(NASB) Hebrews 12:2 “fixing our eyes on Jesus, …who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame…”

What do people think of the cross on which Jesus died?
(NASB) 1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

God’s power was at work when Jesus died on the cross.  God’s power raised Jesus from the dead.  It is the power of the living God that saves you and me.  Nothing and no one else can take us into heaven.  Only the power of God can do it.  Anyone can tap into this power by faith in Jesus as their Savior.

What else does God tell us about how to be saved for all eternity?
(NASB) 1 Corinthians 1:21 “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe…”

What was preached?  What is God saying to you today?
(NASB) 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 “but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,
24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Men’s wisdom does not lead to knowing the living God – rather the world looks for other ways to worship and get to heaven.  They look to anyone or anything but the living God’s plan of salvation in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God.

It is through the work of Jesus on the cross – and only faith in what Jesus did on that cross – that saves anyone.  None of my good works or good deeds saves me…God says so.  It is only through faith in Jesus…this is the wisdom and power of the living God.

Take it to heart ~

Jesus had confidence in the power of His Father to raise Him from death.

Jesus had confidence in the wisdom of His Father to use the cross as the means to save me and you!  Jesus despised the shame, He ignored the shame of dying as a criminal.  He did it for you and me!  He took your sins, your very real sins, as if they were His own. He took your punishment for your sins.

Jesus ~ despised the shame of dying on the cross – for you!

(NASB) John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

Jesus ~ He is the wisdom of God, He is the power of God – for you!