10th October 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. We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1, 18, 23 & 24 Why the cross? Why did Jesus die on the cross publicly, in shame? Could he not have saved the world with more worthiness, more honour?

One would like to have an honoured saviour, a master who is applauded by crowds, a glorious liberator. The Jews at the time of Jesus also would have liked to have such a Messiah, but Jesus did not answer these expectations. How could he, who is the Son of God, receive honour from a world who is God's ennemy?

Why the cross? In this way it is proved that man who is honourable or depraved does not want God. He rejects the Son of God and places him in company of the dregs of society.

Why the cross? Only the cross could give an idea of God's horror for sin. God being righteous is constrained to abandon his beloved Son, who carried our mistakes to forgive us.

Why the cross? To prove Christ's love who went to the end of the sacrifice and to prove God's love who kept silent in front of the biggest outrage which was made against him. Through the cross the vastness of God's grace sparkled for the salvation of them who believe.

Yes, why the cross? In order that we can commit ourselves clearly to Jesus. Through love the Christian can take place beside the crucified one and accept the world's scorn. Have we taken our place?

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