If the Cross is a Christian symbol, Why did Jesus himself not introduce it as being such?

Question

After all the Cross is considred by many to be THE symbol of Christ, Christianity, The Church, etc. Churches all over the world are adorned with Crosses, people wear them around their neck, pray while looking at them, are buried with them, they are passed down from generation to generation etc. So, there is no doubt the 'traditional' Christianity has pretty much embraced the Cross with open arms.
But, if this was meant to be THE symbol of Christ - Why did Jesus Christ himself not introduce the Cross?? Afterall he taught his disciples MANY things. Would this not be considered as important as well?? But yet, Jesus never mentioned anything about the Cross as a symbol or 'object' of worship representing him.
The Bible also shows that Jesus died on a Torture Stake, not an actual 'cross'. The words used in the Bible are 'stauros' and 'xylon', even the latin word 'crux' does not imply an actual 'cross' but rather an upright piece of wood.
Furthermore, the very person who introduced the Cross was Constantine, a pagan worshipper of the Sun god! It is of no suprise that in his 'vision' (as if) he looked up at the 'Sun' and saw the symbol for the 'cross', because the 'X' with a imposed 'P' is VERY closely related to the symbol of the Sun god!
History clearly shows that the Cross goes back to not only pagan Romans, but even further back to the times of the Egyptians! If it was meant to be the symbol for Christianity, Would not Jesus himself introduced it, instead of a pagan ruler??

What logical, or Biblical explanation could you conjure up to show the 'direct' connection between Jesus, the Cross and Christianity? What justification is there for using the Cross considering its direct link to false worship, and the Bible's command against Idolatry? (Exodus 20:4,5)
Why would a pagan ruler be the one to 'establish' the Cross' connection to the 'Church? Would that not be akin to a Computer Hacker giving someone a 'free' computer?? Would that not be atleast a little 'questionable' or 'concerning'?? What do you think??

Answer 1

The fact is, the cross was not even what Jesus was executed on. The Companion Bible, under the heading “The Cross and Crucifixion,” notes: “Our English word ‘cross’ is the translation of the Latin crux; but the Greek stauros no more means a crux than the word ‘stick’ means a ‘crutch.’ Homer uses the word stauros of an ordinary pole or stake, or a single piece of timber. And this is the meaning and usage of the word throughout the Greek classics. It never means two pieces of timber placed across one another. . . . There is nothing in the Greek of the N[ew] T[estament] even to imply two pieces of timber.”



Christianity does not need a visable symbol. As 2 Cor. 5:7 says: “We are walking by faith, not by sight."

Answer 2

I've heard that originally Christians adopted the symbol of the cross as a way of glorifying something that was meant to shame them. And to deify something used for killing would shock people, get them curious- like if we suddenly started wearing electric chairs around our necks. Also Jesus' death meant that people's sins were now paid for, a perfect man willfully dying for some really messed up people. I think it's also important as a reminder for believers that Jesus suffered the death sentence so they could be freed from the sin that we can't seem to get away from.

Answer 3

First, we have to look at the cross correctly and from the perspective of the Word. As to Rome, the Cross was not something they talked about, it was the worst, most humiliating way to die. If you were sentenced to die on the cross you were among the worst of society. The dregs if you will.



The Bible mentions that to hang on a tree is to be cursed of God. The worst place to be in Israel. Double indemnity. In a very real and visual display the Father as judge, accused, the sacrifice, and the jury sentenced himself to damnation for His people chosen by Him for redemption. Ones who did not want or seek Him nor care about His life and way. He has judged Himself for the sins of the people He touched and was washed outside the camp for touching the Dead. The spotless lamb of God giving Himself for people that did not want or seek Him. Giving what He left for years of suffering and rejection and death, that He might have a people and be their God and King. But, to have them do that He had to do all the work in their lives, they being powerless to do anything. That is grace and mercy none deserve nor can they earn.



Why though?? Well, it is because we gave up ruling to Lucifer who wanted to rule this domain. Eve was deceived and

Adam reneged and rebelled with knowledge this was not the way to go. They both knew it was a wrong path. But, together they turned away from God's law and accepted the lie. This brought our judgment and curse on our family of man. We like wise would have done the same. God is the only one who can maintain righteousness and do good. He deserves all the glory, honor and praise for He alone does it all. Peace to Him and His people.

Answer 4

wow, well...while Jesus was walking with the 12, etc. - he didn't need symbols - he was busy fulfilling prophecies.

The symbol of Christians is the fish - we are fishers for the souls of mankind.

I am sorry not to read all your elaborate question but I don't follow Jesus for human rules or symbols or status. I follow the Father of Jesus to save my soul. Of course humans are going to do whatever they can to profit - they want to live and have it easy.

Real faithful rarely bother with what is popular by directors of the masses. Everyone knows they are most likely lost as they are too caught in the worldly things. I mean no one has touched their TV for real, just a mental focus for prayer. You give your money to your community not to someone on TV. Faithful people are not stupid.

Answer 5

Here we go again.



The cross is a representation of the pain we must go through. The cross itself represents agony, pain, humiliation. Those who suffered on the cross were usually put on display for everyone to see and learn from.

The prophets foretold of the death of Jesus exactly how it happened hundreds of years prior. Jesus told His disciples how He would die. Jesus also commands us to pick up our own cross and follow Him.



I would like to continue on but it seems that may be wasted effort to explain what is so simple that the "smart" people cannot understand it. Good luck with your search for an answer suited to your liking.

Answer 6

A torture stake was a cross. It was designed to kill people. Tying someone to a pole woundn't do anything. Jesus didn't know he was going to die on a cross, so when he was crucified, people associated him with the thing that killed him.

Answer 7

The simple answer is: The cross had no earthly meaning until Christ had resurrected.

Answer 8

good point! i was reading my bible the other day and it says we have to worship God in spirit and truth... not using or through an object... a cross per se.

Answer 9

Same reason Jesus condemned violence, Same reason why Jesus never celebrated his own birth date.



rule of thumb is: follow Jesus, if he didn't do it neither should we.

Answer 10

that would be an ecumenical matter