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Cornerstone (The Stone Upon Which everything is Built)
Meaning
The word cornerstone is an architectural word. It had a couple of different meanings all of which referred to an architecturally important stone upon which the structure of the building was dependant. One meaning referred to the corner foundation stone which was important because it bore the weight of the building as well as determining the straightness of the walls. Another reference was for the capstone which topped off the long interlocking cornerstones used to tie the building together. And the final reference was to the pivot stone which was a strong rock with a depression used as a foundation for the door post.
The most important stone was the “chief cornerstone” which was the one stone which bore the majority of the building’s weight as well as determined the straightness of the walls. The chief cornerstone was laid first and all other stones were placed in relation to the chief cornerstone. And the social importance of the cornerstone is evident throughout many archeological finds. A lot of which includes evidence of large ceremonies to celebrate when the chief cornerstone was laid into place. These ceremonies included depositing valuable items on and around the stone. Items which were historically or culturally significant. And in some cases with many of the pagan (non-Christian) cultures, human sacrifices were offered as well. Within the text of scripture, Jesus is referred to as the chief cornerstone. This signifies that all of Christianity rest upon His sacrifice for us at the Cross of Calvary and His resurrection three days later.
“Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, ‘Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.’ Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,’ and ‘A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.’ They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.” (Book of 1st Peter 2:6-8)
“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’? ‘Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.’ Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.” (Gospel of Matthew 21:42-45)