was miraculously restored to life.
Crowds gathered from miles around to see the holy wood. To make sure everyone could behold it, the Patriarch lifted the Cross high above the people, while the whole assembly bowed and prayed together for God’s mercy.
True Power Comes Through Humility
Another popular story tied to the Cross happened three centuries later, when Emperor Heraclius recovered the Cross after it had been captured in war.
As the emperor tried to carry the Cross back into Jerusalem dressed in his golden crown and royal robes, he suddenly found himself unable to take a single step forward. A local bishop reminded him that Jesus had walked these same roads in complete humility and poverty, not royal splendor.
Taking off his crown and fine robes, the emperor put on simple clothing and carried the Cross barefoot into the city without any trouble.
What the Cross Means for Families Today
The history of the Cross leaves us with three encouraging lessons for everyday family life:
- Suffering can be transformed: God takes our hardest days, mistakes, and painful seasons and turns them into places of new beginnings.
- Greatness comes from humility: Real strength isn’t about being bossy or powerful, but about serving others with love.
- Hope wins: No matter how dark things seem, light and life always get the last word.
Whether worn as a necklace, displayed in our homes, or remembered in prayer, the Cross remains a joyful promise that God’s love is stronger than anything we face.
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