Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25
“For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God”. (1 Corinthians 1:22-24)
The Jews asked for more signs to prove who Jesus was. The Greeks laughed at the image of a dying man on a cross. Yet for the Christian, in such a dark paradox, there is the light of the suffering servant who is glorious.
Who Jesus really is is hidden from the proud. The Jews thought their religion and rituals were superior. Towards a madman who proclaimed Himself as the Son of God, they mocked and ridiculed. They believed in the coming of a Messiah, yet they missed the Messiah when He came. For the Greeks, they were embraced in their own wisdom and search for truth. They believed in their high culture and pagan religions. They did not look twice towards a weak and laughable “insurrectionist” who ended up crucified on a cross.
Who is Jesus to you? As Jesus, Himself asks Peter, “who do you say that I am?”
Only those who the Spirit chooses to reveal Himself to will be able to answer these questions. Pray that God reveals HImself to You.
Only for “those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ [is] the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). The paradox of Christ’s death and suffering, God condescended into our ultimate problem; the problem of evil. He was blameless and knew no sin, yet He humbled Himself to death on a cross. The author of Life was willing to die not just physically but also spiritually as He bore the weight of our sins. However, in the darkest place, Christ arose and conquered. He defeated the dominion of death and made us right before God the Father.
In Christ alone, there is an answer to the problem of evil. In Him, there is a solution and meaning to life. In Him, our sinful selves are regenerated and given life, and in Him, there is the power to overcome sin and live a holy life. No worldly speculation, philosophy and even religion can provide definite answers to the problem of evil. Only Jesus Christ, who came down from heaven to die for man, can give definite answers to the problem of evil because He entered it Himself and overcame it.
Not only is the power of God for life evident on the cross. Christ was also the wisdom of God so that all will stand in awe and glorify Him forevermore. On the cross, God revealed the glory of who He is. He is holy and almighty, yet He is loving and humble. When we look towards the cross, we will continue to grow in knowing God. God’s whole wisdom is evident on the cross, and the cross itself was God’s wisdom to reveal His glory to us that we may glorify Him in return.
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to reveal these things to His children. John 14:25-26 says, “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you”.
Do we know our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ? Are we ever-growing to see the power and wisdom of God displayed on the cross?
Lord, in Christ, there is truly everything that I ever need. This world tries to find answers in things You call foolish. I do not want to follow the world. Please let me know Your truth, and please let me know Christ. A relationship with You is all I ever need. Have mercy and me and reveal Yourself to me that I may love You more and glorify You with all that I have. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
