The stone which the builders rejected is become the chief cornerstone. The one who the religious leaders rejected is the one God chose to be an example to others. Jesus has become the one to give direction in all dimensions of the Christian life. God did not agree with the builders. He is not influenced by what the religious leaders think about you. He sees beyond our physical appearance and looks at the heart. Do not be disturbed by what others think of you. The opinions of men is worth nothing. Only God's opinion matters. Be deaf to mens opinion about your worth, listen to what God is saying to you.
Everyone who falls on the stone will be broken but on whomever it falls it will grind and scatter him like dust. Whoever humbles himself before Christ the chief cornerstone, God will break him to make him a blessing to others but those who refuse to submit themselves before Christ and are proud, the stone will come upon them to crush and destroy them. When you are humble the stone is beneath you to support you, but when you are proud, the stone is above you to resist your rising and to crush you and bring you down and destroy you.
The Scribes and chief priests tried to lay their hands on them but they feared the people. They were watching Him and sent spies to catch him at His words. It's interesting that the people who were against Jesus and tried to kill Him and finally kill Him were the great preachers of His day and great theologians. They had the bible but they were blind. Their hypocrisy and judgemental attitude blinded them. Even today, you can read your bible, be a theologian and a preacher and still be blind as the Pharisees. Hypocrisy and judgemental attitude of others is a great log in the eyes of others preventing them to see.
The spies asked Jesus whether it was rightful to pay taxes to Ceaser. If He answered Yes or no, they could find an accusation against Him. Jesus interestingly asked to be shown a denarii. He didn't have one in His pocket then. He asked whose image it was and told them to give Ceaser what belongs to Ceaser and to God what belongs to God.
In other words, pay your taxes and your debts. And give to God what belongs to God. God doesn't want ceasers money nor money belonging to someone else you owe a debt. Pay Your debt and taxes then give to God.
His answer amazed them and they were silenced. Sadducees asked about a woman who was married to seven brothers and died childless, whose wife she'll be after resurrection. Jesus said as sons of resurrection they are not given in marriage. They are like angels, they are sons of God. God is not a God of the dead. All are alive to Him. The spirits of those who have died are alive to God.
Jesus also asked them a question why they said the Messiah was the Son of David yet David calls Him Lord in psalms and they couldn't answer.
Jesus warned His disciples about the scribes. They were the theologians and bible teachers of Jesus day.
They walked in long robes. They dressed in a way that drew attention to them. They love being recognised and greeted in the marketplace so that everyone might their positions. In the temple they loved the highest places and the best seats in feasts. They loved honor. They would not want to be seen as common people. They loved to be respected so much and they would get very much offended if they were not honoured and recognised.
Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and took advantage of the weak and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be severely punished.
There are many followers of the scribes and Pharisees and chief priests today. There are few followers of Jesus today. Jesus always called Himself the Son of man. He identified and became like a common people. In fact Isaiah says that there was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. Is 53:2. Have you ever wondered why the chief priests and Pharisees had to hire Judas to betray Him yet He used to preached daily in the temple? The soldiers could not identify Him when He was among His disciples. He was like them though He was the Son of God.
Who are you following?
You are blessed to be a blessing
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@Blessed Mshindi Mambo
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