Jesus: The Cornerstone

The Foundation is critical to the success of a building.  A small crack in the foundation often results in a much larger crack at the roofline.  A foundation built on soft soil can result in the leaning tower of Pisa.  The foundation is very important.

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV)

When we are talking about building up God’s Church as a Temple of the Holy Spirit, the foundation is, once again, very important.  That is why the foundation begins with Jesus, who is the Messiah or Christ.

But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” (Luke 20:17-18 ESV)

Jesus is not only referred to as a part of the foundation.  He is the cornerstone.  This stone is even more important in the style of construction they were doing back then.  The cornerstone was cut precisely so that it set the standard for the two foundation walls that went out from it on either side.  The corner stone was a measurement tool and a standard that was used for the rest of the foundation.

This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12 ESV)

Many stones would get considered for the building, but some would be rejected.  Out of the building stones, only the best would be kept for the foundation because it was so important.  Only the best of the best would be used for the cornerstone.  Many “builders” rejected Jesus for their building, foundation, and cornerstone, but, for God’s Church, this rejected stone became the cornerstone.

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 honor 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. (1 Peter 2:6-8 ESV)

How about you?  What foundation are you building your life upon?  Is Jesus rejected by you or did He make it into your building?  Is He in the foundation?  Is Jesus your cornerstone?