None Understood
Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 2:1-8
None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1 Corinthians 2:8
Most people in this world do not understand the message of Christ crucified. Paul says that is why the rulers of this world crucified Jesus. They just could not comprehend that Jesus was the Lord of glory, because he didn’t look or act the part.
The Jewish rulers expected the Lord of glory to use his power to rout the Romans and reestablish a geopolitical kingdom in the promised land of Israel. The idea that the Lord of glory would be crucified was a stumbling block to them. They stumbled over the concept of a murdered Messiah.
The Gentile rulers never expected a god to become human. The idea that Jupiter or Mars or Venus could actually become human and then literally die was total nonsense to them. So this Jesus, whoever he was, was in their minds no Lord of glory.
Rulers today are no different. Whether they are academic elites writing scornful books about the Christian faith, powerful politicians convinced that policy change will usher in a new world, or media stars absorbed in their own lives, none understand that Christ crucified is the key to redemption.
So it is important to spend time in a Bible-believing church that is committed, like Paul, to preach only “Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Then we can have true life.
Lord of glory, bless all who preach today. May they point only to you, the crucified Christ, as Savior, that all may be drawn to you. Amen.
About the author — Stanley Mast
Beginning in 1971, Rev. Stanley Mast has served churches in Missouri, Colorado, and Michigan. After teaching at Calvin Theological Seminary for a few years, he was the minister of preaching at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, until his retirement in 2012. Stan and his wife, Sharon, enjoy time with their two sons and five grandchildren.
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