Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1 that the cross is folly (Synonym: foolishness) for some. Have you
ever stopped to reflect on the meaning of those mysterious words? Or of his equally challenging
conclusion in 2 Corinthians 13 that Jesus hung in weakness on the cross? Foolishness and
weakness are the words that are associated with the most significant moments in history of the
salvation of humanity through the work of Jesus on the cross. It doesn’t make any sense, when
you actually pause to consider its profundity. The King of the universe is not supposed to hang
unto death on a wooden cross. Yet, this is precisely the humiliating route that Jesus chooses to
follow, one that looks like pure foolishness to the world. And yet, it is only in this strange way
that God’s power is actually revealed to the world. While Jesus hangs powerless on on the cross,
salvation unfolded, literally shaking the earth to its core.
Foolishness is a central characteristic of the gospel of Jesus’ Kingdom. What does that tell us?
As a start, that perhaps we should rid ourselves of the preconceived idea that the gospel is
some form of human success story, an unrivaled show of power. It also asks us to follow with
Jesus in the same foolish way. We will not likely win a popularity contest, but we will be walking
behind the Good Shepherd himself.