Jesus had told a parable to the religious leaders about some tenant farmers who operated a vineyard business, behaving as though they were the owners (Matthew 21:33-39). When the real owner wanted to take his profit from the crop, they refused. They rejected his servants, beating and killing them. Then they killed his son. When Jesus asked the chief priests and elders what the owner should do, they replied that the rogue farmers should be removed from the business and punished; the vineyard should be given to trustworthy people instead.

Jesus then said that He was the 'chief cornerstone' on a building site (Matthew 21:42; Psalm 118:22-24). The stone would not fit in anywhere because it had been especially prepared as the 'lock stone' to hold the building together. The people who ignored this huge stone and 'tripped over Him' would be broken; and if He fell on anyone they would be crushed. Jesus was saying that anyone who rejected Him would not be allowed to rule or lead anyone because He would reject them.

The clergy did not know what to do. They wanted to kill Him, but were afraid of causing the people to riot in protest - a civil offence which would have led the Romans to seriously reduce their power over the people (John 11:48). They were powerful but very afraid. Their fear of the crowd was cowardice; but their rejection of Jesus would deprive them of everything they wanted, and heaven too.

It is always dangerous to reject Jesus. However, many think that there are no consequences to rejecting Jesus: they are wrong, it is utterly foolish. Others hate Him and want Him out of their lives: it is a massive mistake because they will be crushed by Him. Some want to ignore Him: but He will not go away and will always break those who build their lives on any other foundation. If you love Him, He will honour you. If you serve Him, He will reward you. Do urge those you know not to reject Jesus ... but more than that - urge them to trust Him.