1 Corinthians 1 says that the cross represents foolishness to the Greeks - the philosophically, worldy-minded, and a stumbling-block (or offense) to the Jews -the religiously-minded.  I this section of Hebrews we see that the exhortation is to go “outside the camp” to Jesus and bear His reproach.  The fact is, to our religious nature, the cross and the grace and freedom it represents is offensive.  But until we come out of our religious ways of thinking and embrace the grace of Christ, dwelling at the foot of that offensive cross, we will not truly be His disciples.