The Cornerstone- Luke 20:17

“One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the in the temple and preaching the gospel,” the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up  and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” (Luke 20:1-2) Instead of answering Jesus asked them, “Was the baptism of John (the Baptizer) from heaven or from man?” That led to an impasse. They wouldn’t answer so Jesus didn’t answer.

Instead He told them a parable about a vineyard that the owner was not able to care for so he gave the care to tenants.  The tenants were not honest and obedient and had no respect for the owner’s authority. The tenants’ disobedience resulted in an outcome that the High Priest and their entourage could not accept and said, “Surely not.” Then Jesus looking directly at them quotes Psalm 118:22, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’’’?

Question: What is a Cornerstone?

Answer: The Cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. Over time a Cornerstone became a ceremonial masonry stone, or replica, set in a prominent location on the outside of a building.