The Cross Is a Scandal

22) For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23) But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness.

1 Corinthians 1:22-23 (KJV)

In the first century, the "Messiah" was expected to be a conquering king, capable of overthrowing Rome. This is precisely what the Jews expected of Jesus Christ, who presented himself to them as the Messiah destined to come and deliver them from their suffering. Yet, the cross revealed to them a reality that amounted to a veritable scandal.

The scandal of the Cross lies in the fact that God's victory was manifested neither through the conquest of the Roman army nor through the seizure of the throne, but through an instrument of execution. This suggests that God's power is manifested most perfectly in what the world calls "weakness." Paul understood this when God gave him the answer he did not expect—in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians (12:9)—saying: "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

The "Scandal" also lies in the fact that Jesus did not call upon legions of angels to annihilate his enemies. He accepted being bound, mocked, and spat upon. In the eyes of the world observing the scene, this looked like a crushing defeat. But the Cross reveals that God's power lies not in avoiding suffering, but in transforming it. He conquered death by dying; He crushed the system of violence by refusing to take part in it.

Now is the moment for you to turn toward the cross through faith, for the cross is not weakness, but power—God's plan for your salvation and for mine. Where you see a scandal involving divine weakness, God sees restoration.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.