Introduction:   As believers we cherish the old rugged cross. Why? It is because there the Lord Jesus gave His life that we all might be saved. The cross in those days was the same as the gallows, electric chair, or gas chamber in our day. One would think it strange that someone would cherish a gas chamber, etc. Yet we cherish the cross because of the Christ of the cross. What makes the cross so special is the Christ that died on the cross. Take Christ from the cross and you have nothing but a gory place. Put Christ on the cross and you have a glory place. In verse 18, Paul spoke of the "preaching of the cross." The word "preaching" actually means "word." (Cp. John 1:1). Paul is talking about the "word" of the cross or the message of the cross. As we consider this text we learn several things about the cross. We find that the message of the cross is a saving message. Paul speaks of two different attitudes toward the saving message of the cross. Some view the message of the cross:

I.          WITH ABSURDITY

The word "Foolishness" = "moron." The word means "absurdity."

            A.        Because Of Its Message

To those that are perishing, the message of the cross is a silly message, not a saving message.

            B.        Because Of Its Manner

·         Intolerable Cruelty

·         Improbable Consequence

(Illus: A woman wrote J. Vernon McGee :) "Our preacher said that on Easter Jesus just swooned on the cross and that the disciples nursed him back to health. What do you think?" McGee replied, "Dear Sister, beat your preacher with a leather whip for thirty-nine heavy strokes. Nail him to a cross. Hang him in the sun for six hours run a spear through his heart. Embalm him. Put him in an airless tomb for three days. Then see what happens." That's why the death of Christ is often maligned, mistreated, and misjudged.  

II.        WITH AFFECTION

To those that are saved, the message of the cross is not a silly message but a saving message. Those that are saved view the message of the cross with affection because it is the power of God to save.

            A.        Because Of Its Power (Rom. 1:16)

·         Conviction

·         Conversion

            B.        Because Of Its Promise

A certain man, named Dr. Evan's, was touring Italy. A friend said to him, "There is a blessing you will receive if you will go and see a painting of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Dr. He went to the village where this painting was kept in a chapel. The caretaker led him to the painting. He was not prepared for what he saw. He was looking for a beautiful masterpiece of art. There was Jesus on the cross, but it seemed all out of proportion. It didn't make sense. It seemed somehow to be top heavy. Dr. Evan's said, "I don't understand this painting?" The caretaker replied, "Come closer." "Get lower." "Come closer." "Get lower." Finally Dr. Evan's found himself kneeling at the very foot of the cross. When he looked up he saw the perspective from which the painting had been made, and realized that it didn't make sense until you kneeled at the cross." No one will ever appreciate the message of the cross until they kneel by faith at the foot of the cross. Only then will they understand the saving power of the cross. (At The Cross, At The Cross, Where I First Saw The Light…)

Conclusion:     To those that are saved, the cross is not an absurd message. It is the power of God unto salvation. It was there we first saw the light and the heavy burden of sin rolled away. Those who are perishing may view the cross with absurdity, but those that are saved, view the message of the cross with affection.