[1]NASHVILLE (BP) – This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passage: Luke 20:9-19
Discussion Questions:
- How did you feel when preparing to make a presentation, knowing that the possibility exists that some will reject your ideas no matter what?
- How is Jesus both the foundation for forgiveness and a source of judgment at the same time?
Food for thought:
Most of us know rejection. Unfortunately, most of us know about rejection from both sides, having rejected something or someone and having been rejected ourselves. That may be one reason many of us do not look forward to standing in front of a large group to present our ideas.
[2]In Luke 20, Jesus shared a parable about rebellious tenant farmers who eventually killed the owner’s son with a view to gaining the vineyard for themselves. When the people decried the execution of the rebellious farmers and the securing of new tenants, Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22.
In the psalm we are told that the stone rejected by the builders would become the cornerstone. Peter quoted that same psalm when standing before some of those same religious leaders, identifying Jesus as the cornerstone (Acts 4:11). Paul also quoted the psalm in his letters to the Romans and the Ephesians (see Romans 9:23 and Ephesians 2:20-22). There was no doubt in Peter’s, Paul’s or the religious leaders’ minds that Jesus was the cornerstone. The greater issue was what a person did with that cornerstone.
In addition to quoting Psalm 118:22, Jesus also alluded to Isaiah 8:14-15 to emphasize God’s judgment on those who reject Jesus. Most people do not mind believers who benefit the community or lead the way in benevolent action. They do not mind us claiming that Jesus was a good teacher or a moral example. But Jesus is more than that. He is the only way to the Father. All our religious efforts cannot accomplish what God demands. Jesus is the cornerstone for those who accept Him, but the millstone for those who reject Him. It all comes down to accepting or rejecting Jesus.
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/ExploreTheBible [3].