Psalm 118:22-23 NLT
The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Isaiah 28:16 (NLT)
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.
What does it mean for Jesus to be called the “cornerstone” in Scripture?
How does the rejection of the cornerstone in Psalm 118:22 relate to Jesus’ rejection by the religious leaders?
Why was a cornerstone significant in ancient construction, and how does this apply spiritually?
Ephesians 2:19–22 (NLT)
So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
How does understanding ancient construction help us grasp the importance of Christ as our foundation?
Romans 9:31–33 (NLT)
But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. 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. 33 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.”
So how is keeping the Law different than trusting in Him? Don’t we keep the Law BECAUSE we trust Him?
1 Peter 2:4–8 (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. 5 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. 6 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.”
7 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.”
8 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.
What does this tell us about our role in God’s Kingdom?
How does this encourage unity within the Body of Christ?
If Christ is the cornerstone, what does it mean for our personal lives and decision-making?
How do we ensure that Jesus is truly the foundation of our faith, family, and daily choices?
In Ephesians 2, above, Paul writes about the church being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. How should this shape the way we view church leadership, teaching, and discipleship?
What are some modern “cornerstones” people try to build their lives on instead of Jesus (e.g., success, relationships, self-reliance)?
Do you have family members or others around you that are building their lives on other things? How can we help those close to us shift their foundation to Christ?
What areas of your own life feel “out of alignment” with Christ right now?
What practical steps can you take to bring them into alignment with Him?