For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” vs. 2
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Corinth was the San Francisco of its day, a bustling seaport full of immigrants from all over the Mediterranean area, and new religions were popping up about every other day. People were jaded, sophisticated, and wise in the ways of the world. When Paul showed up and connected with the fledgling Christian community, he decided to put the crucified Jesus Christ as the center of his message. He didn’t tell the story of Jesus’ life or recount any of his teachings–he wasn’t interested in making Jesus into a great moral example. Instead he focused on the cross, convinced that its contrary message revealed the steadfast love of God and would bring hope for all humanity. Enduring the scorn of both Gentiles and Jews, he doggedly proclaimed Christ crucified as the essence of the gospel. Ever since then religious folks have struggled with the mystery of Paul’s message, and many have proposed more palatable expressions of the faith. Some have decided to virtually skip Good Friday and center everything on Easter–in their triumphant version of Christ’s mission praise and joy abound, and death is sugar-coated. But others hang with Paul, sensing that the road to new life will move through suffering and pain. Only when tears have been shed can they really be wiped away! And with him they sing that our glory is all the cross!
Thought for the Day: What’s the attraction of sad movies?
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