The Stone That Changes Everything

What is the cornerstone of your life? How would you describe a cornerstone?

What did Jesus mean when He said:

“The stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone. Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken, and the person on whom it falls will be crushed!” (Luke 20:17–18 NCV)

Let’s start with the basics: what is a cornerstone?

In ancient construction, the cornerstone was the first and most important stone placed — set at the corner where two walls met. It anchored the entire structure. Every other stone was aligned to it — both vertically and horizontally.

If the cornerstone was off, the whole building would be crooked. It also helped bear the structural load. A weak or flawed cornerstone meant eventual collapse.

Once that stone was laid, everything else followed. It signaled that the structure had begun, and it had a firm foundation.

Jesus was saying He is that cornerstone.

If we fall on Him — meaning we surrender our pride, selfishness, anger, addiction (and the list goes on) — we’ll be broken. But that’s a good brokenness. A humble, healing, transforming kind of brokenness.

But if we reject Him, if we cling to pride, sin, and self, He will fall on us in judgment. That kind of crushing leads to spiritual ruin — emptiness, bitterness, even a hatred for the very things of God.

Let me give you a personal example.

Wendy and I recently had a fairly large disagreement. Like always, when we both get selfish and start focusing on what we want — instead of serving, loving, and dying to self — things unravel fast. We get angry, resentful, and miserable.

But when we surrender, forgive, love, and extend grace, something changes. We feel full again. Content. At peace with each other and with ourselves.

It sounds crazy, however that’s how this principle plays out in real life.

When we follow Christ — when we love God, serve others, and live sacrificially — He blesses us. It’s upside-down from what the world teaches.

You’d think chasing what you want would satisfy you, but it doesn’t. The opposite is true. Emptying yourself for others, honoring God, and following Jesus — that’s real life.

Jesus said:

“Those who want to save their lives will give up true life, and those who give up their lives for me will have true life.” (Matthew 16:25 NCV)

This is why Christ died. And why He was raised — to forgive our sins, and to become the foundation of our lives. God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, they really do want the best for us.

GOD, help us drop our selfishness, honor You, and love others the way we long to be loved. IJNIP ❤️