I am often asked "What wood was the Cross made from?" This has been the subject of much debate and disagreement amongst historians, botanists, and Bible scholars. There are many legends, however there is very limited scriptural evidence to suggest what the wood may have been. 

There are some who believe that Olive Wood or Cedar of Lebanon was used. Others suggest perhaps it was Cypress or Planetree Wood. Some even suggest Dogwood was used; however there aren't any Biblical references to the Dogwood tree, only legends.

Some clues are available from published works outside of the Scriptures. There are fragment relics out there that many claim are of the True Cross. Some skeptics joke that there are enough of these fragments to build a battleship out of the pieces. 

In 1870, Rohault de Fleury published "Mémoire sur les instruments de la Passion" in which he attempted to catalog all of the known fragments. The author determined that, at that time, if all of the relic pieces were put together, they would not even amount to one-third of the Cross which is said to have stood four meters in height, with a traverse branch of two meters. The author further claims that upon "A microscopic examination of the fragments of the Cross, scattered through the world in the form of relics, reveals the fact that it was made from a pine tree."

If the Cross was indeed made from a pine tree, that raises the question as to what species of pine. There are hundreds of species of pine spread throughout the world. But, only a few were common in the Holy Land at the time of the Crucifixion. The most common pine species in the area is pinus halepensis, or what's commonly known today as Aleppo Pine, and apinus pinea (Stone Pine).

As we are approaching the release of the movie "The Passion Of The Christ", it causes me to consider that we should not be concerning ourselves too much with "What" the Cross was, but that we should be contemplating the "Why" the cross was. 

The Cross (or Crucifixion) was a fulfillment of prophesy, and not simply a barbaric act of a few specific Romans or Jews. When I read the popular press regarding the fear of the possible prejudice that may rear its ugly head with the release of this movie, I am saddened by the narrow perspective that people are using when contemplating the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

Not only was the death of Christ foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament, it was indeed necessary for the redemption of our sins. When I think about the horrendous death that Jesus experienced as detailed in the Gospels, it causes me great sorrow. At the same time the gift of salvation that it results in gives me incredible joy, for through His death and resurrection, I am saved! Christ's death on the cross, and His resurrection, is the greatest gift that man could ever hope for, and that gift was given freely through grace.

⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; ⁹not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)

My prayer is not only that of thanksgiving for the gift that I have received, but that each and every person who sees the movie will not only know the "Why", but to believe it -- and to receive that gift themselves. If you haven't read Ephesians, or if it's been a while, I would ask that you please read it anew.

In Christ,