The Living Stone (1 Peter 2:4-8)

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the most important truth in history: Jesus is alive. And because He’s alive, we can be made alive too. That’s not just something we say on Easter morning; it’s a truth we can build our lives on every day.

But here’s a question worth asking: What holds your life together? What keeps you steady when things feel shaky?

Peter gives us an answer. He calls Jesus our Living Stone, the cornerstone of our faith.

Jesus Is Our Cornerstone

Peter writes:

“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God… the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (1 Peter 2:4, 6)

In ancient times, the cornerstone was the most important stone in a building. It was placed first and used to line up every other part of the structure. If it was off, the whole building could be off. If it was strong, everything else could stand strong too.

That’s exactly what Jesus is for us.

He holds everything together—your faith, your purpose, your future.

When we trust Him, our lives have stability, even in the storms. But when people reject Him, Peter says, it’s like stumbling over a rock that was meant to save you.

We’re Living Stones Too

Peter goes on to say something powerful about who we are:

“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…” (1 Peter 2:5)

You’re not just saved—you’re part of something bigger. You’re a “living stone,” placed by God into His spiritual house. That means:

• You have a place.
• You have a purpose.
• You help make up the church—not just a building, but a living, breathing community.

Peter also says we’re a holy priesthood. Back in the Old Testament, only priests could come into God’s presence. But now, because of Jesus, every believer has direct access to God. You’re part of His mission, His people, and His plan.

A Picture of the Church

Think of a mosaic—lots of little pieces, each one different, but together they make something beautiful. That’s the picture Peter paints of the church. Every believer, every story, every gift matters.

• Your worship matters.
• Your service matters.
• Your encouragement matters.

You’re not just filling a seat. You’re fitting into God’s house.

So, How Should We Live?

If Jesus is our cornerstone and we’re part of His house, what does that mean for Monday morning?

• It means we trust Him as our foundation.
• It means we serve others with love.
• It means we wake up knowing we’re part of something eternal.

This week, find one simple way to encourage or serve someone in God’s family. Maybe it’s a kind word, a text, a meal, or a quiet prayer.

You’ve been placed with purpose.

Let your life reflect the One who holds it all together.