Luke 20:17 – “Jesus looked directly at them and asked, ‘Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”?’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus confronts the religious leaders after telling them the parable of the tenants. He quotes Psalm 118:22, a prophecy about a stone that the builders rejected but later became the cornerstone. The builders, in this context, represent the religious leaders of Israel, and the “stone” represents Jesus Himself. Though they rejected Him, Jesus would become the cornerstone of God’s plan for salvation.
By referencing this verse, Jesus is making a bold statement about His identity and role in God’s kingdom. Even though the religious leaders would reject and crucify Him, Jesus’ resurrection would prove that He is the foundation of God’s eternal kingdom.
Historical Context
The imagery of a “stone” or “cornerstone” was familiar to Jesus’ audience. In ancient building practices, the cornerstone was the most important stone in a structure, serving as the foundation and guiding the alignment of the entire building. In the Old Testament, the stone often symbolized God’s chosen leader or the Messiah (Isaiah 28:16).
The religious leaders believed they were the builders of Israel’s spiritual foundation, but their rejection of Jesus showed that they misunderstood God’s plan. The quotation from Psalm 118:22 would have been particularly meaningful because this psalm was often sung during major Jewish festivals, including Passover, which was approaching at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the contrast between human rejection and God’s ultimate plan. The religious leaders rejected Jesus because He didn’t fit their expectations of what the Messiah should be. They were looking for a political leader who would free them from Roman rule, but Jesus came to bring spiritual salvation. Their rejection of Him fulfilled God’s plan, demonstrating that human rejection cannot stop God’s purposes.
Theologically, the “cornerstone” represents Jesus as the foundation of faith. Salvation is found through Him alone (Acts 4:11-12). Just as a building cannot stand without a solid cornerstone, our lives cannot be built on anything other than Jesus if we want them to stand firm.
Literary Analysis
Luke describes Jesus as “looking directly at them,” emphasizing the intensity of this moment. This isn’t a casual conversation—Jesus is confronting the religious leaders with the truth of who He is and the consequences of rejecting Him. The use of a rhetorical question draws attention to the importance of Psalm 118:22 and invites reflection.
The metaphor of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone is a powerful literary image. It conveys the idea that what humans consider insignificant or worthless, God elevates to the most important position. This reversal of expectations is a common theme in Jesus’ teaching, where the last become first and the humble are exalted.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 118:22-23 – The original prophecy about the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone.
- Isaiah 28:16 – A prophecy about God laying a stone in Zion, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation.
- Matthew 21:42 – The parallel passage where Jesus quotes the same verse, showing its significance in His ministry.
- Acts 4:11-12 – Peter declares that Jesus is the cornerstone and that salvation is found in no one else.
- Ephesians 2:19-22 – Paul explains that Jesus is the cornerstone of the church, which is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that Jesus is the foundation of our faith. Just as the cornerstone holds a building together, Jesus is the one who holds our lives together. If we build our lives on Him, we can stand firm, even in the face of trials and opposition.
This verse also challenges us to consider whether we are accepting or rejecting Jesus’ authority in our lives. The religious leaders rejected Him because they wanted to maintain control. Are there areas in our lives where we are resisting Jesus because His will conflicts with our plans? True faith involves submitting to Him as the cornerstone of our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He uses what is rejected by the world to bring salvation. The rejection and crucifixion of Jesus weren’t the end of the story. Instead, God turned that rejection into the greatest act of love—Jesus’ death and resurrection provided a way for all people to be saved (Romans 5:8).
God’s love is also patient. Even when people reject Him, He continues to reach out, offering opportunities for repentance and faith. The fact that Jesus was speaking directly to the religious leaders shows that God, in His love, was giving them a chance to recognize their error and turn to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus as the cornerstone of God’s kingdom. Although He was rejected by the religious leaders, He became the foundation for salvation and the church. His resurrection proved that He is the chosen one of God, and all who trust in Him are part of the spiritual building God is constructing.
Paul reinforces this connection in Ephesians 2:19-22, where he describes believers as part of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. Jesus’ role as the cornerstone ensures that God’s kingdom will stand forever, and nothing can overthrow it.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why did the religious leaders reject Jesus, even though He fulfilled many of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
- What does it mean for Jesus to be the cornerstone of your life?
- Are there areas in your life where you are resisting Jesus’ authority because it challenges your plans or desires?
- How does knowing that God uses what is rejected by the world give you confidence in your faith?
- How can you build your life on Jesus as the cornerstone, both individually and as part of the church community?