For Our Sake...He Was Rejected

But he [Jesus] looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?” (Luke 20:17 ESV) Lent is a special time for us to ponder what happened on the cross and how Jesus was rejected for our sake. Today at International Lutheran Church, we ponder how it was necessary for the Messiah to be rejected not only by the people whom He came to save, but even by His Father who loves Him dearly so that you and I would be given the kingdom.

Luke 20:9-20 marks the “boiling point” in Jesus’ relationship with the religious leaders of His day. The chapter begins with their questions of His authority and ends with a parable about a vineyard that the religious leaders perceive as spoken against them. Finally, they seek to lay their hands on Him at that very hour. We must remember, though, that this parable was first spoken to the people – or the average lay person listening and watching Jesus - for Jesus is laying the very foundation of our faith that cannot be avoided or discarded. The very rejection of Jesus by all is the unpleasant truth that in the end is the only thing that can change our situation. We should also note that the theme of the vineyard is a powerful one used throughout the Old Testament and is another way to refer to the people of God (see especially Isaiah 5). The tenants are the leaders of Israel and the owner or lord of the vineyard is God. The point of the parable is not lost on the people or the leaders. Constant rejection of the owners’ lordship can only end in their own rejection. It seems straightforward enough and very plausible. While the leaders cry out “Surely not,” we might ask, “What were they thinking?” Or better yet, “What were we thinking?”

Rejection is a serious problem. Most people will only give you one chance to prove your integrity. It is hard to rebuild trust once it is lost. In this parable however the owner sends three servants and then even his own son. This is no careless and absent lord, but one of endless patience and dedication. His sole desire is to see his harvest come home. But to bring in the fruit of his vineyard, his son is killed and thrown out. Jesus’ parable tells us of His ultimate sacrifice and willingness of the Lord to garner what is the Lord’s even at the cost of His own life – His own rejection. Jesus points us to His cross and the meaning of His cross. Not only is He rejected by sinful human beings (killed and thrown out of the vineyard), but He must endure the rejection of His own loving Father on account of our disobedience and rejection of God’s loving kindness. In a real way His rejection is For Our Sake. Jesus gives to us what could never be ours – His very kingdom! On the cross, God lays the very foundation – Jesus – the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the “new thing” that God does and Isaiah tells us about (Isaiah 43:19). His death and rejection is not the end, but the very means by which God makes Him the foundation for us and all people who trust in Him. In Him we will not be rejected but welcomed home. And like Paul, we confirm our faith in Him again this day and say how we consider “everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)

Pastor Carl