The Offense of the Cross

Good Friday. Why is it called good?

I kind of hesitated a little as the question was asked of me. Not because I didn't think I could answer it but because I only had 2 mins. This is like trying to describe a planet to an ant or rollerskating to a fish. How do you do it?

I could easily state John 3:16 and in fact, I did, but loaded within the question are about 3 billion presuppositions that make the John 3:16 passage go in one ear and out the other. People do not think of salvation when they think of John 3:16, they think of the crazy guy from the sports arena waving around a silly poster. How do you answer this question with that guy bouncing around in your head?

My night at work was very diverse because I was asked the above question while I was also given the following "reminder":
I must admit that this didn't really bother me to much because I'm used to the Christmas situation and there has to be nothing more confusing for a person then to look at Easter and try to figure out exactly what it means if you don't believe in Christ. Bunnies don't really seem to pull off the charm of Santa.

Either of these situations makes you realize that there is a serious problem with the cross. It is just offensive. We know it was back then too because there was no lower death for a person then to be nailed to a cross; to be hung on a tree. Many people cannot come to Christ because the idea of God dying is incoherent. Many people do not come to Christ because if the message that is preached really was true, then that would have a dramatic affect on their lives. It would demand it!

The cross wasn't PC in Jesus' time and it definitely is repugnant in ours. Yet, I was reminded again today of this simple fact: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 That's why we celebrate! He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!