Read Luke 20:1-26
“Surely not!” That was the response of the people listening to the parable of the vineyard owner’s son being killed. And yet that is exactly what lies before Jesus. He is the Son of the vineyard owner. In just days, He will be put to death by the chief priests, scribes, and elders—those very ones questioning Him moments earlier.
It must happen. The One who brings life and salvation must die. He is the stone that will be rejected—and by that rejection, He becomes the cornerstone. We can trace this all the way back to Simeon, who upon seeing eight-day-old Jesus said, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel” (Luke 2:34). This is why Jesus is in Jerusalem. This is the purpose of all that follows in the Gospel of Luke. This is why all are invited to hear the accounts of what took place, what Jesus said, what Jesus did.
With unbelief comes judgment that crushes all who reject Christ. But when we are broken in repentance, by faith we are built upon the cornerstone. Out of our brokenness, we are raised as new creations, granted life and salvation.
Prayer: Merciful Father, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him to bear my sins on the cross. Fix my heart in steadfast faith, that trusting Him I would not fear the power of sin but rejoice in the hope of eternal life. Amen.