Cornerstone
by Verena Johnson
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The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes (Matthew 21:42b).
Read Matthew 21:33–46
After telling the very confronting parable of the tenants, Jesus uses this quotation from Psalm 118:22. Did you know that this verse has a special claim to fame in the Bible? Jesus quotes it about himself in Mark 12:10,11 and Luke 20:17 as well. Peter mentions it in Acts 4:11 and 1 Peter 2:7,8. Paul refers to this verse in Ephesians 2:20. No text in the Old Testament is quoted more often in the New Testament.
Jesus was rejected by the chief priests and Pharisees. He wasn’t the cornerstone they were looking for! They had their own building, and he didn’t fit at all.
They didn’t approve of his lack of formal education (John 7:15). They didn’t approve of where he came from (John 7:52). They didn’t approve of his disregard for religious traditions (Luke 6:2). They definitely didn’t approve of his choice of friends (Matthew 9:11).
Yet despite the fact that they rejected and crucified Jesus, God raised him up and established Jesus as the chief cornerstone of his great plan of redemption. All things are grounded, built on and fulfilled in him.
Now, before we are tempted to shake our heads and ‘tut tut’ at the attitude of the chief priests and Pharisees – and maybe even feel slightly smug – take the time to reflect on this: Is Jesus truly the cornerstone of your life? Of every part of your life, not just the Sunday or churchy bits?
Sometimes, I can be tempted to build on my own foundation, logic, ideas and desires – especially in the everyday ‘non-churchy’ bits. I’m tempted to build in my way and in my time frame. It always seems like such a good idea at the time. But when my building starts to teeter or crumble, I run to Jesus to fix it or help me. Sometimes, he lets it fall down so that we can start building again, together this time.
If only Jesus had been the cornerstone right from the start!
A cornerstone is something to build upon. Jesus is the strong, unshakable foundation for every part of your life. Whatever you build in your life today, build on Jesus Christ, the cornerstone.
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are the cornerstone. Please be my cornerstone and the cornerstone of every part of my life. Help me to build on you in everything. Amen.
Verena is a Church Worker Support Officer for the LCA Church Worker Support Department, where it is her privilege to support congregations, pastors, lay workers, employees and volunteers of LCA. In her spare time, she is involved in drama ministry, women’s ministry and prayer ministry. She has three children and eight grandchildren in three different states.
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