The Unpopular Message of the Cross

But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness. (1 Corinthians 1:23)

The message of the cross was not a popular message to the first century Gentiles or Jews. The cross of Christ was a stumbling block to the Jews because they had allowed the law codes of the Old Covenant to become ritual. What had been intended to point them toward a need for Jesus Messiah had become that which was worshipped. The message of the cross was a message of salvation by grace through faith in the One who had paid the price for our sins. To have embraced this message would have seemed to the Jew as having rejected the traditions that began with God's covenant with Abraham.

Of course Jesus explained that Abraham rejoiced to see Christ come and fulfill the covenant (John 8:56). Galatians 3:6 reminds us, "Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness." This was a stumbling block to the Jews who had come to think that salvation was merited by the keeping of the law. Certainly something so valuable could not be so free.

Salvation is not free, but it cost more than we can pay. The message of the cross is still a stumbling block to the people who think they can be good enough to earn favor with God. Perhaps their good works are done in conjunction with involvement in a religious organization. Maybe they reject all forms of religion assuming that being a good humanitarian will suffice just in case they have to answer to a higher power or reap a certain karma in another life.

The Gentiles, on the other hand, saw the cross as foolishness. This was an exclusive message of redemption. To embrace it would be to admit that one is a sinner in need of a savior. Ironically, the Greeks of the first century were worshipping all kinds of false deities. But this took place in a social setting that did not "cramp their style." The cross was a message of salvation and grace, but it was not a message of tolerance.

This mindset also permeates our culture today. Many Americans even think they are too smart for such a foolish message as the cross of Christ. If one believes the gospel message, they are forced with having to admit that God exists, and that He deals with sin. Like the first century Greek, people of our day still want to embrace some type of spiritual experience. But they reject the notion that our sin brings us face to face with the cross.

Despite the response of Gentiles and Jews, Paul was determined to preach the cross. He understood that for those who received the message, and responded in faith, that the message of the cross was and is "the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24)."

Friends, please do not trust in works of the law or being a good person to give you salvation. Nor should you look for a more tolerant message. Had there been any other way to be saved, Christ would not have had to die on the cross. Take time this Easter to reflect on the message and the Christ of the cross. Then rejoice in the resurrection and commit your life to the One who died that you might live!

Pastor Robby