Why do some find the message of the cross offensive?

The offense of the cross arises primarily from its demand for humility and recognition of sinfulness. As stated in John 6:60, many disciples found Jesus' teachings hard to accept because they contradicted their preconceived notions of righteousness and salvation through lineage or law. The notion that only those chosen by God are saved inherently challenges human pride and self-righteousness, leading to resistance. Paul highlights this in Galatians 5:11, where he notes that the message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone is often met with hostility because it removes any claim of human effort or tradition in earning favor with God. This offense is a reflection of the heart's resistance to grace that undermines self-reliance.