Rejected, and Selected

Stone was one of the most common building products of Jesus’ day. So the Jews were quite familiar with building projects made out of stone.

The picture of a rejected stone becoming the cornerstone went straight to their hearts. They got it. They understood that Jesus was pointing the accusing finger at them. They were the “builders” that were rejecting the wrong “stone.”

Sometimes in today’s world people mistakenly think that they can make Jesus real by believing, or unreal by not believing. That philosophy is an unfortunate product of our age.

But as Solomon says, “There’s nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NIV).

Jesus wanted the religious leaders to know that their lack of faith in him could in no way unmake him as the Son of God, or undo his approaching victory as the long-promised Savior.

In fact, all their words and actions were accomplishing the exact opposite. They were simply fulfilling everything that had been foretold for hundreds and hundreds of years about the Messiah.

They were proving that Jesus truly is the Chosen One.

So believe him, or don’t. He is who he says he is.

The Son of God. And your Savior.

Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” (Mark 12:10-11, NIV).

Lord, thank you for coming to save me from my sins. Though my sinful heart is always inclined to reject you, and rebel against you, thank you for not rejecting me. Send me your Spirit so that I trust in you with a simple faith, like a child’s.

Our Bible reading for Tuesday, March 3, is Leviticus 9:1 – 10:20, Mark 11:27 – 12:12 and Psalm 29:1-11.

Header image based on "Crumbling dome" by Carey, CC By-SA 2.0

Published by

pastorjeffgunn

I'm married to my beautiful wife Julie and have five kids whose names all begin with the letter A. I'm a pastor at CrossWalk Church in Phoenix, AZ. I love Jesus, my wife, my kids, and my grandkids. Huge Arizona Cardinals fan! Reading, hiking, camping, travel, and fishing are my top 5 downtime pleasures.

One thought on “Rejected, and Selected”

  1. Our Bible reading for Tuesday, March 3, is Leviticus 9:1 – 10:20, Mark 11:27 – 12:12 and Psalm 29:1-11.

    Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture: “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” (‭Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭10-11‬ NIV)

    Heavenly Father, you and you alone are the cornerstone of all creation. Jesus you are me cornerstone, my savior, my redeemer. I fail you, I sin against you, I am just a man. This man puts his faith in you Lord and knows of your promise. I belong to you Lord. Share your strength and your splendor. In my worship, in praise I honor you above all, the name above all Jesus Christ. It is this name I pray and find my peace.

    Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (‭Psalm‬ ‭29‬:‭1-2‬ NIV)

    The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. (‭Psalm‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ NIV)

    ~Paul Montenieri

    Like

Leave a comment