“And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?”– Luke 20:17 (KJV)
“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘Then what does this scripture mean: The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone?'”– Luke 20:17 (NLT)
“Jesus looked them in the eye and said, ‘So what do you think that the story means? The stone the builders tossed aside is now the cornerstone?'”– Luke 20:17 (MSG)
What Does Luke 20:17 Mean?
As we reflect on Luke 20:17, we find ourselves presented with one of the most vivid and profound metaphors in the Bible—the image of the cornerstone. By using this metaphor, Jesus points to something profound about rejection and eventual acceptance. The cornerstone was a significant piece in the building process. It is the stone that holds the structure together, determining the alignment and stability of the entire building. Thus, when Jesus speaks about the stone that the builders rejected, He is speaking about Himself, foretelling how He would be rejected by the very people He came to save but would ultimately become the foundation of the faith that we hold dear.
This scripture not only reflects Jesus’ identity but also illuminates the nature of our relationship with Him. We might think about our lives and the times when we feel rejected or sidelined. This verse encourages us to recognize that even in moments of rejection, we can be made whole through Christ. Just as the builders initially rejected the cornerstone, we may find ourselves being rejected by others based on our beliefs or lifestyle. However, we must remember that our worth is not determined by human approval but by our relationship with Christ. He encompasses love, mercy, and acceptance, reminding us that we are significant in God’s plan and purpose.
Luke 20:17 Explanation and Commentary
We can connect Luke 20:17 to other biblical narratives where stones play a key role. For instance, in Psalm 118:22, it states, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” This verse is prophetic and anticipates the mission of Jesus. Reflecting back, we see how Jesus strategically uses this metaphor to communicate the revelation of God’s Kingdom to the people of Israel. This reflects the journey of rejection He encounters leading to the cross, ultimately leading to His resurrection. Not only would He resurrect but He would become the foundation of the church.
As we unpack this verse, we must also consider the implications of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Following Jesus might mean periods of rejection, difficulties, and trials. Just as the builders missed the importance of the cornerstone, the world often overlooks the beauty and strength found in Christ. We need to assure ourselves that the rejection faced by Jesus is not a sign of failure but a necessary part of embracing His identity. When we acknowledge Jesus as the cornerstone of our lives, we are choosing to build our life upon His teachings, love, and guidance, creating a stable foundation for our spiritual journey.
We should not overlook the fact that building on Jesus as our cornerstone comes with responsibilities as well as freedoms. This commitment requires us to reflect Christ in our daily interactions. It compels us to share His love and message with others, even when rejection seems imminent. Jesus modeled persistence in His mission, demonstrating how we can stand firm even when faced with opposition. We are invited to embody the love that blinds the eyes of the critics while lifting others through forgiveness and grace.
Moreover, being part of the body of Christ means we all hold a valuable role in His building project. As we individually respond to His call and allow ourselves to align with Him, collectively we become part of a beautiful structure that glorifies God. This brings us a sense of belonging and purpose, allowing us to find our identities rooted in Christ rather than the fleeting judgments of the world.
Context of Luke 20:17
When we look at the context of Luke 20:17, we find ourselves in a moment of tension. Jesus has been teaching in the Temple, confronting various religious groups. This interaction occurs after He shares the parable of the wicked tenants in Luke 20:9-16 where He highlights the rejection of God’s messengers. The religious leaders understood Jesus was talking about them, and they felt the weight of this accusation. They were facing the truth of their spiritual blindness and unwillingness to accept the truth brought forth by Jesus.
By quoting the scripture about the rejected stone, Jesus employs a clever tactic to place them in a reflective space. He poses a question that requires them to think deeply about their roles as spiritual leaders. This moment serves as a call to repentance and an invitation to consider who they choose to follow. Rather than simply pointing fingers, Jesus offers a profound opportunity for understanding and growth. His intention is to lead them into newfound recognition and repentance.
As we engage with this context, we recognize that Jesus speaks to us through time. His message resonates today as we experience challenges and confront harsh truths about ourselves and the world around us. The world may push us to conform to its standards, but knowing that Jesus, the rejected stone, strengthens us, encourages us to continue following Him, regardless of the circumstances we might face.
Understanding the context sheds light on the transformative nature of God’s grace. Jesus exemplifies patience and persistence, establishing a pathway to the cross that carries unimaginable grace for all who receive Him. Being aware of these contexts allows us to be mindful of our own responses to Christ’s call and how we navigate relationships amidst trials.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 20:17
Let’s explore the significant components that make Luke 20:17 impactful. The phrase “the stone that the builders rejected” highlights two crucial aspects. First, it brings to light the rejection faced by Jesus and His messengers. Building materials symbolize our lives and their profound value in constructing spiritual truth. The idea here is that though rejection may occur, we hold an innate worth in God’s eyes.
Secondly, by mentioning becoming the “head of the corner,” we gather insights around Christ’s identity and authority. The cornerstone is not just any stone; it becomes the most critical stone in the building structure, signifying that Jesus is integral to our faith and foundation. Every building is reliant on its cornerstones, and recognizing makes it vital when we assess our connection with Christ. Jesus becomes our grounding point; nothing else can compare with the security He offers in our journey towards holiness. He sustains not only us as individuals but collectively as the Church.
Additionally, when we utilize this metaphor, we find that rebuilding is a central theme. Every one of us goes through moments when we may feel broken or in need of spiritual renewal. Much like a construction project, sometimes we don’t realize that building up requires tearing down what no longer serves our purpose. We often carry experiences stored away in our hearts that need reflection and transformation. Recognizing Christ plays the cornerstone in our lives becomes a comforting reminder that He can provide strength in what seems like ruins.
Furthermore, the imagery surrounding edifices can encourage us through storms, adversity, and challenges that we encounter daily. Knowing our fortress remains secure provides the confidence we need to face whatever may come. As we walk life’s path, we can take refuge in the assurance that we are being built up in faith, drawing strength from the collective experiences we share through His grace.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 20:17
As we ponder Luke 20:17, several lessons emerge that we can internalize for our spiritual development. A key takeaway is the understanding that rejection is often part of the journey. Just as Jesus faced rejection, we too will face moments where we may not feel welcomed or appreciated for our beliefs. However, knowing that we can arise from these experiences like the cornerstone should embolden us to carry on. These challenges can shape our character and lead us to deeper engagement with God’s purposes.
Another lesson can be found in appreciating our identity in Christ. This identity doesn’t shift according to the external opinions of others. Jesus was taught to abide in who He was as the Son of God, and we, too, can embrace our relationship with Him. This provides us with a firm understanding of our value that doesn’t hinge on popularity or societal acceptance. We become secure in knowing we belong to God—a powerful affirmation that can enable us to face life’s trials with confidence.
Furthermore, building our lives on Jesus as our cornerstone propels us into action. As we are called to embody and reflect Christ’s love, we are also invited to share that love with others. Reaching out to those who feel overlooked, just like the builders overlooked Jesus, is our way to carry forth His message. We enter into relationships that allow others to experience God’s grace through our actions and words—shining our light in places where darkness prevails.
Moreover, reflecting on communal responsibility becomes essential. The body of Christ is more than just individuals; it is a collective unit working together. Just as every stone adds to the stability and beauty of a structure, we are reminded that our part matters. Encouraging one another within community and recognizing unique gifts allows us to foster a supportive environment. Coming together, we should strive to bolster each other, reminding one another that rejection belongs to Jesus, not us.
Final Thoughts
In contemplating Luke 20:17, we find a remarkable message of hope intertwined with the realities of rejection. Jesus, the cornerstone, becomes foundational to our spiritual journeys. Through reflecting on rejection, identity, responsibility, and community, we grasp a deeper understanding of what it truly means to follow Him. While the world may toss aside those it deems unworthy, Jesus looks to us with love and purpose, desiring to build us up in faith.
May we be encouraged to embrace our roles in God’s building process. As we walk daily in His strength, let us cherish the relationships and community built around standing firm on the Cornerstone. Rejection may come, but our worth remains unshakeable as beloved children of God! For more insightful reflections on how biblical wisdom can guide our lives, we encourage you to visit Bible Repository and explore various topics together!