The scandalous Cross

1 Corinthians 1:21-25 NKJV

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. [22] For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; [23] but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, [24] but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God. [25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

The word scandal derives from the Greek word "skandalon" literally the trigger stick of an animal trap. Something that causes someone to be caught out and confined.

The Jews expected their Messiah to be an all-conquering liberator from the Roman tyranny, not a humble teacher who died on a cross (a punishment reserved for slaves and aliens).

Actually, Jesus IS an all-conquering liberator, but not in an outward way. He conquered what each human has never ever been able to conquer - our fallen nature.

It all goes against human wisdom and logic. How could Jesus dying 2,000 years ago affect our lives today and forever?

That's the scandal - the stumbling block of the Cross of Jesus.

We'd like to be challenged to become wise and work our way into God's "good books".

But, tell us to humble ourselves like little children, admit our need of a Saviour, come to the Cross for cleansing and forgiveness, now that's offensive to our pride and independence!

Isaiah prophecised about Jesus:

Isaiah 28:16 NLT

Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "Look! I am placing a Foundation Stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested Stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.

To come to the Cross of Jesus means laying aside all independence and pride and placing all hope, trust and belief on Jesus.

"Nothing in my hand I bring

Simply to Your Cross I cling"

What a scandalous Cross!

Romans 9:30-33 NLT

What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God's standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place. [31] But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. [32] Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in Him. They stumbled over the great Rock in their path. [33] God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said, "I am placing a Stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble, a Rock that makes them fall. But anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced."