In Luke 20:17, Jesus looked directly at them (the scribes and the Pharisees) and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “The Stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” quoting from Psalms 118.22.
King David wrote this psalm of thanksgiving upon gaining full possession of the kingdom. David was the stone that Saul and his courtiers rejected, but was advanced to be the headstone of the building of God. The symbolism of the foundation stone, crucial to a building, indicates that God will vindicate his rejected leader. (Matthew Henry Commentary, 1706)
Jesus applies this metaphor to himself. He is a stone, for strength, firmness, duration, and life, in the building of the spiritual temple. This building-stone imagery made a great impact on the church. Rejected by the Jews; refusing to recognize Him as the Messiah; they would not build their faith upon him. (Matthew Henry Commentary, 1706)
In Scripture, foundation stones are symbolic of the basis of faith in Jesus Christ and the church. Christ is thus represented as both the foundation upon which the church is built, and the capstone that crowns the whole. (Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes, 2009)
In Luke 20:18, Jesus warns His ridiculers, “Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”
Jesus is the foundation stone of God’s plan. Rejected by the Jewish nation Jesus will be exalted. His enemies can expect to be destroyed. Even those that slight Him that stumble at Him shall be broken - he will fall upon them and crush them to pieces. (Matthew Henry Commentary, 1706)
As we observe this Lenten season with prayer and reflection in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us give praise and thanks to God for sending his Son to be the cornerstone and rock of our salvation.
Beth Errickson
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