The CORNERSTONE: Only Jesus Is the Foundation That Never Fails You. – May 6, 2026

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Read: 1 Peter 2:4-10

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 1 Peter 2:4-6

The CORNERSTONE: Only Jesus Is the Foundation That Never Fails You.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever seen fans at a game wearing paper bags on their heads? It looks funny—but it’s actually kind of sad. They do that when their team is losing a lot. They feel embarrassed, so they try to hide! Maybe you’ve never worn a paper bag . . . but have you ever NOT worn your team shirt because your team was losing? Or maybe instead of talking about how your team is doing right now, you say, “Well, we used to be really good!”

It might have felt like that for the apostle Peter and other believers who were suffering grief “in all kinds of trials.” It means they were going through hard and scary times. It didn’t look like they were on the winning team at all.

But listen to what Peter had to say about his “suffering team.” He doesn’t say, “Remember the good old days with Jesus.” He doesn’t say, “Just wait—someday Jesus will return and things will be better.” Instead, he says, “Look at what your life is built on right now. On Jesus—the living Stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone.”

So, what’s a cornerstone? When people built buildings a long time ago, they started with one very important stone. It was the FIRST stone they put down. Every other stone had to line up with it. If that stone was strong and straight, the whole building would be strong, straight, and safe. Peter says Jesus is that stone. But not just any stone, a living Stone! That means: Jesus died and then came back to life! He is alive right now. And he is our Savior.

Some people rejected Jesus back then. And some people still reject him today. But Peter gives an amazing promise: “The one who trusts in him will never be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6). What does that mean? It means you don’t have to be embarrassed or afraid. You don’t have to hide. Why? Because if your life is built on Jesus, you are on the winning team—no matter what!

No paper bags needed. Not now. Not ever. Because Jesus—your cornerstone—never loses.

Prayer:

Living Stone, thank you for building us on you. Teach us to trust in you and serve you even when times look tough, knowing that in you we will never be put to shame. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What did you learn about a cornerstone in today’s devotion?
• Why was the cornerstone so important when people built buildings long ago?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How is Jesus like the cornerstone of our lives?
• Peter says a person who trusts in Jesus will not be “put to shame.” What does that mean? What has Jesus done with the things that make us feel ashamed?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Where do you see people ignoring or rejecting Jesus today? Has that ever made it harder for you to follow Jesus? How does this lesson help you feel stronger and more encouraged?
• Peter calls Christians a “holy priesthood.” What do you think that means? What are some ways you can serve God and thank him in your everyday life?

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