Who Is the True Fool?

January 27, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

Have you ever noticed that the things of the Lord are often considered foolish by the people of this world? Consider the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Who truly ever gets celebrated for their patience or their gentleness? Who is heralded for demonstrating self-control or faithfulness? The way of the world is assertion, power, dominance, and self-promotion.

Despite what is celebrated and accepted as the way of the world, the Lord calls his people to choose his foolishness. Jesus modelled this kind of life for us. Though Jesus was the Son of God, he did not embrace a life of pride and self-promotion. Instead, Jesus humbled himself all the way to the cross. Those watching the crucifixion thought they had won a great victory as the Son of God was beaten, nailed to a cross, and eventually killed through the most shameful and painful means of death. To the world, Jesus was humiliated and defeated.

You know the end of that story. Jesus was victorious! Jesus overcame the grave on the third day, overcame sin, and overcame all the forces of evil. Even in this great demonstration of power, many chose not to believe in him. They clung to their ideas, traditions, and agendas. These are the people who are “perishing.”

But for those who look to Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified, dead, and buried, they find salvation and power. In fact, that same power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us (Romans 8:11). To this world, such faith may seem foolish still. Do you trust in the world and its understanding, or do you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ?

If the latter, you may be considered foolish in this world but not in the world yet to come! Take heart – the world rejected Jesus, and many will also reject you and your faith. Yet you know the better way – the foolish way of the cross that led to resurrection for Jesus and to eternal life for those who follow him.

Reflection:

Do you choose to align yourself with the wise of this world, or are you willing to surrender to and trust in the power of God? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Jesus’ great commission to his apostles after his resurrection was to go into all the world to preach, teach, and baptize in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From the very beginning, baptism has been understood as the doorway into this new kind of family. Explore what Jesus expects of this new family that finds its origin and purpose in him. The baptized are called into a new life of faith. From passages in Matthew to the shining examples of faith in our passage from John, Waters of Baptism is a helpful resource for those seeking the sacrament of baptism or those who want a deeper understanding of their faith. This six week study will help us understand the importance of baptismal living.