Jesus the cornerstone - the blessings and dangers

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | July 22, 2023 | Matthew 21:40-46

KEY VERSE:

⁴³“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. ⁴⁴Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” Matthew 21:43-44 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

In Matthew 21:40-46, Jesus uses a story to address the religious leaders who were rejecting Him as the Messiah. This passage reveals the significance of Jesus as the cornerstone, the foundation upon which God's Kingdom is built. It also emphasizes the danger of rejecting Him, which leads to judgment and loss of blessings. A cornerstone is a foundational stone that determines the alignment and stability of a building. In Ephesians 2:20, Jesus is referred to as the cornerstone, holding together the entire structure of God's household, the Church. He is the unifying force, bringing Jew and Gentile believers together into one body. Jesus' teachings, life, death, and resurrection are the foundational truths upon which our faith rests.

We receive countless blessings when we accept Jesus as the cornerstone of our lives. He becomes the solid rock on which we build our faith and hope. Jesus offers forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life. Embracing Him as the cornerstone brings us into a living relationship with God, where we experience His love, peace, and guidance. Rejecting Jesus as the cornerstone leads to severe consequences. In the parable of the wicked tenants, the religious leaders' refusal to recognize Jesus as the Messiah resulted in judgment. The privilege of being part of God's Kingdom was taken away from them, and the Kingdom was given to others who would accept Jesus. Similarly, when we reject Jesus, we distance ourselves from the source of life and salvation, choosing a path of separation from God and eternal consequences.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE

Do you still reject Jesus as your Saviour? Be careful you are not crushed and broken to pieces. Have you given your life to your Lord? Then ensure that you have firmly established Jesus as the cornerstone of your faith and life. Build your faith on the solid foundation of His teachings and example. Embracing Jesus as the cornerstone allows His grace to flow through us. Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, and we find unparalleled blessings in Him. But we must also be aware of the dangers of rejecting Him.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I understand the significance of Jesus as the foundation upon which my faith rests. Help me anchor my life upon His teachings, love, and sacrifice. May I build my life upon the solid rock of His truth, trusting in His guidance and following His example. Grant me the grace to surrender every aspect of my life to Jesus. May He be the centre of my thoughts, my actions, and my desires. Help me to submit my will to Him, knowing that His plans for me are perfect and lead to abundant life. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!