To those who are saved, the preaching of the cross is power  -  1 Corinthians 1:18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

The message of the cross sounds like foolishness to those who are perishing. Death on the cross was associated with all that is shameful and dishonoring because they focused on the death rather than on the life that the cross brings. When salvation is only spoken of by the sufferings and death of the crucifixion, the lost will think it is foolishness. But when the total work of the cross is told, they will see that it brings life, victory, and hope.