That Stumbling Stone: Why Jesus Christ Remains An Offence To The Religious, Foolishness To The World And Precious To The Saved As Our Sure Foundation
Today, we are so excited to bring to you, for the first time ever, our Sunday Service morning message and Sunday Night Bible Study combined into a single, 2-hour time of prayer, prayer, preaching and Bible teaching! At the bottom of every article announcing the Sunday Services, you will find all the notes used in the course of the messages and Bible Studies we bring ro you weekly. Today my message and teaching is entitled “That Stumbling Stone’, Jesus of Nazareth.
“Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” Romans 9:32,33 (KJB)
All through the Bible, Jesus Christ is revealed as That Stumbling Stone—the tried Stone laid by God, the precious Corner Stone, the Stone rejected by the builders and the Rock of offence over which unbelieving men continue to stumble. Israel had been entrusted with the oracles of God and should have recognized its Messiah, yet the builders examined the Stone and cast Him aside. When Pilate presented Jesus Christ alongside a robber, insurrectionist and murderer, the people cried, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas.” But the Gentiles were equally guilty: Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles and the people of Israel gathered together and crucified the Lord of glory. At Calvary, the religious world and the political world united in choosing a guilty criminal over the sinless Son of God. Behold that stumbling Stone!
The Bible Believers Sunday Service: That Stumbling Stone
Click here to order the books mentioned today:
That Stumbling Stone
“Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” Romans 9:32,33 (KJB)
Central Truth
The question is not whether a person will encounter this Stone—the question is how he will encounter Him. He will either believe on Jesus Christ and rest upon the Rock of salvation, stumble over Him in unbelief, or ultimately be crushed beneath Him in judgment.
“Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.” Matthew 21:42-45 (KJB)
I. God Promised The Coming Stone
Jesus Christ did not suddenly appear in the New Testament by accident or coincidence. The prophets had already announced that God would lay a precious Stone in Zion.
“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.” Isaiah 28:16 (KJB)
Notice how the Stone is described:
- A foundation stone
- A tried stone
- A precious corner stone
- A sure foundation
- A Stone upon whom men must believe
Jesus Christ was tried by Satan, sinners, religious leaders and Roman authorities, yet no fault was found in Him. He is the only foundation capable of carrying the entire weight of God’s plan of redemption.
Truth: God established the foundation; man does not get to choose another one.
Application: Our salvation must rest upon what God has provided, not upon religion, works, sacraments or personal righteousness.
II. Israel Was Entrusted With The Plans
Israel was given the Scriptures, the promises, the covenants, the temple worship and the prophetic signs by which the Messiah could be identified.
“What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.” Romans 3:1,2 (KJB)
The Jewish rulers were the “builders.” They possessed the architectural plans of prophecy. They studied Moses, David and the prophets. They should have recognized the Stone when He arrived.
But when God presented His chosen Stone, the builders inspected Him and rejected Him.
“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:22,23 (KJB)
Truth: Possessing the Scriptures does not save anyone who refuses to believe what the Scriptures reveal about Jesus Christ.
Application: Religious knowledge without faith can leave a person standing beside the Corner Stone while remaining completely lost.
III. The Builders Rejected The Stone
Jesus directly identified Himself as the Stone from Psalm 118.
“Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?” Matthew 21:42 (KJB)
After the resurrection, Peter stood before Israel’s rulers and declared that they were the builders who had rejected God’s Stone.
“This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.” Acts 4:11 (KJB)
But their rejection did not overturn God’s purpose. The builders rejected Him, but God made Him the Head of the corner.
Truth: Man’s rejection of Jesus Christ cannot diminish His identity, authority or glory.
Application: Popular opinion does not determine truth. Even when the world refuses Christ, God’s declaration concerning His Son remains unchanged.
IV. The Promised Stone Became A Stumblingstone
The Stone God provided as a foundation became a Stumblingstone to those who approached God through their own righteousness.
