The True Message of the Cross: A Call to Radical Discipleship (06/19/'24)

The True Message of the Cross: A Call to Radical Discipleship The sentence "If Jesus preached the same message ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified" suggests a critique of modern preaching, implying that it has diverged significantly from the original message of Jesus. This critique could be interpreted in several ways: Dilution of the Gospel: The sentence may imply that today's preaching lacks the radical, transformative, and often confrontational aspects of Jesus' original message. Jesus' teachings challenged the religious and social norms of His time, leading to His crucifixion. If modern preaching is more palatable and less challenging, it might not provoke the same reaction. Lack of Emphasis on Suffering and Sacrifice: It could also mean that modern preaching might focus more on comforting messages and prosperity rather than on the call to take up the cross, embrace suffering, and follow Jesus' example of sacrifice and service. State of Being Blinded and Enslaved: Another interpretation is that the verbal gospel preached today may lack the transformative power that comes from truly understanding and living out the message of the cross. Without the practice of self-denial and following Jesus' path of suffering, the message may be seen as incomplete or ineffective. Related Bible Verses: Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV): "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.'" This verse highlights the necessity of self-denial and taking up one's cross, central to Jesus' teachings. Luke 9:23 (NIV): "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'" Emphasizing the daily commitment to live out the sacrificial life Jesus calls His followers to. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV): "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." This verse underscores the transformative power of the message of the cross, which may be overlooked in modern preaching. Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV): "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." Paul’s desire to know Christ includes a deep identification with His sufferings, death, and resurrection, reflecting the complete message of the gospel. Galatians 2:20 (NIV): "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." This verse speaks to the fundamental transformation that comes from identifying with Christ's crucifixion and living out that reality. Fundamental Meaning of the Cross: The cross represents the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. It signifies the call to discipleship that involves self-denial, enduring suffering, and following Jesus wholeheartedly. It challenges believers to live a life that reflects Jesus' example, which often means going against societal norms and enduring hardship for the sake of the gospel. The fundamental meaning of the cross is not just about personal salvation but also about participating in the redemptive work of God in the world through a life of sacrificial love and service. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 19, 2024)