Matthew 21

 Matthew 21:33-46  Jesus is still addressing the chief priests and elders.. they were dealing with the issue of authority.  In the first parable, verses 28-32, Jesus told them that the kingdom would be given to the obedient.. to the ones who repented and believed.. not to those who claimed to do the Father's will, but did not. 

This parable is about a landowner who planted a vineyard and rented it out to vine-growers.  When the time came for the harvest, the landowner sent his servants to receive his produce.  Instead of doing what they were obligated to do, they beat, stoned, and killed one of the servants.  The second group sent were treated the same way. So, the landowner sent his son, "They will respect my son." he said.  But, they did not. They killed him. 

When asked what would happen next, the priests and elders knew the right answer.. "He will bring those wretches to a wretched end.. " 

The landowner had the authority to rid his vineyard of the wretched men and to bring in righteous vine-growers "who will pay him the proceeds at the proper season."

It is here that Jesus brings home His point.. . "Did you never read in the Scriptures, 'The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief corner stone... '  " This passage is a quote from Psalm 118 which references Isaiah's words.(8:14-15)  The emphasis is on the foundation of the Kingdom of God.  God Himself would build His Kingdom on a righteous foundation.. His choice would be rejected by the builders, but would be the "Chief cornerstone" in spite of them. This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus and as Isaiah said, ".. many will stumble over"  this Rock.  

God alone has chosen the rightful King over His Kingdom.. He alone has the authority to do so!

 For those who believe... Peter wrote, " And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For this is contained in Scripture: 'Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him shall not be disappointed.' This precious value, then, is for you who believe.. " ( I Peter 2:4-7)

To those who would not believe, Jesus was a rock to stumble over.. and the result would be tragic.. "And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust." ( Matt. 21:44)  Peter put it this way.. ".. for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed." (I Pet. 2:8)

Indeed, the wretched will come to a wretched end.  Jesus, the Chief Cornerstone, is God's "choice and precious" foundation of His Kingdom.  The chief priests and elders were wretched vine-growers who thought the kingdom belonged to them.  Jesus exposed their evil hearts.. and they would kill Him because of that... bringing on their own doom.. 

One more word about this from I Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.. " 

Father in heaven, how thankful we are for Jesus, our Lord and King, the Cornerstone...Who is choice and precious in Your sight. We thank You for calling us out of the darkness.. for bringing us into the Light. We thank You that the Kingdom is ours because of the saving grace poured out on us through Jesus.  May we be faithful servants in Your vineyard, Father. May we fulfill Your purposes for us as "living stones" and "royal" priests.. proclaiming Your excellencies to all the world.  Come, Holy Spirit, and lead us in the paths of God today we pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.