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Foreshadows of the Messiah
Portrayal of His
rejection
Although only a few Old Testament passages foreshadow the
rejection of the Messiah, each reveals important facts about Him. When
considered together, they give an overall portrayal of our Messiah's rejection
and the purpose of it.
Rejection by builders
People in a responsible position are the very ones who will refuse to
accept the Messiah as seen in Psalm 118. This Psalm is a hymn of worship and
praise, sung as a procession would approach the Lord's house in order to offer
a sacrifice.
The sacrificial system is meaningful because it reveals God's messianic plan of salvation as exemplified by this Psalm. Each part expresses something of the messianic theme as worshippers approach and enter the house of God, offer the sacrifice and thank God for His mercy. "Save now" (v.25), which elsewhere in Scripture is recoeded as "Hosanna", is a plea for the salvation which comes from the Messiah.
In the midst of this praise, Psalm 118 makes a startling declaration, "the stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner" (v.22). The head stone or capstone holds a structure together. Therefore, it is the most crucial part of the structure, upon which everything else depends. Yet the psalmist states that the builders refuse this stone. It is common biblical usage for a stone to represent the Davidic royal line and is a messianic term. Accordingly, this statement indicates that the Messiah is to be rejected - and by those in a position of responsibility.
Although the builders as a whole will reject the Messiah, anyone who believes in Him will be saved. Isaiah 28:16 explains, "Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste."
An offence
Unfortunately, the longed for Messiah will be a cause of offence, so that some
will stumble. Isaiah 8:13-15 shows this dilemna. The Lord of Hosts is to be
viewed with reverence (v.13). Yet He will prove a stone of stumbling, a rock of
offence for both houses of Israel (v.14), i.e. Israel and Judah. There will be
many who fall in this way (v.15).
Despised
Scripture
indicates that the Messiah would be faced with hideous rejection. "He is
despised and rejected of men" (Isaiah 53:3). The "men" involved here include
the very people who anticipate the coming Messiah. That is why Isaiah speaking
later in this same verse as one of the people of Israel says, "He was despised
and we esteemed Him not".