“And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” Isaiah 8:14 (KJB)
Israel stumbled because they sought righteousness through the works of the law instead of receiving God’s righteousness by faith.
Jesus Christ offended their religious pride. They wanted a conquering king, but He first appeared as the Lamb of God. They looked for political deliverance while rejecting the Saviour who came to deliver them from sin.
Truth: The problem was not with the Stone. The problem was the unbelief of those who stumbled over Him.
Application: Jesus Christ still offends the natural man because the gospel declares that man cannot save himself.
V. The Gentiles Also Rejected The Lord Of Glory
Although Israel’s rulers were the builders, the Gentiles joined them in rejecting and crucifying Jesus Christ.
“For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,” Acts 4:27 (KJB)
At Calvary, the religious world and the political world stood together against their Creator. Jew and Gentile, priest and governor, synagogue and empire were united in their rejection of Jesus Christ.
“Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:8 (KJB)
“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;” 1 Corinthians 1:23 (KJB)
The Jews stumbled over Him, the Gentiles considered Him foolishness, and together they crucified the Lord of glory.
Truth: The cross exposes the guilt of the entire human race.
Application: No nationality, culture, government or religion can claim natural innocence before God. All have sinned, and all must come to God through Jesus Christ.
VI. The World Chose Barabbas Instead Of Jesus
Barabbas was not an innocent political prisoner. He was an insurrectionist, robber and murderer.
“And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.” Mark 15:7 (KJB)
When offered the choice between Barabbas and Jesus, the multitude chose the guilty man.
“And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:” Luke 23:18 (KJB)
What a picture of substitution! The guilty man was released while the innocent Saviour was condemned. Barabbas walked away because Jesus Christ went to the cross in his place. Barabbas represents the choice of the natural man: give us the rebel, the robber and the murderer—but away with the Son of God!
Truth: At Calvary, the innocent One took the place of the guilty.
Application: Every saved sinner is spiritually like Barabbas. We deserved condemnation, but Jesus Christ took our place.
VII. The Rock Was Smitten For Our Salvation
In the wilderness, Israel received life-giving water from a smitten rock.
“Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.” Exodus 17:6 (KJB)
The New Testament identifies that Rock for us:
“And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4 (KJB)
The Rock had to be smitten before the water could flow. Jesus Christ had to be crucified before the living water of salvation could be freely offered to sinners. The crucifixion was not an accident or the defeat of God’s plan. The Lord of glory was smitten so that guilty sinners could live.
Truth: The water flowed because the Rock was smitten.
Application: Salvation flows freely because Jesus Christ bore the judgment our sins deserved.
VIII. Jesus Christ Is The Rock Upon Which The Church Is Built
Peter confessed the identity of Jesus Christ:
“And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 (KJB)
Jesus then declared:
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 (KJB)
The Church is not built upon Peter, a sinful and fallible man. It is built upon the Rock—Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11 (KJB)
Truth: Jesus Christ is the Builder, the Rock and the Foundation of His Church.
Application: A church that abandons the preaching of Jesus Christ may retain its building, name and religious ceremonies, but it has abandoned its foundation.
IX. The Rejected Stone Is Now The Chief Corner Stone
The corner stone establishes the position, direction and alignment of the entire building. Everything must be measured against it.
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:” Ephesians 2:20,21 (KJB)
The world cast Him aside, but God gave Him the position of supreme importance. Everything in God’s building must align with Jesus Christ.
Truth: Christ is not merely one stone among many; He is the Chief Corner Stone who governs the placement of every other stone.
Application: Our doctrine, worship, preaching, ministry and personal lives must be measured against Jesus Christ and the written word of God.
X. The Stone Is Precious To Those Who Believe
The same Jesus who is offensive to the unbeliever is precious to the believer.
“Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” 1 Peter 2:7,8 (KJB)
The difference is not in the Stone. Jesus Christ never changes. The difference is in the response:
- The believer rests upon Him.
