Hello again, dear friends, Pastor Loren here, and welcome back to "A Word from the Vine." Today, we continue our exploration of the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 21, and the powerful parable of the tenants. We left off last time with a clear understanding of our tendency to reject Christ's authority, much like those tenants in the parable.
Today, we journey deeper into the heart of this parable, exploring the profound concept of redemption and forgiveness.
I invite you to open your Bibles to Psalm 118:22. This verse reads, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." In these few words, we find a foundational truth that ties directly into the parable we discussed previously.
As we reflect on this verse and the parable of the tenants, we see a remarkable parallel. Just as the tenants rejected the stone that would become the cornerstone, we, too, often reject Christ. The rejection of the builders in Psalm 118 reflects our own rejection of the Savior, the very Cornerstone upon which our faith is built.
It was our rejection, our disobedience, our greed, and our selfishness that led to Christ's death on the cross. Our sins demanded a price only He could pay. Yet, in His sacrifice, He offered us a way to redemption, forgiveness, and transformation.
Christ willingly gave Himself for us, and through His resurrection, He conquered sin and death. His death and resurrection were not mere historical events; they were the culmination of God's plan to reconcile humanity to Himself.
So, dear friends, what does this mean for us? It means that despite our rejection, Christ offers us the gift of forgiveness and eternal life. The rejection of the builders became the cornerstone of our faith.
Today, I encourage you to embrace the unconditional promise of redemption through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. It's not about what we do but what He did. We must humbly acknowledge our need for a Savior and turn away from our selfish desires for control. We should submit to the loving authority of our Lord.
May we build our lives upon the solid rock that is Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as the Cornerstone and Foundation of our existence. May we live in the joy and freedom that only Christ can provide, sharing this message of hope with a world in need of good news.
Thank you for joining me on this episode of "A Word from the Vine." Until next time, may the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ guide your hearts. Amen.
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