Throughout 1 Corinthians 1, we’ve been reading how God has chosen those who are of a humble heart; those who were not born of nobility; those who are perceived as foolish by the educated of the world; and those who are perceived weak by those who seek for a sign. Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 1:27 and 28, and a great picture of our Lord Jesus Christ emerges.
1 Corinthians 1:27,28 “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea , and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:”
God wants us to be like Christ. Look at the characteristics of the people who Paul says God uses: foolish, weak, base things, and despised. That is a list of how Jesus was perceived while He fulfilled His earthly ministry.
Those who were Pharisees, Saducees and Scribes all looked upon Jesus as an utter fool. They continually challenged His authority, debated Him and sought to fool Him with their sly of words. But we read time and again how these conversations ended. Either these religious leaders were stumped by the Words of Jesus, or they were angered to the point of wanting to kill Him. Even when Jesus was a child, we read in the book of Luke:
Luke 2:46,47 “And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.”
Jesus was perceived, and still is portrayed as a weakling. So often today when we see a painting or a picture of Jesus, it’s of someone who you would think to be a sissy. But look at these verses in Acts 7 as Stephen is about to be stoned.
Acts 7:55,56 “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”
Also in the book of Acts, chapter 5:
Acts 5:31 “Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour…”
Jesus is no weakling. He is looked upon as such, but meekness is not weakness.
Was there anyone more abased and despised then Jesus? What about today? Whose name above all others do we hear taken in vain, made fun of or debased? Every time I hear someone use Jesus’ name in vain, it cuts me to the heart. I hate that worse than anything on this earth.
But God is looking for people who are like Jesus. We cannot get there having ourselves lifted up. God will do the lifting up. We cannot get there by having a well known family name or any other way except by accepting what Jesus did on the cross for us as our substitute.
To learn more about 1 Corinthians 1, follow this link.
