A Weak Paradox 2 Corinthians 13:4
1. Definition of Paradox:
a. A statement that seems to contradict itself but may nonetheless be true.
b. “A paradox is the truth standing on her head to get attention.”
2. Jesus is all about Paradox because so much of what Jesus teaches is just foolish according to the world. He taught THAT:
• The way up is down.
• The way first is last.
• The way to success is through service.
• The way of gain is loss.
• The way of strength is weakness.
• Want to get the most? Go to where the least is.
• Want to become great? Become least.
• Want to find yourself? Forget yourself.
• Want to be honored? Humble yourself and honor others.
• God’s power is made perfect…where? In our weakness.
3. 2 Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV)
4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
4. There are interesting paradoxes with this statement.
• Jesus is the strongest person to have lived yet appeared weak.
• Jesus’ enemies were weak yet appeared strong.
5. There is a military strategy – Sun Tzu in The Art of War:
“Appear weak when you are strong and strong when weak.”
I. Jesus Was Strong but Appeared Weak
A. He Was Silent in the Face of Judgment –
Pilate – Mark 15:3-5 (NKJV) 3 And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. 4 Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!” 5 But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.
Herod – Luke 23:8-9 (NKJV) 8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. 9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing.
Isaiah 53:7 (NKJV) He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep, before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.
B. He Was Soft in Times of Insult
[King’s Game
C. Actual Strength
1. In His Emotions
2. In Potential Retaliation
3. In Self-Defense – Matthew 26:53 (NKJV) Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?
D. Divine Purpose -- 1 Peter 1:19-20 (NKJV)
[We are redeemed] with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world,
II. Jesus’ Enemies Were Weak but Appeared to be Strong
Numbers run today’s world. Television shows are produced or canceled depending on ratings. Politicians rise or fall depending on polls. If we’re not careful, we can evaluate God’s work similarly. Jesus’ enemies thought they had the numbers and could get away with murder. They forgot that we mustn’t despise the day of small things (Zechariah 4:10; 1 Samuel 14:6).
A. Sanhedrin – Weak in their Envy of Jesus and insecurity for their wealth and luxuries – Mark 11:17-18 (NKJV) – 17 Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ 18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching.
B. Crowds could have been intense but Were Weak and Fickle – Hosanna on Sunday and “Crucify Him!” a few days later. [Ray Epps prompting Capitol invasion
C. Pilate – Weak Because He Feared Rome and Political Trouble from an Uprising of the Jews. Tried to set Jesus free instead, the people asked for Barabbas.
D. Satan Appears Strong but is no match for the LORD and His People.
1. Not Omniscient He did not expect the Resurrection. – 1 Corinthians 2:8 (NKJV) . . . for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
2. Rules by Fear and Control – Lies; misinformation and disinformation; Tempter – but look at this – James 4:7 (NKJV) – Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
1. Jesus APPEARED weak but had strength. His enemies appeared strong but were weak.
2. Sets the example for us – 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NKJV): 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to [a]buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
In our time, our defense is not political; cleverly devised plans; but the LORD
Sun Tzu had to rely on military strategy and was successful; generations later, the people forgot the lessons he taught and lost; the Chinese did not have the LORD; we do.
We act based on God and His directions and make application to our lives and battles – Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV): The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
3. Songwriter Reuben Morgan wrote a beloved worship chorus titled “What the Lord Has Done in Me.” It’s a song about paradoxes—one line says, “Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” This is a direct reference from Joel 3:10 (NKJV):
Beat your plowshares into swords
And your pruning hooks into spears;
Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’ ”
God calls us to step up; even the weak must be strong in the Lord.
