“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-21 NLT
The apostle Paul bluntly delivers the gospel message to the Corinthians who pride themselves in all things philosophical and metaphysical. The message of the cross looks like it is for morons. Paul uses the Greek word, mória – absurd. It’s exactly where we get the English word moron. Of course it makes no senses to human wisdom.
Human wisdom is thought to be the winner’s circle, it’s the best, brightest, strongest and triumphant. No self respecting human wants to be least, last or seen as a loser. Ah, but God’s way is not only through humility and suffering, but even more – humiliation in the worst form of judgment and execution. Cursed is the one who hangs on a tree (Deut 21:23)! So that the most innocent and perfect person would serve as a sacrifice for all.
Paul challenges the Corinthians with a question. Where does this foolishness leave the philosophers, scholars and brilliant debaters? It leaves them scratching their heads pondering their own theories and solutions on how to fix their own sin. How can we rid ourselves of evil? It’s in us, around us and permeates every part of our world.
Paul says that God chose our foolish preaching, the kérugma, heralding and proclamation of truth. Paul admitted that Jews seek signs or miracles (sémeion) and that Gentiles seek wisdom (sophia), but God would give them neither. God requires the simplest form of acceptance geared for the most common person in the world. Simple enough for a child. Simple enough for the frail, marginalized, weak and completely disadvantaged by any number of circumstances. For those who come from chaotic family origins or those who come from wealth and privilege. God requires faith. God reaches down from heaven, with that Michelangelo picture in mind, extending His hand and says, “grab it, and I’ll lift you out of your sin!” This is all possible because of the cross. And the proof you need is in the emptiness of the tomb. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved! Boom! I love the cross and the resurrection.
Prayer
Dad,
For me, and for millions of others, I am so thankful that it requires the simplicity of faith. Because, that’s the only thing I had. I was seriously lacking in wisdom, human or otherwise. I did not have any experience in philosophy, advanced theology or debating. I only had a messy, broken life. That, and my believing you at your word, was all I could give. Thank you for saving me in my simple faith. Thank you for the permanent standard that all humans have to come to you with that simple requirement. They must believe.