What the Builders Rejected Is Tested and Becomes Precious
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the cornerstone. Most every mention in Scripture to cornerstone references Jesus.
Many uses in the Old Testament predict the Savior’s coming. And every New Testament reference quotes one of two key Old Testament prophecies about Jesus.
What is a Cornerstone?
In modern construction, a cornerstone is a prominent visual part of a building that proclaims information about the structure. It may also house a time capsule.
In ancient construction, however, a cornerstone was an integral structural element. It was laid first and the rest of the building erected around it.
The building was built upon the cornerstone. If the cornerstone wasn’t set correctly, or wasn’t a sufficient quality, the integrity of what was built upon it wouldn’t stand.
To have a building that lasts required a cornerstone of the highest quality.
The Parable of the Tenants
Jesus tells a parable about a man who plants a vineyard, rents it to some farmers, and leaves town (Luke 20:9-19). At harvest, the man sends his representative to collect his share of the crop. This was his payment for renting them the vineyard.
The tenants refuse to pay the owner’s envoy. The landlord sends more agents, and the farmers beat and mistreat each one.
Finally, he sends his son to collect payment. The tenets, however, don’t respect the son either. They kill him in expectation of taking control of the vineyard.
The owner’s response is to come and kill the tenants. He gives the vineyard to others.
The people are aghast at Jesus’s parable.
In response, he asks them, “Aren’t you aware that this stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone?” This comes from Psalm 118:22.
The religious leaders want to arrest Jesus immediately because they know he’s talking about them—that they’re the evil tenants in his parable. But out of fear over the people’s reaction, they don’t arrest him.
A Precious Cornerstone
The prophet Isaiah records the words of God, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic” (Isaiah 28:16).
Jesus is the cornerstone that this passage refers to. He’s the tested rock that we can depend upon. He is the precious cornerstone that makes for a sure foundation. If we depend on him, we have nothing to worry about.
Peter quotes from Isaiah (1 Peter 2:6), as well as the passage from Psalms (1 Peter 2:7).
Zechariah is another prophet who also foresees the coming cornerstone (Zechariah 10:4).
Jesus is the Cornerstone
The imagery of Jesus as the cornerstone applies to each one of us and our faith.
When we place our trust on him as the cornerstone of our lives, we know that the house we build on his sure foundation will last. It will stand up to whatever comes against us in this life and usher us into eternity.
Jesus is the cornerstone we can depend on in both this life and the next.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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