Jesus is the Cornerstone: What does this mean for us?

“Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.” Ephesians 2:20 (NLT)

My church small group is currently reading through and studying the book of Ephesians. When reading over Ephesians 2 recently, a section near the end stood out to me—a part describing Jesus as the cornerstone. I love analogies, so I decided to study this a little more.

The analogy given in the passage describes the followers of Jesus as a house, a temple where God now lives by his Holy Spirit (see also 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Romans 8:9). Paul describes us as being built on a foundation of those who went before us, the apostles and prophets, and Jesus is the cornerstone.

I learned that a cornerstone, sometimes called a foundation stone, is the first stone laid for a structure. I read that this was the most important part of this ancient construction method. A cornerstone was generally a very large and solid stone, typically larger and sturdier than all other stones. This stone took the most care and precision to lay because of its importance to all of the other stones and to the structure as a whole.

The cornerstone is put into place with all of the other stones then laid in reference to that stone. It sets the direction and the orientation of the entire structure. The cornerstone ensures proper alignment when all of the other stones line up with it. A cornerstone is a rock upon which the weight of the entire structure rests.

There are so many parallels that can be seen between a cornerstone and Jesus.

Parallels between a cornerstone and Jesus

Cornerstone

• First stone laid
• Most important part in the construction of the structure
• A very large, reliable, and sturdy stone
• Sets the foundation
• Sets the direction and standard of the structure
• Ensures proper alignment
• Provides stability for the structure
• The rock on which the structure and weight rests
• Joins the structure, all the stones, together

Jesus

• Firstborn; first in the family of God; the first of many of God’s children (Romans 8:29)
• Most important part of our faith; Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6)
• Jesus is also a rock; reliable and trustworthy (1 Corinthians 10:4, John 14:1)
• Set the foundation of salvation and of the church—it is all built on him; laid a foundation for the rest of us to build upon (1 Corinthians 3:11)
• Sets the direction and standard for the church and for us to follow (John 12:26)
• Ensures an aligned life; he straightens up the crooked parts of our lives when we align with him and his ways (Luke 3:5)
• Provides stability for us and for the church; prevents us from being shaken; Jesus makes it possible for us to have a solid structure, a solid church, a solid and stable life (Isaiah 26:16, Isaiah 28:16, Hebrews 12:28)
• We can rest on Jesus; he will carry our weights and our burdens; Jesus takes the weight off if we lean on him; he holds us up; (Matthew 11:28, 1 Peter 5:7)
• Joins and holds his people all together; he unites his church—we are one (Colossians 1:17, John 17:21, 1 Corinthians 12:12)

What being our cornerstone means to us…

Jesus is our standard, our measurement guide, and that to which we are to align and conform. Just as a cornerstone straightens the path of a structure, we can live a straight path with Jesus’ example to guide us. He sanctifies us and straightens up the crooked parts of our lives when we align with him and his ways. If we don’t align with him and his ways, the structure (our lives) could be unstable, shifting, and prone to falling. Jesus also ensures the stability of our faith and salvation. We can lean and rest on him, and we will be stable and won’t fall. Jesus will take the weight off of us when it’s too much to bear. We can be strong because he is strong. Lastly, he will also unite all those who follow him together, if we will allow him. We are stronger together as one.

There are multiple verses throughout scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments about Jesus being the cornerstone.

Scriptures about Jesus is the Cornerstone

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Psalm 118:22 (ESV)

“Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.” Isaiah 26:16 (NLT)

“So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place.” Isaiah 28:16-17 (NIV)

“From Judah will come the cornerstone, the tent peg, the bow for battle, and all the rulers.” Zechariah 10:4 (NLT)

“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’?” Matthew 21:42 (NIV)

“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)

“Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “’The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” Luke 20:17-18 (NIV)

“For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’” Acts 4:11 (NLT)

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)

“Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.” Ephesians 2:20 (NLT)

“You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.  As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.” 1 Peter 2:4-8 (NLT)

Rejecting the cornerstone, rejecting Jesus

Not everyone will accept Christ or align with his standard. Some people reject him.

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Psalm 118:22 (ESV)

“Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture: “’The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’” Mark 12:10 (NIV)

Stumbling over the cornerstone

Jesus came, and instead of embracing Him, many stumbled over Him and ultimately crucified Him on the cross.  People stumble because they want to do and see things their own way. They stumble because they don’t stop and see the plan of God, the big “rock” in their way. Additionally, disobedience causes them to stumble. When we try to use our own wisdom, we miss God’s wisdom.

God’s plan for salvation through Jesus is seen as foolish by some. However, the wisdom of the world is foolishness compared to the wisdom and plan of God. Therefore, because of their blindness, because of their view of God’s plan as foolish (it didn’t meet their own expectations and/or desires), they stumble over the top of Jesus, the cornerstone, and miss God’s plan. They stumble right into destruction because they refuse to see Jesus as the foundation, but instead as just some stumbling block in their way.

“He will keep you safe. But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare. Many will stumble and fall, never to rise again. They will be snared and captured.” Isaiah 8:14-15 (NLT)

“Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.” Matthew 21:44 (NLT)

“Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him.” Luke 2:34 (NLT)

“Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path. God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said, “I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”” Romans 9:32-33 (NLT)

“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” 1 Corinthians 1:21-25 (NIV)

“And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.” 1 Peter 2:8 (NLT)

In foolishness, people see Jesus as a stumbling block instead of a foundation rock.

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.  As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”

So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.  Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.

But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-29 (NLT)

In foolishness, people see Jesus as a stumbling block instead of a foundation rock.

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Take Some Practical Steps to See Jesus as Your Cornerstone:

• First, take some took to understand the parallels and what that means for you personally.

• Secondly, praise Jesus for the foundation he has laid and is for you!

Spend some time focusing on specific areas where the parallels have made a substantial difference (or can make a substantial difference) in your life. For example, if Jesus has been a place of rest and carried my burdens in difficult times, I will spend some time praising him and thanking him for this, specifically.

• Next, spend some time meditating on some of the cornerstone scriptures.

Consider writing or printing out a verse for when you need to be reminded that Jesus is your cornerstone. Post it somewhere where it will be helpful for you to have a reminder.

• Finally, avoid rejecting or stumbling over Jesus and his ways.

Don’t see Jesus or his ways (to which you are to align) as being an obstacle or as something in your way. This would be foolish and ultimately unhelpful in your life.

Which parallel between Jesus and a cornerstone is most encouraging to you? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below!

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