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