Bible Passage: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
We have come to the end of our week in 1 Corinthians. As always, we have barely scratched the surface in such a short time, but we have hit several main themes and now end with the most important one.
When I was in Bible college and then seminary, I loved to pick at ideas and talk about them with whoever would listen. Yes, I probably was arrogant and obnoxious with them…maybe I still am from time to time.
Sorry!
I remember bringing up some topic with my dad, a lifelong pastor. After a lot of discussion (monologue on my part is probably more accurate), he ended the conversation with a nod of his head and what felt like a dismissive, “That’s interesting.”
I was a bit frustrated.
At the time, these theological issues felt weighty, and I didn’t understand how he could be so seemingly indifferent.
In frustration, I asked him why he didn’t seem concerned about the topic. Didn’t he realize what was at stake?!
His reply has been something I have held onto for years:
“My only concern is, ‘What do people do with Jesus?’”
That simple reply reflects the heart of so much of the New Testament. It is exactly what Paul zeroes in on during the closing chapters of the 1st letter to the Corinthian church.
After attempting to wade through the specific issues they were facing, giving them both some specific instructions and pointing them toward wisdom to guide their actions, and after reminding them that they are one family and that their gifts are meant to unite them and serve each other, Paul comes to a climatic statement in chapter 15.
What is of “first importance” in the Christian faith? What are the most important things to focus on?
First importance is that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scripture. Nothing else rises to this level of importance.
Above all the divisions, above the learning curve of following Jesus after coming out of another religious system, beyond the distribution of gifts and how they are used, is the truth that Jesus died for our sins…of which the Corinthian church had many.
Just like you and me.
Men, there is no greater question you can answer. The most important thing is Christ.
What do you do with Jesus?
That is the most important question for men to answer.
Prayer: God, thank You for the provision for sin Jesus offers. Thank You that forgiveness is available through His death. Thank You for the life He offers. Help me to live in that new life. Amen.
Reflection: What do you do with Jesus? Who do you know that needs to answer this question about Jesus?
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