In the parable of the rebellious tenants, Christ foretold His own murder. Coupled with David's promise of the corner stone, Jesus also promised His resurrection and exaltation to follow.
Christ explained that though Israel would reject Messiah, God would exalt Him anyway as Prince and Savior, a precious cornerstone to His people, and a rock of judgment to the disobedient.
Jesus thereby clearly laid out the fact that Israel would reject Him anyway, but they wouldn't be able to get away with it, because God would exalt and establish Him regardless!
Sure enough, they went ahead with their evil plans anyway, crucifying Him, mocking Him, taunting Him about His rejection. As if that weren't enough, they tried to keep Jesus locked away in a tomb with a stone of their own, and a seal and a Roman guard.
They thought they could keep Jesus from becoming the head of the corner, but God's Word, as usual, prevailed just three days later! It was at His resurrection that we first see that, indeed, He has been exalted as head of the corner!
God didn't think much of their little stone door. He sent an angel to roll it away, topple it over, and sit upon it like a park bench. Jesus had already arisen, and no fortress of death conceived by wicked hearts could imprison our Savior!
To His disciples, the angel stressed that His resurrection was nothing more than what He had promised them beforehand.
Peter taunted the wicked rulers of Israel with the power of the resurrection, when He pointed out that the risen Lord is in fact the head of the corner that had been rejected by "you builders."
Because of it, Jesus is the only way of salvation for poor sinners. Flee to Him! |
