Today, we reflect on a profound message from the Apostle Paul which challenges our understanding of wisdom, power, and identity as followers of Christ. Paul begins with a bold statement: “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.” What a contrast Paul reveals – and nothing in between – it’s either a message of foolishness or salvation. It’s so true. Many think we are foolish for believing what they believe to be a fairly tale – a man made story no different to other novels of fiction. To many the cross is just a fashion accessory. But in reality it is a symbol of suffering, shame, and death used by the Roman world in Jesus’ time. But through Jesus the cross has been transformed from suffering and death to salvation and hope.
In a world that values strength, success, and intelligence, the idea that God would choose the path of the cross seems absurd. Yet, Paul asserts that this “foolishness” is where true power lies. What does it mean for us today? It leads us to examine the ways we seek power and strength in our lives, sometimes at odds with the message of the cross. Paul quotes Isaiah, asserting that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the understanding of the intelligent. The world’s wisdom often leads us to pride and self-reliance, while God’s wisdom requires humility and dependence, or as Paul says of Jesus – he emptied himself. That is what Paul will go on to discover for himself in 2nd Corinthians with his “thorn in the flesh – and that when he is weak then he is strong.
Our achievements and intellect can direct our faith to reliance on ourselves, distancing us from the grace we are called to embrace. We must recognize that God often chooses the weak and the foolish in the eyes of the world to reveal His truth.
And then Paul gets very personal. Paul reminds the Corinthians, “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.” Many were not wise by human standards, influential, or of noble birth.This is a radical reminder of how God views us—not through the lens of worldly standards, but through the lens of grace. In Christ, our identity is not determined by our status, accomplishments, or intellect, but by God’s love for us. (John 3:16) It’s like what God said to Moses about why he chose Israel out of all the other possibilities –
In Deuteronomy 7 it says:
For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you.
As Paul says in 2 Corinthians, in Christ we are a new creation.
Each of us is chosen, not for our merit, but because of God’s grace and love. Paul concludes by proclaiming that Christ Jesus has become for us wisdom from God. Christ is the embodiment of the wisdom and power of God. In our own lives, we often chase after wisdom in human terms—more degrees, titles, and awards. Just as Paul does, Jesus also teaches that true blessing is found in the opposite of the what the world points us to for strength. Jesus says:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
This highlights humility and reliance on God. It is an acknowledgment that we are spiritually bankrupt without Jesus.
When we realize our need for grace, we open ourselves to the Kingdom.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. They will be comforted knowing that death leads to eternal life in Heaven with God with no more suffering or death. Unlike the world that sees death as the end, we, through Christ, see death as the beginning.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Those who are meek are not weak; they possess the strength to trust in God’s timing and justice.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. This desire for righteousness drives us toward God’s standards. God has a hunger for righteousness as Paul points out in 2 Corinthians – God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. This hunger is met when we seek God’s presence, His Word, and His ways to know true inner peace.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. And that’s because mercy reflects God’s character. In showing mercy to others, we mirror God’s love. The LORD is full of compassion and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.
As we forgive and show compassion, we ourselves experience God’s grace.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. When our hearts are aligned with God’s purpose, we can experience His presence in our lives. To see God is to experience His presence in a real and profound way.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Peacemakers actively work to resolve conflicts and promote harmony. In doing so, they reflect God’s reconciling nature. We become agents of peace in a world being torn apart with division.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Persecution is a reality for those who stand firm in their faith. And it comes in many forms – physical, spiritual, emotional. Jesus assures us that enduring hardship for His name’s sake aligns us with the Kingdom. Our suffering is not in vain; it is how Christ’s power rests on us which sees Paul even rejoicing in his suffering that leads to hope.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Throughout bible history those who speak God’s truth have been rejected and persecuted. But as Jesus says – love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
These are all opposite kingdom qualities to the worldly qualities that we are told we should aspire to. They are qualities that the world tells us that there is something wrong with us. However, the true wisdom lies in knowing Jesus and acknowledging our need for Him.
As we grow in this relationship, we discover our identities as beloved and redeemed children of God, sent forth to share this incredible message of hope with the world. So we are urged to ask ourselves: Where do we seek wisdom and power?
Do we become discouraged by our perceived lack of strength or status? The message of the cross invites us into a different reality, one where our weaknesses are not a hindrance, but a gateway to experience God’s grace more fully. Let us embrace the foolishness of the cross, and in doing so, become examples of divine wisdom, love, and grace. Let us carry this message proudly into the world, knowing that there is power in our vulnerability and strength in our faith in Christ.
