The Beginning and End of Wisdom - Monergism Books

Ship of Foolspractical (Matt. 22:17–22), intellectual (22:23–33), moral (6:1–18), and mysterious wisdom (13:36–40) to the young (18:1–4),the simple (John 9:27–31), and the already wise (3:1–15). Andlike Israel’s wisdom teachers, he used nature analogies and similesto explain the nature of the kingdom of God. As Alyce M.McKenzie illustrates:He heard the sound of seeds hitting the earth. . . . He noticed foxescrawling into their holes, birds settling in their nests, and trees barrenof fruit. He noticed . . . reeds blowing in the wind, the beauty oflilies, and the behavior of vultures. 18Jesus certainly was a wisdom teacher, surpassing even Solomon.But he was and did more than that: he also lived a life ofwisdom, far better than Solomon did. Unlike Solomon (or anyOld Testament character), our Lord, in his human nature, perfectlyand perpetually feared the Lord. From the cradle to thecross, he walked the way of wisdom. Even denying himself theusual rewards of godliness—long life, a good reputation, a strongmarriage, healthy children, material prosperity—he submitted tothe wise but inexplicable will of his Father, enduring a crown ofthorns, a humiliating death, and spiritual abandonment, so thatin his sufferings he might become for us the very wisdom andpower of God (1 Cor. 1:24).Jesus taught wisdom, lived wisdom, and finally was Wisdom. 19Like Lady Wisdom of Proverbs, Jesus invited all to embrace him tofind life. 20 Jesus—as the bread of life; the living water; the light ofthe world; the true vine; the door; the resurrection and the life; theway, and the truth, and the life—invited people to eat, drink, see,bear fruit, open the door, and find eternal life. 21So, if it is true that Jesus taught, lived, and was/is Wisdom, thenwouldn’t you listen to what he has to say? Wouldn’t you hear andheed his warm words of invitation—“Come to me, all who laborand are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28)—as45