Scripture

“We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Reflections

Have you ever found it difficult to speak of Jesus to someone who thought totally different from you?

In our culture, it has become increasingly popular for people to describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious”.  There might be some kind of intuitive sense that there is something bigger than themselves.  There may be a desire for the world to be better with people living harmoniously with one another.  The thought of sin makes them feel uncomfortable.  When it comes to acknowledging that God might have a better way of life than what they want for themselves, they resist it.

The Apostle Paul also found it difficult to share the good news of Jesus.  In his time, Jews looked for signs and Greeks were all about wisdom.  Speaking of Jesus left them confused.  How could the cross, a symbol of torture and death, be embraced as the ultimate symbol of God’s love?

But herein lies our only true hope.  Without the cross and empty tomb, we are left with little more than some vague possibility there might be something better than what we have now.  It may be foolishness or a stumbling block to some but to us it is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for making your love known to me through your death on the cross.  Help me to speak that message to others who need to hear it.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31