Whatever you try to justify it, it is the idolatry which is against t
he First Commandment
So to erect a statue or a symbol of a man or any creature to be sanctified and glorified is forbidden by t
he First Commandment
See also
About the monotheism in the Bible
There is no suggestion of venerating any statue, symbol, man or creature here, TL.
Historians recognize crucifixion as a common practice in Roman-occupied first century Palestine. Jesus and his disciples were exposed to and familiar with this practice and the instrument of execution, the cross before Christ was sentenced to death.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/crucifixion-capital-punishment
Jesus’ exhortation to his disciples to “take up their cross daily and follow” (Matthew 10:38; 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23) was an “informed consent” invitation to join him in his mission. Christ warns his followers metaphorically that in following him they will experience spiritual and physical suffering similar to that of his own crucifixion and cross.
The following is a summary of the apostle Paul’s experience of suffering as a witness for Jesus Christ:
“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches“
(2 Corinthians 11:24-28, NIV).
The cross for Christians is a symbol of incomparable sacrifice and triumph which is embodied in the Lord Jesus Christ.