The Cross of Christ

1 Corinthians 2:1-2 “And I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
We are coming upon the Easter season where many have a flawed view of what happened on Golgotha’s hill over 2000 years ago. In his letter to the Corinthian church Paul is stressing not education, wisdom of men or points of law. He is reminding the Corinthians that true Christianity owes nothing to human wisdom.
At first glance this is a very strange statement for Paul to make that he did not come with great words, motivational speeches or vast knowledge of theology. Surely he talked about more than just what happened at Calvary? Paul was a very educated man and a student of the law. He knew theology inside and out. How could this then be a description of his ministry? You mean to tell me Paul did not talk about morality, about points of law about theology in general, both past and present? I am sure he did but that is not what I feel Paul is talking about here. I think his meaning is very clear in the last part of verse 2, “Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Everything Paul talked about centered around Christ, the cross and what happened on the cross. Issues of morality are centered on the cross, theology has its roots on the cross and only with a true understanding of the cross can either be understood. And all history, including the entire Old Testament, is only properly understood in relation to the cross. Paul was telling us everything we teach and preach should be centered on the cross. Grace, joy, grief, sacrifice, purpose, hope, love are evidenced on the cross. To be able to properly understand any of these we must clearly know and fully understand what happened on the cross and why it happened.
The cross was not an accident; it was not a practice run; it was not just a good example. Jesus Christ carried our sins, in his own body, on the tree so that we, being freed from sin, would live a life that exalts his name. The cross is the pivot-point of history. It is the impetus and standard for morality. And it is the center stage of theology. Had Jesus not gone to the cross suffered and died for our sins we would not be having this discussion. Without the cross all we would have is a hollow theology, an educated but distorted view of God and still would be living with no hope. So it stands to reason then not only is it therefore right to focus all our attention on the cross of Christ, it is wrong not to. Easter is not for colored eggs, fluffy bunnies or new clothes. Christ died on the cross and after three days He rose from the dead with my salvation in His hand. So then Paul made it very clear everything we do or say should be centered on the cross. All inspiration does not come from human wisdom. “And my speech and preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” Vs 4-5
May the cross, today, be the focus of your vision and the fullness of your heart. May you know nothing among your friends, your co-workers, your family, save Jesus Christ and him crucified. To preach less would have no meaning.