The Stone the Builders Rejected

Jesus continually offended the Jewish leaders and their followers. Although he was from the family line of King David, they questioned his mother's reputation (Matthew 1:18–25). Jesus came from Nazareth (Matthew 2:23). This place did not have a good reputation either (Matthew 13:53–58). He mainly worked in Galilee, far from the center of Jewish authority (Matthew 4:12–16). His closest friend was John, who became known for baptizing people and boldly speaking against political leaders as a prophet (Matthew 11:2–19; 14:3–12).

Jesus often gave indirect answers (Matthew 13:10–15; 17:24–27; 19:3–12; 21:23–27). He refused to show miraculous signs to prove his claims (12:38–42; 16:1–4). He spent time with people whom society rejected (9:9–13; 11:16–19). He challenged Jewish customs (5:17–20; 9:14–17; 12:1–14; 15:1–20; 21:12–13). He avoided public recognition (8:4; 12:15–21).

He shared his insights with unexpected people (Matthew 11:25–27; 13:16–17; 16:13–20). He spoke about the humiliating death he would suffer (16:21; 17:22–23; 20:18–19; 26:2). Jesus did not seek attention or make his role obvious. Instead, he chose humility, privacy, and sharing revelations that people could only understand through faith.

In the end, Jesus was proven right. He won arguments (Luke 20:20–40). He removed demons who had control of people (Matthew 8:28–34). He healed people in amazing ways (Matthew 9:1–8). He resurrected people from the dead (Matthew 9:18–26). Finally, he rose from the dead (Matthew 28:1–10). His ministry caused division but was effective in beginning God’s kingdom on earth (Matthew 11:2–6).

Passages for Further Study

Isaiah 3:8; 8:14–15; 28:12–13; 59:9–10; Jeremiah 13:16; 20:11; 31:7–9; 50:31–32; Hosea 4:4–6; 5:5; 14:9; Malachi 2:7–9; Matthew 11:5–6; 13:54–58; 17:27; 21:42–46; Mark 6:3; Luke 20:17–19; John 6:60–69; Romans 9:30–33; 11:7–12; 14:12–13, 20–21; 1 Corinthians 1:21–23; 8:9–13; 10:31–11:1; 2 Corinthians 6:3; Galatians 5:11; 1 Peter 2:5–8; 1 John 2:10