Understanding the Message that Changed the World
In a world often lacking context, we find ourselves surrounded by snippets of information, memes, and text messages that fail to convey the full picture. Yet, to truly understand anything – be it a group of people, an individual, or a belief system – we must delve into the context, the story behind the story.
Consider the graffiti adorning a train bridge in Houston, Texas, boldly proclaiming "Be someone." This simple message has become a local icon, encouraging (or perhaps sarcastically challenging) passersby to make something of themselves. But without understanding the cultural backdrop of Houston and the American dream, this message loses much of its impact.
Now, let's journey back nearly two millennia to another piece of graffiti – one etched into a wall in ancient Rome. This crude drawing depicts a donkey on a cross, with a young boy worshipping it. The accompanying Greek text translates to "Alexamenos worships his God." This early mockery of Christian belief gives us a glimpse into the cultural context of the time, where the idea of worshipping a crucified savior was seen as utter foolishness.
To comprehend why the message of the cross was deemed so ridiculous, we must understand the Roman world of the first century. The Romans were the apex predators of the ancient world, believing that might made right and that one's social status was determined at birth. Slavery was rampant, with an estimated 30% of the population living in bondage. Brutality was commonplace, with practices like infant exposure (abandoning unwanted children) being socially acceptable.
In this harsh world, crucifixion stood as the ultimate symbol of shame and degradation. Reserved for slaves, rebels, and the worst criminals, it was a public spectacle designed to humiliate the victim and strike fear into the hearts of onlookers. For a Roman citizen, the very thought of being crucified was unthinkable.
Enter the early Christian message – a proclamation that the crucified Jesus of Nazareth was not just an ordinary man, but God incarnate who died for the sins of the world. To the Roman mind, this was utter madness. How could the all-powerful creator of the universe allow himself to be subjected to such a disgraceful death?
Yet, it was precisely this "foolish" message that would go on to transform the world. The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, acknowledged this paradox:
“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 radical message proclaimed that before the beginning of time, God existed. Through His Word (Logos), He created the universe and fashioned humans in His image. Though sin entered the world and fractured this relationship, God's love for humanity never wavered. Ultimately, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect life, die a sacrificial death, and rise again – offering salvation to all who would believe.
The implications of this message were earth-shattering. In a world of rigid hierarchies and institutionalized cruelty, Christianity declared that all humans are of equal value, made in the image of God. It proclaimed that the Son of God died for everyone equally – the up-and-out and the down-and-out alike. This revolutionary concept would go on to form the bedrock of Western civilization, giving rise to ideals like human rights, equality, and individual dignity.
As the early church began to live out these radical teachings, they stood in stark contrast to the surrounding culture. During devastating plagues that ravaged the Roman Empire, it was Christians who stayed behind to care for the sick and dying, often at great personal risk. They rescued abandoned infants, bought slaves to set them free, and showed compassion to society's most marginalized members.
The message of the cross turned the world's values upside down. As historian Tom Holland notes:
“ The powerless triumphed over the powerful. The weak triumphed over the strong. The fittest sacrificed for the weakest.”
This self-sacrificial love, modeled by Christ himself, became the new standard for human behavior.
Today, whether we recognize it or not, the influence of this Christian worldview permeates our society. Concepts we often take for granted – like universal human rights, the inherent dignity of every person, and the duty to care for the vulnerable – all have their roots in the soil of Christian thought. As author Glenn Scrivener argues, Christianity has become "the air we breathe" in Western culture.
But the message of the cross is not merely a philosophical construct or a set of ethical guidelines. At its core, it is an invitation to a transformative relationship with the living God. It calls for a personal response, challenging each individual to wrestle with its implications for their own life.
For those who consider themselves "nones" (religiously unaffiliated) or "dones" (disillusioned with organized religion), the invitation stands to explore the depths of this message with fresh eyes. Like Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a former atheist who recently began attending church after a period of spiritual searching, you may find that the God revealed in Jesus Christ offers answers to life's deepest questions about purpose and meaning.
For those who already count themselves as followers of Christ, the challenge is to continually live out this radical message in everyday life. As the Apostle Paul exhorted the Corinthians:
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love”
In a world still marred by inequality, injustice, and suffering, the message of the cross remains as relevant and powerful as ever. It calls us to see the intrinsic worth in every human being, to show compassion to the weak and wounded, and to be willing to sacrifice our own comfort for the good of others. As we embrace this countercultural way of living, we participate in the ongoing story of redemption – a story that has the power to transform both individual lives and entire societies.
The message of the cross is indeed foolishness to a world obsessed with power and self-preservation. But for those with eyes to see and ears to hear, it remains the power of God – a revolutionary force of love that continues to change the world, one heart at a time.
Recommended Reading:
1. Dominion by Tom Holland
2. The Air We Breathe by Glen Scrivener
3. The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman
From the message Italian Graffiti.