Smart Isn’t Always Wise – March 6, 2024

Read: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18

Smart Isn’t Always Wise

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

It’s a normal question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Grown-ups ask this question when they want to hear what a child is interested in. Is the child interested in airplanes or big trucks? Perhaps she wants to write a book. Maybe he’s interested in everything, and it’s difficult to narrow down.

The world around us looks up to people who are smart, successful, wealthy. We listen to people who are on TV, who have their own shows, or who have made a living playing sports.

These two ideas are very similar. The question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is answered by thinking of people we admire—people who lead countries, make millions, and go to the moon.

That’s the way our world thinks. We look for success. We look for fame.

But how does God think? Paul tells us: “The message of the cross is foolishness.”

When God walked the earth visibly, he didn’t choose success. He didn’t choose fame, fortune, or a career of playing a game.

He chose crucifixion. Rejection. Betrayal. Death.

Why?

God was showing that he does all the work. Your forgiveness doesn’t depend on your skill, your accomplishment, or your money; your forgiveness depends entirely on this Jesus, who gave up his life for you.

Closing Prayer:

Holy Father, you are the true Father of the whole family in heaven and on earth. Open the hearts of all children to your Word and make them wise to your salvation. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What did Jesus do on earth that shows his power?
• What did Jesus do on earth that shows his love?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• If Good Friday was the only thing that someone knew about Jesus, what would they think?
• What do you have to do in order to be forgiven?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why did God use crucifixion as the tool of our salvation?
• Respond: “I don’t want to be a Christian. It sounds foolish that Almighty God would die like that.”