The Stone

Continuing today with part 3 of preparation for the Gospel Doctrine lesson "Woe unto You, ... Hypocrites" ...

Jesus' Response to the Chief Priests and Elders Challenging His Authority (Matt. 21:23-46)

Jesus knew the pharisees were trying to trap Him into breaking Roman law with His words so they would have a chance to kill Him.  (Side note:  They never succeeded in the trap, but killed Him anyway.  So why did they bother?)

Knowing this, He gives them questions very uncomfortable for them to answer.  When they replied "We cannot tell", then He said "Neither tell I you [the answer to your question]." (verse 27)

Instead He gives them two parables and a scriptural reference to rejecting the cornerstone.

The parable of the two sons (verses 28-32) notes that those who say no to the Lord's commands, then repent and do are better than those who say they will and don't.  A clear message against hypocrisy ... and another missed opportunity by the Pharisees for self-reflection and repentance before making worse mistakes simply so that they can continue their hypocritical ways.

The parable of the householder (verses 33-41) is a direct comparison to the Lord sending prophets to the people of the world and their leaders through the ages and having them be not only rejected, but also horribly mistreated.  Finally, the Son is sent with the thought "They will reverence my son".  Instead they kill him.  The Pharisees agree that in the example the leaders should be removed and replaced with others who will do the will of the householder ... but in their pride refuse yet again to heed the message, repent, and make a new start.

Then Jesus follows up with a direct reference to them, using a prior scriptural reference to the significance of the cornerstone.

"Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner" (verse 42)

"Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

"And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder." (verses 43-44)

There are numerous references throughout the scripture to the word "stone".    The word is cross-referenced in verse 42 to the Topical Guide sections on Cornerstone; Jesus Christ, Prophecies about; and Rock.  (There is also a section on Jesus Christ, Rock).  The Institute Manual refers to Ephesians 2:20 and Acts 4:10-12 in what it refers to as the Parable of the Rejected Stone.  All of these lead back to Christ being the strength, the ultimate foundation, the cornerstone of His Church and His Kingdom.

The Pharisees, the Chief Priests and Elders finally get it at this point, realizing Christ was speaking of them.  But they feared the people there, who believed in Christ.   Instead, they found a way to capture Jesus to kill him a few days later at a quiet time and place ... through Judas.

It is stunning what we as people will do to justify ourselves and continue down whatever path we are on.  All the more reason to choose our path very carefully.