1202. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Cor 1:18-24, Mt 11:25-26, Lk 10:21

In the Old Testament, Isaiah prophesied that God would do God's marvelous works, but the wise would not understand it. (Isa 29:14)

Isa 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

The wise did not realize that Jesus completed the work of Christ by dying on the cross, but we understood and believed it. (Matthew 11:25-26, Luke 10:21)

Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

The wise did not understand God's most wonderful work, that is, the way of the cross. However, we believe in the work of Christ accomplished by Jesus dying on the cross. This message of the cross is the power of God to us. (1 Corinthians 1:18-24)

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.