How does the Bible describe Jesus as the cornerstone?

The concept of Jesus as the cornerstone is a profound and multi-faceted theme that runs throughout the Bible, weaving together Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment. This metaphor encapsulates the essential role of Jesus in the foundation and structure of the Christian faith. To understand this fully, we need to explore the historical, theological, and scriptural dimensions that describe Jesus as the cornerstone.

In ancient architecture, the cornerstone was the principal stone placed at the corner of a building. It was critical because it determined the position of the entire structure. If the cornerstone was not perfectly laid, the whole building would be compromised. This metaphor is used in the Bible to describe Jesus Christ's foundational role in God's redemptive plan.

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for this imagery. In Isaiah 28:16, the prophet declares, "Therefore thus says the Lord God, 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: 'Whoever believes will not be in haste.'" This passage speaks of a future hope and a secure foundation, pointing to the Messiah who would come to establish God's kingdom. The cornerstone is described as precious and tested, indicating its invaluable worth and proven reliability.

Psalm 118:22 also contributes to this theme, stating, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This verse highlights a paradox: the very stone that was dismissed as unworthy by the builders becomes the most crucial element of the structure. This prophecy not only foreshadows the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders of His time but also His ultimate exaltation by God.

The New Testament writers explicitly identify Jesus as the fulfillment of these Old Testament prophecies. In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul writes, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord." Here, Paul emphasizes that Jesus is the cornerstone of the Church, the new community of believers. The foundation laid by the apostles and prophets is anchored in Christ, who unites and sustains the entire structure.

Peter also addresses this theme in 1 Peter 2:4-6: "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'" Peter not only reiterates the prophecy from Isaiah but also expands on its implications for believers. Jesus, the living cornerstone, is the foundation of a spiritual house composed of living stones—believers—who are called to a holy priesthood.

Jesus Himself refers to this imagery in the Gospels. In Matthew 21:42, Jesus says to the religious leaders, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" By quoting Psalm 118:22, Jesus directly applies the prophecy to Himself, foretelling His rejection by the leaders and His ultimate vindication by God.

Theologically, the cornerstone metaphor encapsulates several key aspects of Christology. First, it underscores Jesus' unique and irreplaceable role in God's plan of salvation. Just as a building cannot stand without its cornerstone, humanity cannot be reconciled to God apart from Jesus. John 14:6 echoes this exclusivity: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Second, the cornerstone signifies the unity and coherence that Jesus brings to the community of believers. In Him, diverse individuals are joined together to form a single, holy temple. This unity is not merely organizational but spiritual, as believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and conformed to the image of Christ. Paul elaborates on this in 1 Corinthians 3:11: "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Third, the cornerstone metaphor highlights the paradox of rejection and exaltation. Jesus, the cornerstone, was rejected by the very people who should have recognized His significance. This rejection culminated in His crucifixion, a moment of apparent defeat that was transformed into victory through His resurrection. Philippians 2:8-9 captures this dynamic: "And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name."

The cornerstone imagery also has practical implications for believers. As members of the spiritual house built on Christ, we are called to align our lives with the cornerstone. This means conforming to His teachings, embodying His character, and participating in His mission. Ephesians 4:15-16 exhorts us to "grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Moreover, the rejection of the cornerstone serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship. Just as Jesus faced opposition and rejection, so too will His followers. Yet, we are assured that our faith in the cornerstone will not be in vain. Romans 9:33 assures us, "As it is written, 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'"

In conclusion, the Bible's description of Jesus as the cornerstone is rich with meaning and significance. It draws from the imagery of ancient architecture to convey Jesus' foundational role in God's redemptive plan. It unites Old Testament prophecy with New Testament fulfillment, highlighting Jesus' unique and irreplaceable role in the salvation of humanity. It underscores the unity and coherence that Jesus brings to the community of believers, and it reminds us of the paradox of rejection and exaltation that characterizes His life and mission. As believers, we are called to align our lives with the cornerstone, participating in His mission and embodying His character, assured that our faith in Him will not be put to shame.