The offense of the Cross

   For over two thousand years, the cross of Christ has been recognized worldwide as the symbol of Christianity. The crucifixion, as brutal and agonizing as it was, is the most cruel means of execution ever devised. The purpose of crucifixion was to degrade, humiliate, and eventually kill the victim.
   During the Roman era, the cross was reserved for the most hated and dangerous enemies of the state, and Roman citizens who were sentenced to death were exempt from it because of its unusual cruelty and prolonged pain.
   However, today, we tend to look at the cross in sentimental terms. We cover it in gold and wear it around our necks like a fashion statement. But can you imagine how a first-century citizen would feel seeing crosses embossed in gold and hanging on chains around our necks? It would be like seeing someone wearing a silver electric chair or a golden gas chamber on a chain around their necks.
   It's not wrong to wear a cross today, but we need to remember the real meaning of the cross and not allow it to become a mere fashion statement. In 1 Corinthians 1:23, Paul wrote, "so when we preach that Christ was Crucified, the Jews are offended, and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense." We need to remember that the unsaved world has never been pleased to hear the message of the cross of Jesus Christ.
   In the book of Acts 5, when Peter and the apostles are dragged before the Jewish leaders, the Sanhedrin, notice their reaction to the cross of Christ.
   There are three possible reasons why Paul says he was writing with such large letters as he picks up his pen. Firstly, his handwriting looked large and sloppy next to the impeccable handwriting of his stenographer. Secondly, he is writing with emphasis, so he writes in all capitals and presses hard on the pen so his readers can see he meant what was being written down. Thirdly, Paul's 'thorn in the flesh,' poor eyesight, is why he makes such large letters as he writes because he cannot see well.
   Next, Paul returns to the central theme of his letter, which is the cancer of false teaching that is beginning to infect the churches in Galatia. This cancer has replaced the grace of Christ with the law of Moses. These false teachers were attempting to twist Christianity and make it fit with Judaism, and Paul calls them boasters.
   It is crucial to remember that the cross represents the ultimate symbol of rejection and shame, and we should never forget its significance. Let us always honor and remember the true meaning of the cross of Christ.

- Adapted from sermons across our 3 campuses on April 2, 2023.