The Names Of Jesus - “A Stone”

The Names Of Jesus - “A Stone”

Isaiah 28:16

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a Stone, a Tested Stone, a Costly Cornerstone for the foundation, firmly paced.”

Jesus is referred to as My Rock in the Old Testament but did you know that Jesus is also called A Stone? Paul and Peter both use this passage from Isaiah to talk about Jesus as the foundation of the Christian faith.

Stones appear all over the Old Testament. Jacob rested his head on a stone when he dreamt of a ladder to Heaven (Gen 28). Moses sat on a stone when his arms became weary during the battle against Amalek (Ex17). David killed a giant with a stone (1 Sam 17). Stones were used as memorials, weapons, sacred pillars, tables, inscriptions, altars and, of course, they were used as building blocks.

That last one is what we’re going to focus on but before we go there, I want to look at how Isaiah describes a stone in Isaiah 8. Take a look at this statement about stones.:

Isaiah 8:14-15

“Then He shall become a sanctuary; but to both the houses of Israel, a stone to strike and a rock to stumble over, and a snare and a trap for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Many will stumble over them, then they will fall and be broken; they will even be snared and caught.”

What is Isaiah talking about? He is referring to the coming Messiah who will be the ultimate Judge over all. He will be the final witness against the sins of God’s people. They will see Jesus and think to themselves that they are close to God, truly pleasing Him and that they are completely safe and secure. But, Jesus will be their stumbling block and their downfall.

Many people cannot accept that Jesus is the only way to God. He clearly tells us this but many will be unable to accept it. It is upon this “Stone Of Truth” that salvation lies.

Jesus will be a stumbling block to many but the Precious Cornerstone of faith for others.

More on that tomorrow.