The Mystery of the Cross

 

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 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. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1 Corinthians 1:20-25 ESV).

 

The picture I’ve attached today is titled “Destiny.” It was done by an artist who wishes to remain anonymous. It beautifully depicts Jesus as a young boy in Joseph's carpenter shop. The nail spikes and the shadow of a cross fortell the events to come; the destiny Christ that came to fulfill. Our reading today describes the effect of the cross on men whether Jew or Gentile. Paul writes that it is a “stumbling block for the Jew and folly to the Gentile” (v. 23). Yet, this is the only act that God could perform to guarantee forgiveness and restoration to us.  

 

In other writings from the Apostle Paul, we see more of the mystery of the Cross. In his letter to the Colossians, he paints a huge picture of Jesus. He is indeed the fullness of God. Jesus has the authority to rule because all creation has been made through him. Most importantly, though, Jesus is as close as the air we breathe, and he has made it possible for the Holy Spirit to live in us. God calls each of us his own. All this and more gives us reason to worship and to give thanks.

 

We should not only appreciate this news but also to use it as a springboard to pray for others. We do not pray in vain. We pray so that we may know God better, so that our faith may grow. Paul knows that standing on this foundation of truth is worth everything. This is the essence of God’s great grace!