Traditionally, the Christmas story focuses on baby Jesus lying in a manger, but there is so much more to it. The message of the cross is also an essential part of the Christmas story, and it is revealed in Jesus’ genealogy.
The message of the cross includes the gift wrapped in swaddling clothes on Christmas, then the ultimate sacrifice given to all humanity at Calvary. The cross displays God’s generosity extended toward a guilty humanity.
The Message of the Cross | Foolishness or Power?
“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.”–1 Corinthians 1:18
The message of the cross is not logical from the human perspective. It isn’t rational for the Creator of all things to humble Himself, come down to earth as a helpless baby, and then willingly die on a cross 33 years later. On the cross, the all-powerful, all-knowing Jesus willingly took on the guilt of an entire rebellious humanity that was hostile toward Him.
By nature, we are born enemies of God, and by nature, we are selfish sinners, born “of the world.” It may seem foolish to think we can receive such a gift as salvation when we realize our sinful nature. This is why Jesus said we must be born again by the Spirit.
- “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’… ‘That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’” –John 3:3, 5-6
- “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” –Romans 8:7
- “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” –Romans 5:8
This is the message of the cross. We can be redeemed and restored to a perfect relationship with God because of His generosity at Calvary. We receive a new name, a new life, and new beginnings that continue through eternity.
- “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” –Galatians 2:20
- “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” –John 5:24
- “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” –John 10:28
Why Some Claim the Message of the Cross is Foolishness
Our human logic says that because we have sinned, we must work to pay the price for our sins and earn our way to God. Many faith systems and religions spread thismessage, leading followers to believe they must work their way to heaven. The “work your way to heaven” message is rooted in a false and burdensome theology, which leads to two outcomes…
- We get sucked into doubt and unbelief, thinking we can never reach the bar, and therefore, can never accept a Savior.
- We get caught up in pride, thinking we are good enough and therefore do not need a Savior. Our self-reliance becomes destruction.
Satan wants us to oscillate between these two lies so that we never focus on the truth and the message of the cross. If the enemy can keep us running in circles, bouncing from pride to doubt and unbelief, then the cross will sound foolish. After all, how can you possibly achieve something that requires perfection?
The enemy wants us to think reaching God’s standard of perfection is a personal achievement. He has foolish thinkers conned into focusing on the wrong person. The truth is, perfection isn’t in us; it is in Jesus.
- “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”– 2 Corinthians 5:21
Why We Know the Message of the Cross Is Power
Christianity carries the message of God’s power to save. On Calvary’s cross, Jesus did all the work for us. We can't work our way into heaven because we are incapable of perfection. This is grace and this is the gospel.
- “For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourself, it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”–Ephesians 2:8-9
The gospel message is about a gift, not a reward. Rewards are earned, but we can never do enough to earn our salvation. God freely extends the gift of salvation to us, and He desires that, by faith, each of us would accept his gift.
Salvation: The Free Gift of God
Do you feel compelled to give a gift to someone who has treated you poorly? Likely no. This is why the message of the cross is insanely generous. This is God’s heart—to give His Son so the guilty (all humanity) can be forgiven and receive eternal life.
We can choose to accept the gift of salvation that Jesus gave so generously to us through His death and resurrection. This is the message of the cross. Jesus gave all He had for all of us. He traded a throne in heaven for a trough in a barn.
The Nativity Story Is in the Genealogy
Nativity sets remind us of the birth of Jesus and the activities surrounding Mary, Joseph, and the manger. However, when you read the Christmas narrative in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, they begin with a genealogy, not a baby in a manger. Why? Because there would be no baby without the genealogy.
Jesus’ genealogy displays the message of the cross.
- Luke 3 gives us Jesus’ genealogy back to Adam. He gave the Gentiles hope for salvation by tracing Jesus’ genealogy back to the father of the human race.
- Matthew 1 documents the genealogy back to Abraham. He provided for the Jewish people a connection to the Abrahamic covenant, which foretold that the Messiah would come from his lineage.
Salvation Started with a Promise
God promised that one day, the Promised Seed of Abraham, would come to reverse the curse of Adam's sin. Through Abraham’s seed and lineage, all mankind could be redeemed. This is why Jesus said, “Salvation is of the Jews.”
- “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” –Genesis 3:15
- “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” –Genesis 12:2-3
- “Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ.” –Galatians 3:16
The established genealogy gives credence to identifying the real Messiah. No one else could claim the title; though many have tried. Scripture tells us Jesus came from the lineage of the Jews; but the Savior would come to redeem all people.
That message extends all the way from the prophets, to the manger, to the cross and through today. God’s covenant with Abraham began the lineage that led to the baby in a manger and the message of the cross. This is our hope for salvation.
Take Away
As you read the Christmas story this year, start with Jesus’ genealogy and connect it to the message of the cross. The cross and the resurrection are the fulfillment of God’s promise and His purpose to provide redemption for mankind.
Want to stay focused on the real reason for Christmas? Check out our sermon series, “The Gifts We Bring,” and connect to the wonder of the Christmas story through worship.