The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

THE CORNERSTONE

Jesus, as a trained carpenter and possibly also a stonemason, knew that building requires precision. In biblical times, buildings were often made of cut stones that were squared together, side by side. To keep the entire building “plumb,” the builders would establish a “cornerstone” and work off that. The cornerstone would help align the two intersecting walls of the building and would serve to show if another stone was out of line. Appropriately, at various points in the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the “cornerstone” (Ac 4:10,11; Eph 2:20). He is the stone that the builders rejected (Ps 118:22). Some people, in their pride, trip and stumble over Jesus’ teaching. Thus, Jesus is a stumbling block for some and the source of life for others.

Jesus is the chief cornerstone of the church because “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Ac 4:12). God continues to build his church — a throng of people who will exist as his temple in the world and will help others encounter God. The church is all about Jesus, because “In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord” (Eph 2:21).

Jesus, help me to line up every decision I make with you. I want every aspect of my life to align with your truth. Amen.