Confusion about the Cross: True Meaning of the Good News

Truth-telling is essential to my vocation. I don’t claim to know everything, but I dare to speak the truth based on my understanding. I convey my scholarly insights through speaking, writing, and engaging with others. One topic I am particularly passionate about is the discussion surrounding the cross of Jesus.

 

Jesus did not choose to die on the cross; he was arrested, tortured, and crucified as a criminal because of his words and actions. His death is not considered good news. In fact, the phrase "the gospel (good news) of the cross" does not appear in the New Testament. However, the message about the cross is described as the power of God, as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 1:18: "For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God." So, what is the power of God that works through the cross of Jesus?

The cross of Jesus represents love for the oppressed and marginalized (1 Cor 1:17-31). Jesus did not hesitate to give his life to advocate for them. His death is not simply a substitutionary sacrifice that can be reduced to a sentiment like, "Thank you for dying instead of me." Instead, Paul argues that because Christ died for all, all have died with him (2 Cor 5:14). His death alone is insufficient; to die with Christ means to live by his faith and to be led by the Spirit (Rom 8:13; Gal 2:20).

The good news is that God raised Jesus from the dead and vindicated him.
The good news is that justice prevails.
The good news is that God remains faithful to humanity.
The good news is that Christ demonstrated God's love through his faith.
"The good news is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith" (Rom 1:16).
The good news is that the Spirit is with the children of God.
The good news is that all may live by the power of God.
Jesus also proclaimed "the good news of God" (Mark 1:14).

The good news becomes powerful and effective for those who accept God's rule and change their minds to seek his way (Mark 1:15).

A new reality of life is not possible without a change of mind. In this sense, in Crossan's terms, the true eschatology implied in Jesus's ministry is collaborative (John D. Crossan, Power of Parable, 127). Also, see my book, Resurrecting Jesus: The Renewal of New Testament Theology.