The cross of Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:17-19, For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly 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 discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Paul had to challenge the church in Corinth about factions and divisions and remind them of the amazing gifts that have been given to those who received Christ. He gives us these gifts to be shared with others, and Paul did that through preaching. He reminds us that we don’t have to be eloquent or have worldly wisdom because of the power of the cross. To the world, the cross represents weakness and folly; to those being saved it is the power of God. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Thank You for the grace given to us through the cross and for the riches and spiritual gifts that we may bless others in Your name!

ESV Lectionary