The concept of Jesus as the cornerstone is a profound theological theme that runs throughout the New Testament, drawing from Old Testament imagery and prophecy. In ancient architecture, the cornerstone was the principal stone, placed at the corner of a building, which held the structure together. It was the first stone set during construction and determined the position of all the other stones. This metaphor is used to describe Jesus Christ's foundational role in the Church and in the life of believers.

Old Testament Foundations

The imagery of the cornerstone is rooted in the Old Testament. Isaiah 28:16 prophesies, "So this is what the Lord GOD says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.'" This prophecy speaks of a future cornerstone that God Himself would establish, a stone that would be both precious and foundational.

Psalm 118:22 also contributes to this imagery: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This verse highlights the paradox of the cornerstone being initially rejected, yet ultimately becoming the most crucial part of the structure.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament writers identify Jesus as the fulfillment of these Old Testament prophecies. In the Gospels, Jesus refers to Himself as the cornerstone. In Matthew 21:42, Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22, saying, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?"

The Apostle Peter, in his address to the Sanhedrin, reiterates this identification in Acts 4:11: "This Jesus is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'" Peter emphasizes that Jesus, though rejected by the religious leaders, is the essential foundation of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Significance

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the role of Jesus as the cornerstone in his epistles. In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul writes, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord."

Here, Paul presents Jesus as the cornerstone of the Church, the new temple of God. The Church is depicted as a spiritual building, with Jesus as the foundational stone that unites and supports the entire structure. This imagery underscores the unity and growth of the Church, rooted in Christ.

In 1 Peter 2:4-7, Peter echoes this theme, encouraging believers to come to Jesus, "a living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God's sight." He calls believers to be "living stones" built into a spiritual house, with Jesus as the cornerstone. This passage highlights the believer's identity and purpose, grounded in their relationship with Christ.

Rejection and Acceptance

The role of Jesus as the cornerstone also involves the theme of rejection and acceptance. As prophesied, Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders and many of His contemporaries. However, His rejection was part of God's sovereign plan, leading to His crucifixion and resurrection, which became the means of salvation for humanity.

For believers, accepting Jesus as the cornerstone means recognizing His authority and centrality in their lives. It involves building one's life upon His teachings and His redemptive work. As the cornerstone, Jesus provides stability, direction, and purpose, ensuring that the believer's life is aligned with God's will.

Conclusion

The role of Jesus as the cornerstone is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing His foundational importance in the Church and the life of believers. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and becomes the essential foundation upon which the faith is built. As the cornerstone, He unites believers, provides spiritual stability, and directs the growth of the Church, ensuring that it remains aligned with God's eternal purposes.