The Cross Tree



One of the hidden treasures in Cades Coves is The Cross Tree. This symbol of Christianity could very well have been carved 100 years ago before the National Park Service purchased the land. The story behind it is unknown. Was it carved in remembrance of the death of a loved one? Was it just someone trying out their new knife? We do not know.

On GOOD FRIDAY, the cross has a very special meaning to me. It is on this day that my Lord and Savior was whipped, beaten, mocked, spat upon, cursed and crucified to death. And just as the poison ivy surrounds the cross etched on this tree, it was for sin's poison of all mankind -- past, present and future -- that placed those nails into the hands and feet of the innocent Son of God.

For Jesus, it was NOT a good Friday. He could have called on His Father in heaven to save Him. He could have called on a thousand angels to save Him. He could have saved Himself for that matter... but He didn't. There was a holy blood sacrifice that had to be accomplished in order to rescue mankind from the grip of sin, death and hell. And because of His love for you and me, He determined it was worth it.

Why is this a Good Friday? Well, because Sunday is a-comin'! And, because we are now able to humbly approach God through faith in Jesus, receive forgiveness for sin, and be made clean because of His great love.

Romans 5:6-8
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

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