“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?” (Luke 20:17).
It appears that Jesus – the Teacher from Nazareth,
was more or less OK as long as He kept His distance from Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was the religious hub of the Jews with
its Temple and all the religious affairs which were run from there. A modern
equivalent would be the Vatican the religious hub of the Roman Catholic Church,
sort of.
While Jesus was ministering outside Jerusalem
(which was most of the time) He was constantly watched and at times, challenged.
At every step, there was a Pharisee or two plodding along…collecting
evidence.
Evidence which may later be used (as it was)
against Him.
But as Jesus entered Jerusalem, acclaimed by His
followers and numerous crowds (Luke 19:37ff), the religious leaders felt
compelled to intervene directly. Their pressing question was, “Who
gave you the authority to do these things?” (Luke 20:2).
Jesus’ answer (which was a question by the way) and
their refusal to answer it proved that, in reality they were rejecting Jesus.
The parable of the wicked tenants (Luke 20:9-16)
illustrated vividly their rejection and its consequence. In the parable, the
killing of the master’s son was not only a matter of rejection but of utter
rebellion.
Hence, the tenants were punished, and the vineyard
was given to others.
Against this context – background – we understand
Jesus’ next words, “…The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone?”
(Luke 20:17).
The stone rejected by the builders has been chosen
to become the cap stone – the cornerstone – by the Master Builder Himself.
Rejecting God, often by claiming ignorance, has
eternal consequences. All evidence points to the fact that there is more to
life than this. Choose God!
Pastor Alois