The Jesus revealed in the Gospels is not a mythical, domesticated, or culturally convenient version. He is the real, living Christ who reveals the heart of God.
From the very beginning, people have struggled to recognise Jesus for who he truly is. The apostle Paul reminds us that there are three broad ways people respond to Jesus and his kingdom. He writes:
Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 NIV
The first group are those who seek signs and wonders from Jesus. Some Christians today run around chasing prophets and apostles who promise them miracles and wonders. Yet, Jesus said, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign!” (Matthew 12:39a). The sign is the Son of Man three days and three nights in the grave!
The second group want a philosophical and scientific Jesus who makes logical sense. They like debating the gospel and the kingdom of God. Their faith is not practiced; it’s something to debate and argue. Jesus is the crucified Christ, not some religious guru.
The third group are those who have come to know the crucified Jesus. They know that kingdom living is about taking up their cross and following him. That kind of life is a stumbling block to those who want signs and miracles, and foolishness to those that want a philosophy.
Christ does not merely show us a crucified life to imitate. As the crucified One, he gives us his life.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, grow us in the knowledge of the crucified Christ. May our whole lives preach Christ crucified. Amen.
Takalani Musekwa, Superintendent of Africa
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
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