the cross

to die by crucifixion was to plumb the lowest depths of disgrace, it was a punishment reserved for those deemed unfit to live, a punishment for those who were subhuman. For so degrading a death the Romans was exempt by an ancient statute, the dignity of the Roman name would be besmirched by being brought into association with anything as vile as a cross. For slaves and criminals of a low degree it was regarded as a suitable form of execution, and to others a grim deterrent. But this disgrace Jesus disregarded, as something not worth taking into account when it was a question of obedience to the will of God

F.F Bruce, The Epistle to the Hebrews P338

I stand amazed in the presence Of Jesus the Nazarene,

And wonder how He could love me,A sinner, condemned, unclean.

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!

Is my Savior’s love for me!
For me it was in the garden He prayed:

“Not My will, but Thine.”He had no tears for His own griefs, But sweat drops of blood for mine.

In pity angels beheld Him,And came from the world of light

To comfort Him in the sorrows He bore for my soul that night.

He took my sins and my sorrows,He made them His very own;

He bore the burden to Calvary,And suffered and died alone.

When with the ransomed in glory

His face I at last shall see,’Twill be my joy through the ages

To sing of His love for me.