Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Matthew 21 - Jesus, the Rejected Cornerstone

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. Matthew 21: 42-44. 

When the Pharisees were unable to tell Jesus whether John's baptism was from God or man, Jesus responded by telling them several parables which prophesied their doom in 70 AD. He told the story of a husbandman who had two sons, both of whom were asked to work in the father's vineyard. One initially rejected but then repented and did the work, while the other son agreed to work but then failed to honor his word. The Pharisees knew that the obedient son was the one who would enter the father's kingdom, but Jesus surprised them by saying that this son represented the publicans and harlots who repented and believed - not the Pharisees and leaders who took pride in their seemingly rightous acts . While these publicans and harlots were obvious sinners and clearly broke the law, they were willing to change from their wicked ways and follow Christ.

Another parable was even harsher in that it told of the landowner who rented out his vineyard, watchtower, and winepress to men who rejected and beat the landowner's servants, stoned and killed his other servants, and then eventually killed the owner's son, the heir. Jesus declared that the owner would destroy those wicked men and rent his land to others who would bring forth fruit in its season. Jesus went further by declaring that this event would be the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy (Psalms 118 and Isaiah 28:16) of the stone that the builders rejected becoming the chief cornerstone for this new building God was erecting (the church); that all men would come to that stone, either to stumble upon it and be humbled (repent) or be crushed by it (judged).

The Pharisees perceived Jesus was speaking of them and desired to lay hands on Him and kill Him. Ironically, they sought to fulfill the very evil deed that Jesus had just spoken of in the parable! They had hardened their hearts, blinded their eyes, stopped up their ears, and stiffened their necks. They would not believe, and there was nothing to be done about it.

How tragic! God desires that no one perish and be lost to Him. Pray that the father would use you to be that light in a dark place to help someone in your sphere of influence who is blind, deaf, and ignorant of God's wonderful salvation!