A REJECTED STONE (MARK 12:1-12)

A REJECTED STONE (MARK 12:1-12) REFLECTION The theme for our reflection is the rejected stone. In ancient civilization, stones and clay where used for most part of a building. Some of the stones served as building blocks and others as the foundational blocks. Jesus compared himself to a stone which was rejected by the master…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Sep 6, 2024

2–3 minutes

A REJECTED STONE (MARK 12:1-12)

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is the rejected stone. In ancient civilization, stones and clay where used for most part of a building. Some of the stones served as building blocks and others as the foundational blocks. Jesus compared himself to a stone which was rejected by the master skilled builders but unknown to them the rejected stone will beome the cornerstone. “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; ¹¹ the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” Mark 12:10-11)

The cornerstone is the most important stones becuase it is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation. All other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

An example of a cornerstone, all other stones are in reference or in alignment to the cornstone. The entire structure is positioned on the cornerstone.

The tenants referred to in the parable of the wicked tenants in Mark 12:1-12 were the scribes, chief priests of Israel who rejected John the Baptist and all other servants sent by God including His Son, Jesus Christ. The leaders of Israel were like vine dressers appointed by God to lead His people to ensure that the vine produces fruits. They were also like skilled master builders hired by God to help build the spiritual lives of His people. They failed and again wanted to take over what belongs to God. For this reason, Jesus came to establish a new covenant with God’s people and became the cornerstone of an indestructible temple of God to house His faithful believers. This same Jesus who was rejected, persecuted and crucified will become the resurrected Jesus who will become the cornerstone of God’s Church and our salvation. We are encouraged in 1 Peter 2:4-8 that “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honour is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.”

My dear friend, Jesus is no longer the rejected stone but the cornerstone on which our salvation and spiritual houses are laid. Let us re-examine ourselves and let Christ be the cornerstone of our Spiritual life so that our live will glorify God. Shalom.

PRAYER

Christ our cornerstone, strengthen us to continually build our spiritual lives on You so that our lives will be pleasing to our Creator. Amen.