What Old Testament prophecies connect to Jesus being the "cornerstone"? Jesus, the Cornerstone in Focus Ephesians 2:20 sets the stage: “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.” That New-Testament statement rests on several specific Old-Testament prophecies. Psalm 118:22-23 — The Rejected Stone Made Cornerstone • “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” • Foretells a dramatic reversal: leaders (the “builders”) discard a stone God later exalts as the most critical part of the structure. • Jesus cites this text about Himself (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17), and Peter repeats it (Acts 4:11). Isaiah 28:16 — A Tested, Precious, Sure Foundation • “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.” • Emphasizes both security for believers and the divine origin of the Stone. • Quoted directly in 1 Peter 2:6 and alluded to in Romans 9:33. Isaiah 8:13-15 — Stone of Stumbling, Rock of Offense • “He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel He will be a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense… Many will stumble over them; they will fall and be broken.” • Complements the cornerstone theme: the same Stone that secures believers trips up the unbelieving. • Peter weaves this together with Isaiah 28:16 in 1 Peter 2:7-8; Paul echoes it in Romans 9:32-33. Zechariah 10:4 — The Cornerstone From Judah • “From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler.” • Ties the Messiah’s royal lineage (“Judah”) to cornerstone imagery, underscoring His authority and strength. Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45 — The Stone Cut Without Hands • Though not called a “cornerstone,” this prophetic Stone shatters human kingdoms and grows into a mountain filling the earth—imagery of Christ’s everlasting kingdom. • Shows the Stone’s divine origin (“without human hands”) and ultimate victory, harmonizing with the cornerstone prophecies. Prophecy to Fulfillment New-Testament writers consistently identify Jesus as the promised Stone: • Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17 — Jesus applies Psalm 118 to Himself. • Acts 4:11 — Peter declares Jesus “the stone you builders rejected.” • Romans 9:32-33; 1 Peter 2:6-8 — Paul and Peter combine Isaiah 8 and Isaiah 28. • Ephesians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 3:11 — Jesus is the indispensable foundation and cornerstone. Key Truths for Today • God’s plan was foretold with precision; Christ fulfills every “stone” prophecy. • Rejection by human builders never thwarts divine purpose—God elevates what the world casts aside. • Trusting the Cornerstone brings unshakable security; rejecting Him leads to stumbling. • The entire “building” of God’s people aligns to Jesus; any life or ministry not squared to Him will be unstable. |
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