Then He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around [it], dug [a place for] the wine vat and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. 2 “Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that he might receive some of the fruit of the vineyard from the vinedressers. 3 “And they took [him] and beat him and sent [him] away empty-handed. 4 “Again he sent them another servant, and at him they threw stones, wounded [him] in the head, and sent [him] away shamefully treated. 5 “And again he sent another, and him they killed; and many others, beating some and killing some. 6 “Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 “But those vinedressers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 “So they took him and killed [him] and cast [him] out of the vineyard. 9 “Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others. 10 “Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. 11 This was the LORD’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’? ” 12 And they sought to lay hands on Him, but feared the multitude, for they knew He had spoken the parable against them. So they left Him and went away.

– Mark 12:1-12 (NKJV)

Jesus continues to address the misuse of religious authority by those who are in power over the Jewish people. Jesus’ authority had been questioned by the religious leaders. The insinuation in this parable is that the religious leaders are unrighteous stewards. They didn’t want to honor God. They just wanted to use God’s name to gain power and authority for themselves. Furthermore they hardened their heart against God’s messengers and didn’t listen to what they had to say. Now these leaders had hardened their hearts against Jesus himself and because they had, judgement was coming.

In verse ten Jesus makes a statement about a cornerstone. He is quoting from Psalm 118. The meaning is that the leaders had rejected Him as the cornerstone (foundation and guideline) for their lives, but that even though he was rejected by them, He would still be the guideline by which their lives were judged.

Many people reject Jesus. Even seemingly Christian people can conduct life under a set of rules apart from a relationship with Christ. Jesus is the cornerstone of a believers life. The Holy Spirit is moving and working in each one of us to conform us to the image of Christ. To be confirmed to the image of Christ, we must accept God’s authority in our lives.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. We are grateful for your word, let it be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We gladly submit our hearts to you. Let us live with confidence in your authority and benevolent good will. Let walk in humility. Please give us discernment as we apply your word to our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.