1 Corinthians 1:18-19 – For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

This statement comes from a letter the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. A church that was struggling with many issues especially divisiveness and the pursuit of human wisdom. Much of the controversy was stirred by new Christians who viewed Paul and other church leaders as competing orators whose goal was to gather a following of people enamored with their speech. Paul rebuffs any notion that he came to seek a crowd even going so far as to say that Christ sent him to “preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” In verses 18 and following Paul sets out to clarify and contrast how God understands the gospel with how sinful people understand the gospel.

First, Paul begins by connecting the gospel with “the message of the cross”. The cross, in the first century Roman world, was associated with everything that was wrong with humanity. There was nothing beautiful, eloquent, or wise humanly speaking about embracing a cross.

Next, Paul clarifies the significance and apocalyptic nature of the message of the cross. The gospel is not a message of or invitation to join a country club or political party. It is the good news of power and restoration to those who are “being saved.” By contrast, those who look at the cross and see foolishness are “perishing.”

Finally, Paul validates the bold statement by quoting Isaiah 29:14. It was God’s plan all along to initiate a redemptive story whereby those who claim to be wise are seen as fools. By contrast, those who trust in God, find purpose in His will, and understand truth as He defines it are invited to be children of God and part of His kingdom.

This passage should serve as a reminder that the gospel is a crazy message. Let’s stop making the gospel an easy to believe watered down sales pitch where the obvious choice is to repeat a prayer to get to heaven. God made made the message of salvation appear foolish for a reason. Let’s share the honest, bloody, foolish story of the cross.