Today’s reading is Luke 19:1-20:47.

Luke 20:18 says, “Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

At first, this seems to be saying there are two different ways to be annihilated–fall on Jesus or let Jesus fall on you. However, I don’t think that is the point. I think this is a contrast.

If we fall on Jesus, the corner stone, we will be broken. However, if the stone falls on us we will be broken and judged. The word translated “broken to pieces” just means broken. However, the word translated “crushed” actually is connected to a winnowing fan. It doesn’t just mean crushed. It means ground to powder and winnowed away. I’m sure you already recognize the language of judgment there as used in passages like Matthew 3:12; Luke 3:17. 

The first statement is saying if we fall on Jesus, if we surrender to Him, we’ll be broken. That makes sense. After all, if we want to receive true life, we must give up our lives. Read Philippians 3:1-21 to see how broken I must be to lean on Jesus. I must recognize my complete powerlessness and how much I need Jesus. Falling on Him means being broken myself. The latter statement says if I don’t fall on Jesus and become broken, He will fall on me and I will not only be broken but scattered and judged.

The takeaway for me is that surrendering to Jesus is tough. It means sacrifice and giving up things I want to hang on to. It means breaking my power. It means humbling myself. It means being broken from my pride, strength, will. Let’s face it, that doesn’t sound like a very appealing process. I can see why some want to opt out. However, Jesus is pointing out that I’m going to end up broken one way or another. If I wait too long, then He’ll break me in judgment. I will be humiliated. I will lose my pride. I will lose my will. I will see how powerless I am. But then I’ll be judged. 

So, if I’m going to be broken anyway, why not be saved while I’m at it? Why not fall on Jesus instead of waiting for Him to fall on me in judgment?

***Question: Why do you think so many reject Jesus?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC