‘The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.”‘ (John 7:47-49 ESV).
When the Temple guards returned to the Jewish leaders empty-handed, they questioned why they hadn’t arrested Jesus. But the guards replied that they had never heard anyone speak as Jesus did! At this, the rulers and Pharisees mocked the guards and asked the rhetorical question, “Do you see any of us believing in him?” Their point was that only the ignorant and the foolish crowds would follow Jesus. Those schooled in proper religion, such as they, would not.
The apostle Paul explained how those who think themselves wise are often the ones who reject Christ. He wrote, “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor. 1:23-24). Paul went on to write, “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful” (1 Cor. 1:26-27).
As Christ-followers, we may be seen as weak and foolish in the eyes of the world’s elite, but we are blessed to know Christ, “the power and wisdom of God.”
PRAYER: Dear Father, we have believed in Christ Jesus for He is the power and wisdom from You to us. By faith in Him, You have made us overcomers in this world. Strengthen us to live by the power and wisdom of Christ today. In Jesus’ name, amen.