The nonsensical message of the cross
For the message about Christ’s death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved, it is God’s power. (verse 18)
Crucifixions were common enough in the Roman empire. But sophisticated citizens never got used to them. The orator Cicero, for example, expressed the wish that the sound of that word ‘cross’ remain far from his ears. For Cicero, crucifixion represented the most barbaric form of human cruelty. He, for one, could never have conceived that God would choose his Son’s death on a cross as the way to save the world.
By nature we all prefer a ‘glory story’. You and I would prefer a ‘primrose path’ through this life, with prosperity health and wealth. But the God we know from the Bible ‘decided to save those who believe by means of the “foolish” message’ of the cross of Jesus. ‘Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow’. And our Lord calls us to follow him on the way of the cross – the way of humble service to himself and others.
The Bible’s pattern is ‘through suffering to glory’, as we follow in our Master’s steps.
Heavenly Father, thank you for displaying your power and wisdom in the message of our Saviour’s death on the cross. Help us to keep our eyes on Jesus and to follow patiently in his steps. Amen.
by Greg Lockwood, in ‘Time Out a word from God’ (LCA, Openbook, 2008)
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