‘The
stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the head of the corner. This was from the Lord. It is marvelous in our eyes?’
Matthew 21:42
Matthew 21 [41.] They told him, “He will miserably destroy those miserable men, and will lease out the vineyard to other farmers, who will give him the fruit in its season.”
Matthew 21 [42.] Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures,
‘The stone which the builders rejected,
the same was made the head of the corner.
This was from the Lord.
It is marvelous in our eyes?’
Matthew 21 [43.] “Therefore I tell you, God’s Kingdom will be taken away from you, and will be given to a nation producing its fruit. He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but on whomever it will fall, it will scatter him as dust.”
Matthew 21 [45.] When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke about them.
Meaning:
In this passage, Jesus is addressing the chief priests and Pharisees who questioned His authority. He quotes from Psalm 118:22-23, a Messianic prophecy that speaks of a rejected stone becoming the cornerstone of God's work. By referring to this prophecy, Jesus is subtly revealing His own identity as the long-awaited Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament scripture.
The significance of Matthew 21:42 lies in its portrayal of Jesus as the cornerstone of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. The imagery of the rejected stone being exalted to the position of chief cornerstone underscores Jesus' role as the foundation and focal point of God's redemptive plan. Despite being rejected by the religious leaders of His day, Jesus is ultimately vindicated and exalted by God as the cornerstone of salvation for all who believe in Him.
One cross-reference that sheds light on the significance of Matthew 21:42 is found in Acts 4:11, where Peter boldly declares, "This is the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner." This passage echoes the language of Psalm 118 and affirms Jesus' identity as the cornerstone of salvation. It emphasizes the continuity between Old Testament prophecy and the person of Jesus Christ.
Another cross-reference that enhances our understanding of Matthew 21:42 is found in Ephesians 2:20, where Paul writes, "being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone." This passage emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of the church and the unifying force that holds together God's people.
As we reflect on Matthew 21:42, we are reminded of the profound truth that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. He is the foundation upon which the church is built, and the fulfillment of God's promises throughout history. Just as the rejected stone became the chief cornerstone, so Jesus, though rejected by men, has been exalted by God to the highest place of honor and authority.
In conclusion, Matthew 21:42 highlights Jesus' identity as the cornerstone of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. As we contemplate this verse, may we recognize Jesus Christ as the foundation of our faith and the source of our salvation. And may we respond with hearts of faith and gratitude, marveling at the marvelous work of God in exalting His Son to the highest place of honor and authority.
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PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible