GOD'S PLAN WILL GO FORWARD—WITH OR WITHOUT YOU!
- Key Verse
Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures, 'THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone; THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES'?" (Matthew 21:42)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
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Central Truth
The Jewish leadership’s rejection of Jesus resulted in the removal of the privileges and responsibilities that God had delegated to Israel and the transfer of such privileges and responsibilities to the Church.
Reflections
The subtlety of the parable of the landowner is profound and strikes the leaders of Israel with an effectiveness that cuts to the bone. As the Jewish leaders realize their role in the parable (and the role of the leaders before them), Jesus condemns them for killing prophets and for failing to recognize Him as Messiah. Rather than humbling themselves and repenting of their rejection of Jesus (the cornerstone), they become enraged and plot ways to kill Him so that they can maintain their positions of prestige and power.
God's plan, however, will not be thwarted by men and their devious plans. God uses even the wrath of man to praise Him (Psalm 76:10). Have you ever failed and then seen God accomplish through someone else what you know you should have done? I have.
I can remember being in college and not being bolder about proclaiming Christ with a friend of mine. God ended up using someone else to declare the way of salvation to him. That was a hard lesson to learn, but it allowed me to see firsthand that God's plans will be accomplished with or without my cooperation. God's plans will not be thwarted (Job 42:2). The only question is whether you and I will have the privilege and blessing of being a part of God's plan, or whether God will use others to accomplish what He could have done through us.
Discussion Questions
1. What are some ways that we can be alert so that God's plans for us do not pass us by?
2. Read Ephesians 2:8-10. What do these verses say about God including you in His plans?
3. What are the implications of today's passage from a theological and prophetic standpoint? Has God rejected the Jews forever? How does Israel fit into God's plans now and in the future?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Jesus used parables to teach the people truth. What was Jesus trying to teach in the parable of the two sons?
2. Which of the two sons are you like?
3. How can you choose to obey right away with a trusting heart?
Bill Lee
March 22, 2010 06:03 AM
For generations this parable has been used to teach that God has again taken away privileges from Israel and given them to the church. For a different perspective I would refer the reader to Bailey's book "Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes."
lisa byrd
March 22, 2010 09:48 AM
Thank you for the succinct and encouraging journal entry today. Thank you especially for bringing in question #3. i am praying for more Christ followers to understand Israel's place in the plan of God.
brandon avance
March 22, 2010 10:00 AM
Great devo! Love your views on sovereignty. I'm enjoying question #3 right now. I'd really like to iron out my theology on those points. Tough verses here in Matt. 21-vs. 31 being- prostitutes and tax collectors before you. and vs. 43, taken away and given to a people producing fruit of it. What interesting verses in light of religion today.
Eric Colton
March 22, 2010 10:09 AM
Thanks for the teaching and encouragement through this devotional. It does truly cut to the bone...
Virginia Howard
March 23, 2010 02:22 PM
Wonderful devotional and motivation to take the opportunities God blesses us with to proclaim Christ to others. I've found the hardest people to witness to are friends. We fear a change in the relationship, that we may seem so righteous and consider them so unrighteous. As you pointed out,Christ uses Israel as an example of opportunity lost for this age, and may we not experience the same. Great questions--#3 so interesting. Love having you as my son!
Robin Howard
March 23, 2010 05:36 PM
Great reminder to make the most of every opportunity. Great devo honey! i love you!