1) The Crucifixion of Jesus – This story depicts the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity. He is beaten and mocked, ultimately carrying his own cross to the place of his execution. The story highlights the excruciating pain and suffering that Jesus endured, demonstrating his love for us.
2) The Story of the Serpent in the Wilderness – In this story, God sends fiery serpents to punish the Israelites for their disobedience. However, he also provides them with a way of salvation. Anyone who looks upon a bronze serpent on a pole will be saved from the venomous bites of the snakes. This foreshadows the redemption that comes through looking to the cross of Christ.
3) The Story of the tree that bloomed after being cut down – In this lesser-known story, a group of Jews are returning home from captivity in Babylon. They cut down a tree to make a bridge, but upon doing so, blood flows from the tree. Years later, a different group of Jews are going to rebuild the temple, and they cannot find the cornerstone. They discover that the blood-filled tree is the foundation of the temple. This story symbolizes the rebirth that comes from the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
4) The Story of the thief on the cross – Jesus was crucified alongside two criminals, one of whom repents and asks Jesus to remember him. Jesus responds by telling the thief that he will be with him in paradise that day. This story demonstrates the grace and forgiveness that can be found even in the midst of suffering and dying, and it shows that anyone can receive redemption through faith in Jesus, no matter how far they have strayed.
