Please read the whole chapter. (Matthew 21:1-46)
Definition of Broken
Definition of Destroyed
When something is referred to as “broken,” it means that it has sustained some form of damage or fracture, causing it to no longer be in one piece. Despite this setback, it is still possible for broken objects to be repaired or mended (1 Thessalonians 5:23). On the other hand, when something is “destroyed,” it means that it has been completely eradicated, resulting in the complete cessation of its existence.
42. Yahshua said to them, Did you never read in the Scriptures, “the Stone which the builders rejected, this One became the Head of the Corner? This was from YAHWEH, and it is a wonder in our eyes?” (Psalms 118:22-23)
43. Because of this I say to you, The kingdom of YAHWEH will be taken from you, and it will be given to a people who produce fruits.
44. And he who falls on this Stone will be broken; but on whomever It falls, It will destroy him. (Daniel 2:44)
45. And hearing His parables, the chief priests and the Pharisees knew that He was speaking about them.
46. And seeking to lay hold of Him, they feared the crowds, because they held Him as a prophet.
What Angered them!
Yahshua questions the chief priests, theologians, and scholars, asking them if they had read what King David wrote about the coming Messiah in Psalms 118:22-23. Naturally, this question caused anger in their hardened hearts. Who was this Yahshua guy asking us, the leading theologians of Israel, about our familiarity with the Scriptures again?
From earlier events, questioning, and parables (listed below) coupled with this final question, the chief priests and the elders finally understood that Yahshua was referring to himself as the Stone and Son of YAHWEH and them as being the ones destroyed.
- Yahshua came into town riding on a colt, and the crowds began to praise him, saying, “Blessed is He coming in the name of YAHWEH!”.(Matthew 21:7-11). He was fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. The chief Priests wanted this type of praise.
- Yahshua threw out all those selling and buying in the sanctuary. He flipped over the tables and chairs of the money changers that turned the house of YAHWEH into a cave of bandits. He also backed up his actions with Scriptures quoting Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. These actions ended all of the foolishness in the sanctuary that the chief priests allowed, authorized, and probably made profits from. (Matthew 21:7-11).
- Yahshua also healed many sick on that day, and the people praised Yahshua. However, the chief priests were outraged by the outpouring of praise toward Yahshua and asked Him if He heard their praises. Yahshua replied with Psalms 8:2, which likely increased their anger more.
- Yahshua went to teach in the sanctuary and was confronted by the chief priests and some elders. They wanted to know what authority he had to do the things he was doing and who gave it to him. Yahshua answered their question with a question confounding them. (Matthew 21:23-27)
- Yahshua delivers a message to the chief priests and elders through two powerful parables: The Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32) and The Tenants (Matthew 21:33-41). After hearing Yahshua‘s teachings, they concluded that He was referring to them in the parables. Now, they want to lay hands on him or capture Him.
Breaking on the Stone or Destroyed by the Stone
And he who falls on this Stone (Yahshua) will be broken; but on whomever It falls, It will destroy him (you).
And in the days of these kings, the Eloh of Heaven shall set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed. And the kingdom shall not be left to other people. It shall crush in pieces and make an end all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
In the Scripture(s) above, Yahshua explains to the chief priests and other religious leaders (Theologians) that the people that choose to fall on Him (Yahshua The Stone) have chosen to be broken in total surrender to YAHWEH and His Kingdom, understanding that they will be made whole in or through Yahshua. They have surrendered or laid down their will for the will of the King and His ways, allowing them to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life. While the ones refusing to surrender their will or be broken will be crushed by the Stone and destroyed (thrown into the Gehenna Lake of Fire) and will not inherit life.
Understanding the concept of a kingdom government can be challenging, especially for individuals who have only ever experienced living in a democratic society such as America. In a democracy, the emphasis is on individuality and the freedom to make choices. However, in a kingdom, the citizens are expected to serve their king and abide by his will. If you refuse or reject the king, his authority, or his sovereignty, the consequences are dire, exile or death. Ultimately, it is essential to note that there will only be one Kingdom in the end – the Kingdom of YAHWEH. – and the concept of dual citizenship will not be a possibility.
Choose
YAHWEH has placed us here on Earth with free will to see if we will choose His will or our own will (the will of Satan). Remember when Yahshua taught the disciples how to pray? He said, “…Our Father who is in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name (YAHWEH). Your kingdom come; Your will be done, as it is in Heaven, also on the earth.” (Matthew 6:9-10)
Some sources suggest that the average person makes about 35,000 daily decisions ranging from insignificant to substantial. There is no greater decision you will make in your life than this one. Therefore, take some alone time and unjack yourself from the world and its distractions (TV, Internet, work, social media, friends, family, smartphones, or whatever is occupying your time) and examine yourself and decide if you want to be broken or destroyed. This choice is a lifelong decision that we must make every day due to the constant pressures of this wicked world.
When I think about being broken, it takes me back to my childhood memories of horseback riding. I vividly recall the riding instructor educating the other Boy Scouts and me on the safety of horse riding, explaining that their horses were broken in and well-trained to obey their rider’s commands. To my surprise and without hesitation, the horses did exactly what was expected of them for the entire two-hour horseback ride. From that moment, I have always made it a point to ensure that the horses I mount have been broken in and undergone the proper and necessary training. This analogy of three different horses will assist you in pondering the concept of being broken or destroyed.
Which horse would you ride?: Broken, Green Broken, and Unbroken?
- The Broken Horse is submitted, loyal, reliable, trustworthy, and surrendered in will to his master or rider daily. (Matthew 7:21)
- The Green Broken Horse is easily spooked, inexperienced, unpredictable, unsure, and half-hearted in loyalty. (Lukewarm – Revelations 3:15-16) (Double-Minded – James 1:7-8).
- The Unbroken Horse, or the horse that refuses to be broken in, is unreliable and full of destructive behaviors such as untampered aggression, bolting (running away without control), bucking (opposing or resisting), or rearing (expressing their dominance or showing that they are objecting to being broken). Matthew 7:23
What use is a horse to its master if it will not be broken? None. Just like a horse must be broken to be of use to its owner, we too, must be broken and submitted to our Master. Only by accepting and surrendering to the truth (represented by Yahshua) can we be accepted and avoid destruction.
Again, take some time alone away from things, people, and distractions to determine if you want to be broken or destroyed.