Jesus and the Pharisees
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to this large stone, and they examined it closely. It had already borne
every test but one. If it could bear the test of severe pressure they
decided to accept if for the corner-stone. The trial was made to the
satisfaction of all. The stone was accepted, brought to its assigned
position and found to be an exact fit.
In prophetic vision Isaiah was shown that this stone was a symbol
of the Saviour of the world. He says: “Sanctify the Lord of hosts
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himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he
shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock
of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the
inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and
fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.” Carried down in
prophetic vision to the first advent, the prophet is shown that Christ is
to bear trials and tests of which the treatment of the chief corner-stone
in the temple of Solomon is a symbol: “Therefore thus saith the Lord
God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a
precious corner-stone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not
make haste.”
God in infinite wisdom chose the foundation stone and laid it
himself. He called it a “sure stone;” the entire world may lay upon it
their burdens and griefs, yet it can endure them all. They may build
upon this stone with perfect safety. Christ is a “tried stone,” and never
disappoints those who trust in him. He has borne every test imposed
upon him. He failed not in the wilderness of temptation when he
endured the pressure of Adam’s guilt and that of his posterity. He
came off more than conqueror of the powers of evil. He has borne
the burdens cast upon him by those who, falling upon this rock, have
been broken. In Christ their guilty hearts have found relief. Those
who make Him their foundation rest in perfect security.
Christ is represented by the chief corner-stone. Jew and Gentile
must build upon this foundation, and their connection with Christ,
this “precious stone” makes them living stones. Peter in the following
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figure clearly shows to whom Christ is a foundation stone and to whom
a stone of stumbling:—
“If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming,
as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God,
and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an
holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by