Laying a Cornerstone – October 20, 2020

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
Matthew 21:42

Laying a Cornerstone

There were so many reasons that people rejected Jesus.

Some found him far too ordinary for his claims. They had grown up with him in Nazareth. They knew his mother, brother, and sisters. He was just too normal, and so they rejected him.

Others found his message of grace and forgiving scandalous. He ate and drank with sinners while rebuking the self-righteousness of the religious leaders of his day. His mercy was too much, and so they rejected him.

Still, others thought his message was too exclusive. Jesus preached that he is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus said that he was the only way to the Father. His road was too narrow, and so they rejected him.

For countless others, though, they saw Jesus as their only source of hope in an uncertain world. For women like Mary Magdalene, disciples like Philip, and men like Nicodemus, they saw Jesus as essential for their lives. They realized that with him, they had everything. Without him, they had nothing. He was the cornerstone of their lives. His love became their source of guidance. His forgiveness and grace became the standard upon which God would build their faith. The work he accomplished made eternal life theirs.

Jesus is your hope, as well. While you may see many rejecting him, that does not change the fact that he is still the cornerstone. Believe in him. Build your life around him. With him, you have everything. Without him, you have nothing. The forgiveness he won for you means your relationship with God is restored, and eternal life in heaven is yours.

The cornerstone is set. You can say with the Bible writer, “The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes.”

Prayer:
Father, you have done this marvelous thing in making Jesus the cornerstone. Help me to trust in him alone. Amen.