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 Cor 1:18

I had a discussion with some friends about the message of the cross.
This message is the pivotal point for mankind. It is the extreme sacrifice for everyone.

It is on the cross that Jesus died for us – the innocent, sinless man killed on behalf of all sinners.

It is at the cross that you find salvation for yourself when you accept the sacrifice made.

Many have died by the same method previous to Jesus.
In fact, you find two men crucified with Him. But as one said of their situation, “for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Luke 23:41

As Christian’s, we often lose sight of the cross and talk about eternal life. Life cannot happen until something dies. John 12:24 says, “unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”
The resurrection could not happen without death. Without death there is no resurrection.
Eternal life is not possible without the resurrection, which is not possible without death.
Death without the resurrection is vain, useless, and final.

You do not want eternal life without accepting the sacrificial death of Jesus. Eternal life without Him is the Second Death (cf. Rev 22:14, 15)

Although there is more that I could say about the cross, it is already clear why many would think the message of the cross is foolishness.