Interpretation
An interesting paradox is created within this poem. The Cross is set up to be the way to Salvation. In the poem the Cross states that it cannot fall and it must stay strong to fulfill the will of God. However, in order to fulfill the will of God, the Cross has to be a critical instrument in Christ's death. This puts a whole new light on the actions of Jesus during the Crucifixion. Neither Jesus nor the Cross is given the role of the helpless victim in the poem, but instead both stand firm. The Cross says, "Then saw I mankind's Lord come with great courage when he would mount on me" (lines 33b-34b). Jesus is depicted as the strong conqueror and is made to appear a "heroic German lord, one who dies to save his troops". Instead of accepting crucifixion, he 'embraces' the Cross and takes on all the sins of mankind.
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