Studies from 1st Peter - 8b

I. Christ as a stone

3. Rejected Stone. V. 4, 7c

        Twice Peter says this aspect of Christ’s life. V. 4- stated it as a true fact of Christ’s life and then in v 7 he quotes Psalm 118: 22 to prove his point.About the construction of the temple by Solomon, we read that “ when it was being built, was built with stone finished at quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.” 1 King. 6:7

        Stones for the temple were prepared in advance at the quarry itself and there were special officers who will test to confirm the quality before sending them to the construction site.

There is a story prevailing among the Jews that during that temple construction, once the workers rejected a large, specifically prepared stone saying it is worthless. As it was disturbing their movements at the site they pushed it over the edge of the hill, but only very late they acknowledged their mistake.

        The Lord Jesus Christ Himself quoted this verse from Psa. 118:22 and applied to His own rejection. Matt. 21:42. In Acts 4:11 we see how Peter in a message to Jews relates this verse. “This is the stone which was rejected by you builders…”

Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ was rejected and despised by all.

• Common people rejected Him. Matt. 8:34
• His own people rejected Him. Matt. 13:53—58
• People in the Nazareth synagogue rejected Him. Luke. 4:28
• Chief priests and rulers rejected Him. Luke. 23:18
• The Jewish nation as a whole rejected Him. John. 1:11

None of them could accept the claims of Christ and acknowledge Him as their Messiah. They found in Him something that they could not comprehend. As Isaiah puts it, they did not esteem Him. Isa. 53: 3. The truth is that they could not understand what God values. “For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15b.

        Alas, that rejection is still going on. The world doesn’t understand Him; they discard His claims outright, even the so-called Christians silently reject Him by disregarding His injunctions. Heb 6:5, 6.

4. Corner Stone. v. 6, 7

        According to the above referred tradition, the workers at the temple construction site demanded a specially prepared corner stone, as the work came to a higher level, but people from the quarry sent the word that they have already dispatched it. It was only then they realized that they indeed threw away the right stone. They had to bring it back with much hardship as it was so huge, and placed it as the corner stone.

        That exactly happened with the Lord Jesus Christ. People rejected Him but God the Father has exalted Him far above all – as the Chief corner stone.

Three things emerge from the expression ‘Corner stone’, because a corner stone can be used at least in three ways.

         i. Base stone. Isa. 28:16. “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation”

Used in foundation, corner stone connects two walls. The Lord Jesus Christ unites both the gentiles and Jews together. Ephesians 2:20, 13, 14.

         ii. Key stone. Like the stone in an arch, holding together the whole structure. Here the position of the stone is on the high. It is Christ who holds the church together.

         iii. Capstone. When used in a pyramid, it is the corner stone that gives shape to it. Again the position of the stone is on the topmost. This also is applicable to Christ as a corner stone. God has exalted Him to the highest place, and it is He who gives shape and strength to the Church.

Thus in three ways this metaphor is perfectly fulfilled in Christ. He holds two walls together, holds the church and gives shape to the church.

Notice the divine invitation, “Behold, I lay in Zion”. V. 6. God is calling upon every one to take note of the most exalted position of His beloved son.

5. Precious Stone. V. 4, 5, 7