The Preeminent 'Ashlar' of the Kingdom
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Exalting the preeminence of the perfectly dressed Stone the builders rejected.
Text: Luke 20:16-19
Date: 02/27/2025, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 185
Description:
As we wrap up our study of the parable of the wicked tenants, we will look at the poignant commentary Jesus includes to amplify the parable. He quotes from a deeply Messianic Old Testament Psalm that the "Stone the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone". We will analyze closely both the literal and symbolic meaning of this statement, applying the various aspects of the analogy to the matching metaphors in the parable. We will learn what an "ashlar" is and then expound on the themes of judgment and warning that are included in the parable. Ultimately, we will see both sides of the Gospel, realizing that regardless of whether you accept Him or reject Him-- Jesus remains the Preeminent Ashlar of the Kingdom.
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 20:16-19.
A. Context
B. The stone the builders rejected.
1. The crowd's reaction, vs. 16b.
a. The meaning of the reaction, Luke 19:48.
b. The nature of the reaction.
i. Replacing all of Israel, Luke 20:16.
ii. Replacing the leaders, Eph. 2:20.
iii. The danger of entitlement.
2. The quotation, vs. 17.
a. The piercing look, Luke 22:61-62.
b. The continued use of Scripture.
c. Quoting the Messianic Psalm.
i. The last Egyptian Hallel Psalm, Psa. 118.
ii. The literal imagery.
1) Looking at the words.
2) Analyzing the metaphor.
a) Perfectly "dressed" stones", 1Chr. 22:2.
b) The cornerstone.
c) When an ashlar is improperly cut.
3) The ironic turn of events.
iii. The symbolism of the quote.
1) The explanation of the parable, Luke 20:15.
2) A new Temple not made by human hands, 1Pet. 2:4-5; Dan. 2:34-35; Isa. 28:16; Eph. 2:20-22.
3. A stone of judgment, vs. 18.
a. Inclusive/exclusive words.
b. The warnings.
i. A stumbling block.
1) An Old Testament woe, Isa. 8:12-15.
2) A New Testament woe, Luke 12:4-5; 1Cor. 1:22-23.
ii. A crushing reality.
1) A pulverizing force.
2) A word of judgment, Dan. 2:44.
iii. The inevitability of judgment, Luke 19:43-44.
c. Interpretation
i. Jesus as Savior, Luke 6:47-48; Matt. 11:30.
ii. Jesus as Judge, Matt. 25:31-33; Rev. 19:16; Matt. 25:41.
4. The wrong response, vs. 19.
a. Taking it personally.
b. Willful human blindness.
III. Application
A. The reality of judgment.
B. Warning of following false leaders.
C. The preeminence of Jesus.
IV. Conclusion
