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Stirring
Have you ever misplaced or lost something, and it stirs little worry? You just know that Read More
Autumn Dennis | Read Matthew 21:42-46
Yesterday, we read about the parable of the wicked tenants. Jesus follows this parable by quoting Hebrew scripture: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” The Pharisees hear this and are offended by Jesus’ implication that not only will Jesus be the cornerstone but those with whom he associates—tax collectors, prostitutes, those who are considered sinners—will be the first to enter God’s kingdom. The Pharisees are offended to hear yet again that these marginalized people will inherit the kingdom of God ahead of them and the religious elite.
What is the importance of a cornerstone? In architecture, the cornerstone was the first stone the builders laid when erecting a building; every other stone would be laid in reference to the cornerstone. If the stone was placed off-center, the entire building would be off-center. A well-founded cornerstone would ensure the building’s stability and guarantee that it would not collapse. For Jesus to imply that the kingdom of God will be built upon himself is risky enough. But by including those whom the religious elite reject as unworthy, Jesus places himself squarely at odds with them.
Throughout the Bible, God frequently comes disguised in those we least expect. We frequently affirm that God’s ways are not our ways, and we should show kindness to all we meet because we may be meeting angels. Whenever we meet someone whom we struggle to love, we can stop, open our eyes, and consider that God may be meeting us through them. Consider that there are things we can learn from them about God’s love. We may be surprised.
Loving God, help me to have the courage to love those whom society casts out. Open my eyes to how you are present with them and what I can learn from them. Amen.
A common theme this week is the danger of self-absorption. When we are young, we may struggle to understand the importance of rules because we think that our individual freedom is the highest good. God gives the Israelites commandments to guide their relationships with God and others. These laws will help them thrive because God knows what is best for us. The psalmist understands this: The laws of the Lord are good and sweet. Self-absorption might also lead to pride. Paul shows that a true understanding of the gospel means laying aside our rights in the knowledge that God will reward us. In a parable about the rejection of the prophets and Jesus, servants seek to seize a vineyard for themselves, unwisely ignoring that the owner will eventually reclaim what is his.
Read Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20. Recall your earliest experiences with the Ten Commandments. How do they continue to shape your understanding of God’s expectations?
Read Psalm 19. How does the natural world call you to follow God?
Read Philippians 3:4b-14. Whom do you emulate? What would it mean for you to emulate Christ in life and in death?
Read Matthew 21:33-46. When have you participated in or witnessed the rejection of one who could be God in disguise? How might things be different if you had recognized that person as a potential cornerstone of your community?
Respond by posting a prayer.
I join many of those who will pray for you as you seek to discern what you are called to be at this moment. May God grant you the courage to fulfill that calling. May we all open our eyes and see the misery, open our ears and hear the cries of God’s people, and, like God through the Lord Jesus Christ, be incarnate amongst them.”
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