“HEROES, TYRANTS AND JESUS”
OUR DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
READ: 1 Corinthians 2:1–10
MEMORY VERSE
“I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2
BACKGROUND
Beethoven was angry. He’d intended to name his Third Symphony “The Bonaparte.” In an age of religious and political tyranny, he saw Napoleon as a hero of the people and champion of freedom.
But when the French general declared himself emperor, the celebrated composer changed his mind. Denouncing his former hero as a rascal and tyrant, he rubbed so hard to erase Bonaparte’s name that he left a hole in the original score.
Early believers in Jesus must have been disappointed when their hopes of political reform were dashed. He’d stirred hopes of life without the tyranny of Caesar’s heavy-handed taxes and military presence.
Yet, decades later, Rome still ruled the world. Jesus’ messengers were left with fears and weakness. His disciples were marked by immaturity and infighting (1 Corinthians 1:11–12; 3:1–3).
But there was a difference. Paul saw beyond what remained unchanged. His letters began, ended, and overflowed with the name of Christ. Christ resurrected. Christ with a promise to return in power. Christ in judgment of everything and everyone.
First and foremost, however, Paul wanted believers in Jesus to be grounded in the meaning and implications of Him crucified (2:2; 13:1–13).
The love expressed in Jesus’ sacrifice made Him a different kind of leader. As Lord and Savior of the world, His cross changes everything. The name of Jesus will forever be known and praised above every name.
By: Mart DeHaan
INSIGHT
Paul recalls having a singular purpose when he first met his Corinthian readers (1 Corinthians 2:2). Without natural eloquence, brilliance, or self-confidence, he taught about a king and conqueror who’d allowed His enemies to crucify Him.
As foolish as it must have sounded, Paul wanted them to join him in accepting, honoring, and never forgetting a God willing to be lifted on a criminal’s cross (1:13, 17–25; 2:2, 8).
He reminds the Corinthians of why nothing makes more sense than to love God and one another. Because Jesus didn’t remain in the grave (ch. 15), what may at first sound foolish, deserves never to be forgotten.
By: Mart DeHaan
APPLICATION
How is Jesus different from other leaders? Can you identify with Paul’s recall of his own weakness and fear? How does Jesus help you with that?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
How hard the tyrants and some of the heroes the world has known tried to immortalize their names but barely are they remembered today. Christ on the contrary by one act of obedience – His death on the cross and resurrection – is now immortalized:
Jesus never studied architecture – the closest He came to in this field was being near his earthly father’s business of carpentry – yet some of the world’s greatest architectural feats were inspired by Him.
He never studied medicine but undoubtedly is the world’s greatest healer and the field of medicine was inspired and moved by His compassion.
He never had a bank account but has inspired His followers to give more than all the financial institutions of nations can ever give to mankind.
He never was declared a general but commands the greatest army the world has ever known…
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (My Re-Emphasis from Post)
“The name of Jesus will forever be known and praised above every name.”
*YOUR TAKE? 
PRAYER
“Father, please help me to see Your heart in the sacrifice of Your Son.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“YESTERDAY, TODAY, FOREVER JESUS IS THE SAME”
Yesterday, today, forever,
Jesus is the same,
All may change, but Jesus never
Glory to His name!
Glory to His name! Glory to His name!
All may change, but
Jesus never glory to His name!
Oh, how sweet the glorious message
Simple faith may claim:
Yesterday, today, forever,
Jesus is the same;
Still He loves to save the sinful,
Heal the sick and lame,
Cheer the mourner, Still the tempest
Glory to His name!
Yesterday, today, forever,
Jesus is the same,
All may change, but Jesus never
Glory to His name!..
He who was the friend of sinners
Seeks the lost one now:
Sinner, come, and at His footstool
penitently bow;
He who said,
“I’ll not condemn thee, go and sin no more,”
Speaks to thee that word of pardon
as in days of yore (before).
Yesterday, today, forever,
Jesus is the same,
All may change, but Jesus never…
Oft on earth He healed the suff’rer
by His mighty hand:
Still our sicknesses and sorrows
go at His command;
He who gave
His healing virtue to a woman’s touch
To the faith that claims His fullness
still will give as much.
Yesterday, today, forever,
Jesus is the same,
All may change, but
Jesus never glory to His name!…
As He walked once to Emmaus,
with them to abide,
So thro’ all life’s way
He walketh ever near our side;
Soon again we shall behold Him
Hasten, Lord, the day
But ’twill still be this same
Jesus as He went away.
Yesterday, today, forever,
Jesus is the same,
All may change, but
Jesus never glory to His name!..
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (THIS WEEK)
THE BOOK OF JUDGES (REVIEW)
THE BOOK OF II CORINTHIANS (REVIEW