THE REVELATION OF GOD IN CHRIST IN THE CROSS.
BIBLE PORTION:
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
INTRODUCTION:
Paul’s letters are typically crafted to address and resolve the chaos present within the churches at the time, emphasizing the importance of unity and worshiping God together. Among Paul’s epistles, 1 Corinthians is known to be his lengthiest. Records suggest that Paul resided in Corinth for an extended period. The prosperous city of Corinth was known for its abundance of wealth, leading to some individuals in the Corinthian church living lives of excess and disorder. In the selected text, the Apostle Paul speaks earnestly about the cross, emphasizing that it is more than just a concept or object—it is a profound experience.
A pastor who studied Theology visited our college. While in the chapel, the pastor noticed the cross and accused it of being idolatrous. He stated that we should preach Christ, not the cross, and claimed that many Reformed churches worship the cross as an idol. I responded by explaining that we do not worship the cross itself, but rather the Christ who sacrificed Himself on the cross for human redemption. I questioned how we can preach about Christ without mentioning the cross, as it is a significant symbol of his sacrifice. The pastor seemed to view the cross as insignificant.
The different ways in which the cross was revealed to various groups of people during that time included being seen as a form of punishment by the Romans, a symbol of shame for the Jews, and a topic of debate for the Greeks. It was also viewed as a shocking display for the privileged. However, Paul emphasizes in this passage the importance of understanding how the cross has been and should be revealed to us.
Today, the message of the cross is evolving into a new format within society. The connection between the cross and Jesus Christ is as strong as nails in flesh. It is essential to preach both Christ and the cross; they cannot be separated. Let us reflect on how God was revealed through Christ on the cross by meditating on 1Corinthians 1:18-25.
1.THE CROSS: THE REVELATION OF GOD’S WISDOM (I Cor. 1:21):
The city of Athens, the capital of Greece, was in close proximity to Corinth. The Greeks placed a high value on wisdom, believing that human intellect could solve any problem. They were known to engage in lengthy discussions. Some of the greatest philosophers such as Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato hailing from Greece. And their philosophical Ideas influenced Greeks even during the time of the early church. Due to the close proximity of Corinth to Athens, the influence of Greek philosophy was evident in the Corinthian Church. In his letters to the Corinthian church, Paul addressed many topics related to wisdom, as seen in verses
1 Cor.1:19-22. Understanding the depth of Jesus Christ and the incomprehensible love He manifested on the cross is a task that transcends mere human understanding and logic; it requires a divine wisdom that transcends earthly knowledge and wisdom. This is evident in Matthew 16:17, when Simon Peter acknowledged Jesus as the "Son of God", to which Jesus responded by pointing out that this revelation did not come from earthly sources or human intellect, but rather from the Father in heaven. This interaction serves as a powerful reminder that in order to truly grasp the essence of God's love and the sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross, we must humbly seek out and rely on the wisdom that comes only from God, as human intellect and reasoning alone will fall short in comprehending the complexities of such divine truths.
Our human knowledge can help us understand the education of the world, as human wisdom is highly advanced. Is there water deep below Jupiter's equator? He discovers a new planet daily, launches rockets into space hourly, and has even created a sentient mechanical man. However, this wisdom does not aid in understanding the love of the cross; that requires wisdom from God.
While the wealth of knowledge and insight we possess may offer some understanding, it falls short in comprehending the depth and significance of the love exhibited through the sacrifice of the cross. To truly grasp its magnitude, we must seek a higher level of wisdom, one that transcends human understanding and connects us to the divine. Only through this divine wisdom can we begin to fathom the true essence of the cross and its profound impact on our lives. It is through faith, guided by this God-given wisdom, that we can begin to perceive the cross not just as a symbol, but as a representation of God's boundless love and grace towards humanity.
Apostle Paul affirms that he deemed the wisdom of the world to be valueless and insignificant. Dear friends, the crucifixion and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ exemplify God's wisdom. If we attempt to understand it through human wisdom, we only make ourselves more insignificant. The true understanding of God's wisdom comes from His own revelation.
2.THE CROSS: THE REVELATION OF GOD’S POWER (1Cor. 1:25):
All objects in the world possess energy, and every energy has its opposite. An object without energy is deemed lifeless. Like all things and actions, the cross holds a special divine power. Within the Corinthian church, there were two distinct groups: the Law-abiding Jews and the more philosophical Greeks. Tensions between these factions often arose over the question of superiority.