- The disobedient stumble over Him.
- The religious reject Him.
- The saved consider Him precious.
Truth: What a person thinks of Jesus Christ reveals his spiritual condition.
Application: Is Christ precious to us, or merely familiar to us?
XI. The Rock Of Our Salvation Is The Only Place Of Safety
“The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.” Psalm 18:46 (KJB)
Everything outside Jesus Christ is sinking sand:
- Religion is sand.
- Good works are sand.
- Human government is sand.
- Personal righteousness is sand.
- Money and success are sand.
- Philosophy and education are sand.
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” Matthew 7:24 (KJB)
The strength of a house is ultimately determined by its foundation. The storms reveal what fair weather can conceal.
Truth: Jesus Christ is not merely part of our salvation; He is the Rock of our salvation.
Application: We are not trusting in our ability to hold onto Christ. We are resting upon Christ’s ability to hold us.
XII. The Rejected Stone Will Return As The Crushing Stone
The world’s final encounter with Jesus Christ will not be with the suffering Lamb standing silently before Pilate. He will return as the conquering King.
“And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” Matthew 21:44 (KJB)
The Stone rejected at the First Advent will become the crushing Stone of judgment at the Second Advent.
Men may refuse Him now, mock Him now and attempt to build a world without Him now—but the Stone is coming back. Every human kingdom will fall, while the kingdom of Jesus Christ will stand forever.
Truth: The rejected Saviour will return as the righteous Judge.
Application: It is infinitely better to be broken before Christ in repentance today than to be crushed beneath Him in judgment tomorrow.
Application
Every person must answer four questions:
- Have I stumbled over Christ because I am trusting my own righteousness?
- Have I joined the world in choosing Barabbas—sin, rebellion and human government—over Jesus Christ?
- Am I building my life upon the Rock or upon sinking sand?
- Is Jesus Christ truly precious to me?
There is no salvation in the builders, the religious system, the government or the multitude. Salvation is found exclusively in the rejected Stone.
“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:10-12 (KJB)
Closing Challenge
The builders rejected Him. Israel stumbled over Him. The Gentiles mocked Him. The rulers crucified Him. The multitude chose Barabbas instead of Him.
But God raised Him from the dead!
The rejected Stone became the Head of the corner. The smitten Rock became the Rock of our salvation. The crucified Lord of glory became the sure Foundation of every believer. You cannot remove the Stone. You cannot replace the Stone. You cannot build around the Stone. You must either fall upon Him in faith or one day have Him fall upon you in judgment.
He is the promised Stone.
He is the rejected Stone.
He is the smitten Rock.
He is the Stumblingstone.
He is the Rock of offence.
He is the precious Corner Stone.
He is the sure Foundation.
He is the Rock of our salvation.
AND THAT ROCK WAS CHRIST!
“Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.” 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 (KJB)
Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church
- HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page
When you contribute to this fundraising effort, you are helping us to do what the Lord called us to do. The money you send in goes primarily to the overall daily operations of this site. When people ask for Bibles, we send them out at no charge. When people write in and say how much they would like gospel tracts but cannot afford them, we send them a box at no cost to them for either the tracts or the shipping, no matter where they are in the world. We have a Gospel Billboard program. We are now broadcasting Bible studies, Podcasts and a Sunday Service 5 times a week, thanks to your generous donations. All this is possible because YOU pray for us, YOU support us, and YOU give so we can continue growing.
But whatever you do, don’t do nothing. Time is short and we need your help right now. The Lord has given us an open door with a tremendous ‘course’ for us to fulfill that will create an excellent experience at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Please pray for our efforts, and if the Lord leads you to donate, be as generous as possible. The war is REAL, the battle HOT and the time is SHORT…TO THE FIGHT!!!
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)
“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB
The post THE BIBLE BELIEVERS SUNDAY SERVICE: That Stumbling Stone appeared first on Now The End Begins.
Leave a Reply