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Why Was Jesus Crucified? The Foolishness of the Cross

The Scripture is clear that Jesus was crucified according to the plan of God. While humans thought it was their own idea, Acts 4:27-28 makes it clear that it was something God had planned long before. But why? Why did God the Son become incarnate so that he could be crucified? The foolishness of the cross is often overlooked in this discussion.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Theories of the Atonement

The sacrifice of atonement is described in Leviticus 16. This was an annual sacrifice that dealt with the sin of the community and made a relationship with God possible. This sacrifice can be seen to be looking forward to what Jesus’ death on the cross did for us; dealing with our sin, and making a restored relationship with God possible.

But how did it accomplish this restoration? There have been a number of theories advanced over the 2000 years of church history concerning the atonement that Jesus made for us. Christus Victor sees the cross as Christ’s victory over Satan and the freeing of his prisoners. The Satisfaction theory of the Atonement sees Christ’s death as satisfying God’s offended honor and dignity. And the Penal Substitution theory sees Christ as being our substitute, paying the penalty for our sin.

A problem I have with all of these theories is the thought that God was forced to offer a perfect sacrifice to redeem me. He had to do it to defeat Satan, or to satisfy his honor, or to punish our sins. Or some combination of the three.

But God is not forced to do anything. He did not have to create us, especially knowing we would rebel and require such a sacrifice on his part. He is not forced to offer that sacrifice. That he choose to act in a certain way does not mean that it was required of him.

The Foolishness of the Cross

So why did he choose Jesus’ crucifixion? The theories mentioned above all have Scriptural backing, especially the Penal Substitution theory. I don’t mean to discount any of them. But I suspect there is another reason for the cross.

And that was that it was foolish. Or foolish at least according to human thought.

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
but 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.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

1 Corinthians 1:21-25 NIV

This passage tells us that God intentionally chose something that the world would consider foolish; the foolishness of the cross, in order to save those who believe. But it tells us something else as well.

God chose a means for our salvation that would be foolish to us in our own wisdom. God is not looking for smart people, perfect people, or beautiful people. He is looking for people of faith, people who will respond to him without the need of seeing or touching him. And how better to do that than with a shameful crucifixion.

Yes, Jesus died as a ransom for us, paying the penalty for our sins that we ourselves could not pay. But there was more to it than just that. The cross becomes a test. Will you believe it? Or do you find the foolishness of the cross to be offensive?

A Model of Discipleship

While it may not be a reason for the cross, Jesus’ crucifixion also serves as a model for discipleship. His death and resurrection paint a picture of the life of discipleship; dying to self and rising into a new life in the kingdom.  Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him.  Paul calls on us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices.  This picture, which we also see painted in baptism, is the model we are all called to follow.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

If I am in Christ, then I have participated in his crucifixion and the old man is gone.  I have also experienced his resurrection and have become a new creation.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galations 2:20 NIV

Paul here expresses the idea of dying to self by participating in Christ’s crucifixion and then living a new life of faith in Christ.

A Personal Example

And, finally, what Jesus did sets a personal example for me when I face challenging times as a disciple of Jesus.  When I get discouraged I can look at what he went through and how he managed it. And then take comfort in knowing that he can, and will, help me through my challenges.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews 12:1b-3 NIV

Conclusion

Why the crucifixion? Scripture tells us that Jesus died as a ransom for our sin. And that in his death he make propitiation for our sin. But Paul also tells us that the message of the cross, while foolish to the world, is the power of God to bring salvation to those who believe. The foolishness of the cross, a crucified messiah, is God’s choice to bring salvation to a lost world.

Disclaimer

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

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7 thoughts on “Why Was Jesus Crucified? The Foolishness of the Cross”

  1. the information about the crucifixion actually occurred. Even in Isaiah 53:10 it says that God willed that he suffer and offer himself as a sacrifice for sin. Then he will live a long life and see his descendants through him God’s will will be carried out. jesus was crucified

    Reply
  2. The points raised are interesting cross referenced to the various books n various recordings.Being a Christian of a devade, it helps me to realise that reading the bible is not just per se, But, in its entirety thru the cross referenced,

    Henceforth,
    It sheds more light into connectivity to all tge varipus writers experiebces with God n Our Lord, n the relevance of both old n new Testament,

    Instead of in isolation,
    Basing on individualistic views,
    Hence Salvatiin enfolds, the mysteries of God through Our Lord n the Holy Family theough Mary n Joseph, brought our Salvation history to a level of family life,

    Thank you very much for this prprecious explanation , n for the insights to guide newcomers to the faith, in the way of the light, truth n faith,

    May the Peace of Jesus Christ
    be with you n your good works!

    Reply
  3. “God chose a means for our salvation that would be foolish to us in our own wisdom. God is not looking for smart people, or perfect people, or beautiful people. He is looking for people of faith, people who will respond to him without the need of seeing or touching him. And how better to do that than with a shameful crucifixion.” I am constantly amazed by God’s timing when imparting His Wisdom upon this sincere, albeit seriously fallacious human such as I. Recently, I asked to be led in a deeper search for the meaning of “believing” in the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be “saved”. I was taught many years ago that even Satan and his minions “believe” in Jesus…and yet they are far from “saved”. Indeed, I have heard people say that they believe in God, and yet remain “Atheists or Agnostics”. In reading the passage above {in quotes}, I’m wondering if believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior doesn’t require that I first believe that I am wretched and in need of a “Savior”. Could it be that my belief or faith is predicated on this revelation and, hence, in choosing Jesus Christ over whatever else in this world offers cleansing, I am demonstrating my belief in acknowledging His Power to overcome sin and darkness in my life. That “belief” is what causes me to want to decrease while He increases in my being until “to live is Christ; to die is Gain”. So…the Law of the OT shows me how wretched I am, while the Grace demonstrated by Jesus to be willing to die for my sins, freeing me from the guilt and bondage, results in the Gift of my Salvation. Am I leaving anything out in the explanation and importance of “Believing” in Jesus? I’m being called to build a worship service around this concept. I want to build on a solid foundation. Thank you, Nancy

    Reply
    • Nancy, I think what you had to say was OK, as far as it went. But I believe there is more to believing than what is going on in our heads. To believe in Christ means to trust him with your life. It is like stepping out on the ice over a pond. You trust that ice with your life. In the same way, we trust Christ with our life. Ultimately that is what believing is. It is putting your hand in his and stepping out into the unknown, wherever he leads.

      Reply
  4. Amen! In the words of the late Gospel Singer and Songwriter Walter Hawkins, “…a wonderful change has come over me.” I can’t help but shed tears of gratitude for Salvation. He didn’t have to but He did..my boast shall continually be in Christ Alone.

    Reply

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