For a long time, there has been a prolonged conflict between countries around the world known as the cold war. This has led to intense rivalry as each country strives to establish itself as the dominant world power. In order to showcase their strength, every nation is diligently working towards achieving superiority, with this race for power extending beyond Earth into space. In a groundbreaking move in 1957, Russia stunned the world by sending a dog named "Laika" into space, marking the first living creature to venture beyond our planet. This milestone was followed by the arrival of cosmonaut Yuri Alekseevich Kahrin in space on April 21, 1961, further heightening tensions between America and Russia in their quest for supremacy. Eager to outdo their rival, America made a bold move on July 20, 1969, when astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the moon. Through these historic achievements, nations have sought to assert their dominance on the global stage.
No matter how many incredible and impressive accomplishments man may achieve, he will never be able to reach the transcendent power of the cross, as it requires a divine source of energy. This power is what allows God to exert control and dominion over nations and individuals alike. The cross serves as the ultimate symbol of God's power and authority, demonstrating His ability to forgive and show compassion even in the face of betrayal and suffering. When Jesus, despite being mocked and stripped of his clothing, still found it in his heart to pray for forgiveness for his tormentors, it was a clear testament to the divine power at work. In such a moment, the only way such forgiveness could be granted was through the extraordinary power of God, as human strength alone would have faltered.
Perhaps we find it within ourselves to forgive those who have wronged us, even in the face of physical abuse. However, the act of publicly tearing our garments, exposing ourselves to the scrutiny and judgment of countless onlookers, is a burden too heavy to bear. Yet, in the example set by Jesus Christ, we see the ultimate power of forgiveness. It is through God's divine grace and strength that true forgiveness can be achieved, surpassing the limitations of human capability. While our own efforts may suffice in inflicting humiliation or causing harm, it is only through the acquisition of this divine power that we can truly forgive and move forward.
3.THE CROSS: REVELATION OF GOD’S REDEMPTION (1 Cor. 1:21)
As stated by the Law that was established from the very beginning of creation, it was decreed that redemption could only be achieved through the shedding of blood, a concept outlined in Leviticus 17:11. This requirement for sacrifice was implemented as a means of attaining redemption from the burden of sin. However, this practice was not enough to fully eradicate the growing prevalence of transgressions among humanity. With the expanding population, sin continued to proliferate, despite countless sacrifices and offerings made to atone for wrongdoing. The magnitude of sin has reached such levels that even the sacrifice and slaughter of all living beings on earth would not suffice to extinguish the pervasive presence of sin among humanity.
When the appointed time ordained by God finally arrived, He lovingly sent His beloved and only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as the eternal sacrifice into this world with the purpose of redeeming mankind from sin and restoring them to a close relationship with Him. Furthermore, along with this incredible act of grace, God unveiled a magnificent divine plan that encompasses salvation for all who place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, a truth that is beautifully articulated in the timeless scripture of John 3:16.
According to the teachings found in Colossians 1:14, it is of utmost importance for us to continuously uphold our steadfast belief in the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ, shed upon the cross for the purpose of securing our redemption and salvation. Let us not overlook the profound significance of Isaiah 53, a prophetic chapter within the Bible, which foretells the arrival of the Messiah and delves into the details of his life and mission. Throughout this chapter, the Messiah is described as the "Suffering Servant," emphasizing the sacrifice and suffering he would endure for the sake of humanity. From this revelation, it becomes abundantly clear that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ symbolizes and embodies God's ultimate act of redemption and grace towards mankind.
CONCLUSION:
Beloved believer in Jesus Christ, Before the death of Jesus Christ, the Cross was widely recognized and associated as a symbol of shame and humiliation. However, following His crucifixion and ultimate sacrifice, the perception of the Cross shifted dramatically, transforming it into the central symbol of redemption and salvation for Christians worldwide. Therefore, whenever we gaze upon the Cross, it serves as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifice and unconditional love demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
For instance, when we partake in the sacred ritual of Holy Communion, it is not to venerate the mere bread and wine, but rather to commemorate and reflect upon the divine plan of God that was unveiled through Jesus Christ's selfless sacrifice on the cross. Similarly, donning a cross or beholding its image serves as a powerful tool to evoke remembrance of the profound wisdom, power, and redemptive action that God exhibited through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Dear beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I am reminded of the powerful and transformative story found in Numbers 21:1-9, where those who had been bitten by fiery serpents were instructed to look upon a serpent of brass in order to be saved. This miraculous event underscores the profound love and deliverance that God offers to His people. In a similar vein, the symbol of the cross serves as a powerful reminder of God's love, sacrifice, and redemption. As followers of Christ, it is incumbent upon us to embody the essence of the cross in our daily lives. Taking up our cross signifies our willingness to align ourselves with Christ, even in the face of ridicule, persecution, or even martyrdom.
Let us therefore embrace the cross as a symbol of God's wisdom, power, and redemption as demonstrated through the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we walk confidently in the shadow of the cross, proclaiming the truth and revelation of God's love and grace to all. Amen and amen.
©2025, I. Ananda Balakrishnan
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