The concept of the cross, as the instrument of Jesus’ crucifixion, is not explicitly mentioned in the Old Testament, but there are references and prophetic foreshadowing that point to the suffering and death of the Messiah on a cross-like structure. The explicit mention of the cross comes in the New Testament. Here’s an overview of how and when the cross is mentioned or foreshadowed in the Bible:
1. Prophetic Foreshadowing in the Old Testament
- Psalm 22: Written by David, this psalm is often seen as a prophetic description of the crucifixion, even though it was written centuries before the practice of crucifixion was known in Israel. Psalm 22:16 says, “They pierce my hands and my feet,” which echoes the manner of Jesus’ crucifixion.
- Isaiah 53: The “Suffering Servant” passage in Isaiah 53 describes the Messiah’s suffering, rejection, and sacrifice for humanity’s sins. While it doesn’t mention a cross, it describes the manner in which the Messiah would suffer, pointing to crucifixion.
- Numbers 21:8-9: When Moses lifted up a bronze serpent on a pole, those who looked upon it were saved from death. Jesus later referenced this incident as a foreshadowing of His crucifixion (John 3:14-15), where He would be “lifted up” on the cross to bring salvation to those who believe in Him.
2. Explicit Mentions of the Cross in the New Testament
- Matthew 10:38: Jesus introduces the concept of the cross to His disciples when He says, “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Here, He uses the cross as a metaphor for self-denial and the willingness to follow Him, even to the point of suffering and sacrifice.
- Matthew 16:24 and Parallel Passages: Jesus again mentions the cross when He teaches His followers, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” At this time, the cross was known as a symbol of Roman execution, and Jesus used it to illustrate the cost of discipleship.
- John 19 and the Crucifixion Accounts: The cross is mentioned explicitly in the accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion in all four Gospels. John 19:17-18 describes Jesus carrying His cross to Golgotha, where He was crucified.
3. Theological Significance of the Cross in the New Testament Letters
- 1 Corinthians 1:18: Paul writes about the significance of the cross for believers, saying, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
- Galatians 6:14: Paul emphasizes the transformative power of the cross, saying, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
- Colossians 2:14: Paul also describes how Jesus’ death on the cross canceled “the charge of our legal indebtedness,” showing its significance in forgiveness and salvation.
Summary
The first explicit mention of the cross as the instrument of Jesus’ sacrifice appears in the New Testament. However, prophetic foreshadowing and imagery in the Old Testament, especially in passages like Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53, hint at the manner of Jesus’ death. Jesus Himself first introduces the concept of the cross as a symbol of discipleship and self-sacrifice in His teachings. The cross then becomes central in the Gospels’ crucifixion accounts and the theological discussions in the New Testament letters, where it symbolizes salvation, sacrifice, and the power of God’s grace.