1 Corinthians 1:18-25

“For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,” vss. 22-23

When we proclaim what we believe and who it is that we follow, we would like very much to be perceived as showing wisdom in what we say and do. It’s a natural human desire, and we care what others think of us. But what many discover is that the world is not impressed–we just don’t stand for the things that the world values. Oh, people may smile and watch their language in our presence if they know we’re followers of Jesus, but it’s really a kind of humoring. And unless we can give them access to power, fame, or wealth, they won’t hang around for long. Paul says that the reason people react like that is that our core message is either a stumbling-block or foolishness.  He was right! Our leader died as a crucified criminal, an embarrassment to those who had pinned their hopes on him. And sometimes we can start thinking that way too! Some would rather focus on Jesus’ life than his death. The whole notion of someone dying for the sins of the world seems so primitive and bloody–we wonder if that message could even be true. We love more sophisticated approaches to theology and life, ones that aren’t crude and simple. But Paul went on proclaiming foolishness, and people have found in that message of sacrificial love a pathway to the heart of God.

Thought for the Day: When have I been embarrassed by my faith?