Why is Christ referred to as the rock in the sermon?

The sermon highlights that Christ is identified as the rock in 1 Corinthians 10:4, which asserts that He followed the Israelites in the wilderness, providing spiritual nourishment. The smiting of the rock symbolizes Christ's sacrificial death, which brings forth living water for the thirsty souls. He fulfills the law and provides salvation by grace, demonstrating that the provision of God is based solely on His grace and not on human works. Thus, the rock is a profound metaphor for Jesus, the ultimate source of life and sustenance for His people.