Jesus, the Son of God, was nailed to a cross and died for our sins. Then God raised Jesus from the dead. This gospel message, rooted in what Jesus did on the cross, is foolishness to those who are perishing. So-called wise people of the world cannot accept that God would send his Son to be crucified, let alone be resurrected.

The same was true in Paul’s time. Jews demanded signs to see and prove God’s power. Jesus’ death on the cross looked like weakness, not power. Greeks and Gentiles looked for wisdom that would explain the world and all of life. Jesus’ death on the cross seemed to be foolishness and a waste.

In fact, Jesus Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. Christ’s death and resurrection is God’s power over sin and death. It is also God’s wisdom, not human wisdom, for only in Christ can we have forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Without God’s gift of faith, we cannot see the power of God nor the wisdom of the cross. But to those who believe, Jesus is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. We have no power nor wisdom to save ourselves. Therefore, any boasting should only be in what Jesus has done for us.
Application: Father, thank you for revealing your power and wisdom in Jesus’ cross. Help me to boast all the more about what you have done for sinners.
One Word: Christ – the power and wisdom of God