This year, Easter falls on April First. On Easter Day, Christians all over the world gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. But April Fool’s Day, by common usage, is a day for pranks.
Nobody likes to play the fool. But for a moment, coming up on an April First Easter, let’s embrace the question: Who’s the fool? Is it the Jews that conspired against Jesus to kill Him? Is it the Romans who were used by them to put Him to death? Is it Jesus Himself? Is it those who have believed in Him? Who’s the fool?
The Apostle Paul, for one, isn’t afraid of the question. He says openly: “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Cor 15:19 ESV) Yet, along with all the disciples and eyewitnesses of the resurrection, Paul never changed his tune. In fact, they all live and die as martyrs for their testimony about Jesus, His death at the cross, and His resurrection from the dead.
“For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.” (1 Cor 1:21 ESV)
The world through its wisdom improves, and yet heaven on earth never gets any closer. The world through inclusiveness becomes more intolerant and rejects decency and charity. “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” (1 Cor. 3:19 ESV) The world by wisdom refuses to know God, the Creator. So He made Himself small. He made Himself least and worst of all. He placed Himself under the condemnation of all.
He took up our folly and shame. He made Himself an easy prey for an unseen enemy who couldn’t resist falling on Him in such a state of foolishness and weakness. “And you, who were dead in your trespasses … God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses … “(He cancelled) “the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities” (the devil and all his rebellious spirits) “and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Colossians 2:13-15 ESV)
In light of His vacant tomb — for He is Risen! — how blessed we are to be called to share in His divine foolishness! “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor 1.18 ESV)
Wishing you a blessed celebration of the Feast of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead!