Introduction
Last week we looked at the prophecy that the Messiah would be called the cornerstone. Today’s Old Testament prophesy tells us that the Messiah would also be a stone of stumbling.
Old Testament Prophecy
The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone; [Psalm 118:22 NIV]
and he will be a sanctuary;
but for both houses of Israel he will be
a stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.
And for the people of Jerusalem he will be
a trap and a snare. [Isaiah 8:14 NIV]
New Testament Fulfillment
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 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. He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.” [Matthew 21:42-44 NIV]
Haven’t you read this scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; [Mark 12:10 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 capstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.” [Luke 20:17-18 NIV]
Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. As it is written: See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” [Romans 9:32-33 NIV]
For in Scripture it says: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, and, A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. They stumble because they disobey the message–which is also what they were destined for. [1 Peter 2:6-8 NIV]
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Image courtesy of Abby Reed