“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes”? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.’” (Matthew 21:42-44)
Jesus related a series of parables that told the leaders of the Jews in no uncertain terms, that they were outside of God’s kingdom. This parable about the vineyard was a prophetic history lesson that drew on the image of Israel as the vineyard of the Lord as related in Isaiah 5:7. As we see in the words of the prophet, the people of God had consistently behaved with great wickedness. They rebelled against the Lord by refusing to obey Him and by routinely rejecting His prophets. Ultimately, they would reject His Son Jesus and put Him to death.
Today, the words of Jesus serve as a warning to those who reject Jesus, all those who serve other gods or bow down at the altars of materialism, self, and fame. This warning also applies to those who engage in rioting and violence in the cause of justice, who reject the mercy and unity that can be found only in the Kingdom of God. Those who reject Jesus will be crushed and condemned despite their ardent zeal and self-proclaimed righteousness.
The warning Jesus presented to the Jews He presents today through His church to those who do not serve Him. But He also offers an invitation. The Kingdom of God is open to the weak, the downtrodden, the unclean, and the sinners, but not the self-righteous power mongers, politicians, and celebrities who think they control the world. All those who are oppressed should look to Jesus for help. As the quotes from Psalm 118 and Isaiah 8:14-15 tell us, Jesus is the cornerstone of the Kingdom of God. Those who oppose or reject Him, rich or poor, famous or unknown, educated or unsophisticated, will be broken and crushed into dust and blown away like chaff. Those who exalt self or other people or causes reject Jesus and so they will not enter God’s Kingdom no matter how much they are oppressed. In eternity, all their deeds, writings, and pronouncements will be forgotten and useless. Only those who come to faith in Jesus, acknowledging their sin and weakness will live forever in the presence of the Lord. Only what is done for Christ will last. https://trinityhicksville.org
Theophany: Meeting With God In His Word 