The Rejected Stone

By Jamie Jacob

“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”? Therefore, I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.’ When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.”—Matthew 21:42–46 (NIV)

Have you ever made a decision that ended up in regret? Have you ever wondered, “If I had not been so stubborn and just listened, my life would look so different?” I’ve found myself in this position more times than I’d like to admit. I’ve allowed my pride and need to always be right to get in the way of making wise decisions that would have otherwise glorified Jesus. The truth is, we’ve all been there at some point in our lives.

In Jesus’ day, chief priests and elders of Israel harbored a type of pride and arrogance that, if we’re being honest, we could probably identify with. And what I love about Jesus is His ability to speak the truth in love, and not mince His words—He tells it like it is.

Towards the end of His parable about the wicked tenants, Jesus directs the same warning towards the religious leaders of His day about the result of their rejection of God by quoting Psalm 118—claiming to be the rejected stone that God has appointed to be the Chief Cornerstone. Jesus quotes this passage to remind them about the judgment that is to come if they keep holding on to their rejection of God and Him as the Messiah. Jesus continues to warn the chief priests that if they continue on this path of rejection, God will take away their place of leadership and pass it on to a people “who will produce its fruit.” Yikes.

Thankfully, we’ve been offered a way out of our pride and stubbornness by God Himself. Our sin separates us from God, and all of us have fallen incredibly short of His glorious standard. And yet, we’ve been presented with a choice in the same way the religious leaders were given a choice. We can either willingly repent and be broken in humble surrender before God or be completely broken in judgment.

The Bible tells us that destruction lies in wait for those who choose the path of pride (Proverbs 16:18), but grace upon grace is given to those who choose the path of humility (James 4:5–6). We live in a world that has become increasingly and overtly hostile toward the things of God, but God is looking for a generation that will remain faithful. He’s looking for people who choose to be marked by humility.

It’s easy to forget that we’ve been given a great privilege. The rule and reign of God’s kingdom is available to us right now through Jesus Christ. We can have life—abundant life. We can know God! However, the seed of the reality of God’s kingdom will only grow in the soil of humility. May His kindness lead us to repentance today (Romans 2:4), and may we live lives that bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8).

Pause: How have you been a good steward of the kingdom of God? Are you producing its fruits?

Practice: Look for opportunities that will challenge your pride. What do you hold on to? If it’s your time, spend it serving at your church or in a small group. If it’s your money, maybe it’s time to start tithing as a physical act of trust in Jesus or paying for someone’s meal the next time you go out. The opportunities are everywhere. We just have to be willing to look for ourselves.

Pray: Jesus, I repent for living a life that professed faith in You, but functionally did the opposite. I repent for the times I could have glorified You, but willingly choose to reject You. I believe You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that You alone have the words of life. Thank You for Your mercies that are new every morning and for the incredible privilege I have to be in Your kingdom. Help me to treasure this great gift. Lead me today as I go to work, school, or as I’m with my family, and show me how I can reveal Your kingdom and bear much fruit. Amen.