"The scandal motif in Christ's lineage was no accident. In His incarnation, Christ willingly "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant". He became an outcast and a public disgrace, being made a curse on our behalf. He remains even now a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. The gospel message, too, is public scandal--mere foolishness and shame as far as those who perish are concerned. But to those who are saved, it is the power of God."