The Cornerstone

5th Sunday of Easter

From “Saving the Ants”

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 2:4-7 and Psalm 118:22  

Preparation: Bring some building blocks and a bucket of stones.

Rocks and stones turn up in both of the lessons this morning and in the psalm that we read together. Stones were very important to the people in Jesus’ time. Most of the buildings in the area where Jesus lived were made out of stone. In 1 Peter, the Bible talks about Jesus being the cornerstone. Does anyone know what a cornerstone is?(A child may answer correctly.) The cornerstone is usually the largest stone in the building. It is placed first and the building rises around it. The cornerstone has to be strong with no hidden weaknesses or cracks in it, so that it can support the tremendous weight of the building.

The Bible also says, “And now God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple” (1 Peter 2:5 NLT). So, if all of us in this congregation are living stones, making a spiritual temple or church, who do you suppose is our cornerstone? (Wait for an answer.) Yes, that’s right. Jesus is our cornerstone, the most important part.

I brought some blocks with me today, and I thought we’d try a little experiment. We’re going to construct a building. We can pretend these are stones, and this (choose a large, long block) is our cornerstone. We put the cornerstone down first, then start building around and on top of it. (Construct a small building, making sure that the cornerstone is the essential element of its structural integrity.)

Now, we’ve finished our building. What would happen, do you suppose, if we removed the cornerstone? (Children may respond.) Yes, it would probably fall down. Le’ís try it. (Pull out the cornerstone, collapsing building.) We need the cornerstone, don’t we? And just as the church needs Jesus as its firm foundation, we need Jesus as the cornerstone of our lives. Without Jesus, everything falls apart.

I have here a bucket full of stones, and I’d like everyone to take one before you go back to your seats. As you hold the stones in your hands, remember that Jesus is your cornerstone.

Prayer:  Jesus, thank you for being the solid cornerstone in our lives. Your strength helps make us strong.