Mark 12:11 – “The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse follows Jesus’ declaration in Mark 12:10 that the rejected stone has become the cornerstone. Now, He explains that this incredible reversal—the stone that was once discarded becoming the most important piece—is a work of God. The phrase “The Lord has done this” emphasizes that this event is not a coincidence or the result of human effort, but a deliberate act of God’s sovereign plan.

The word “marvelous” expresses wonder and awe at what God has accomplished. The rejection of Jesus, His death, and His resurrection were all part of God’s plan to bring salvation to the world. What appeared to be a defeat—Jesus’ crucifixion—was actually a victory that would be seen as marvelous by those who believe in Him.

Historical Context

This verse quotes directly from Psalm 118:23, a passage that would have been familiar to Jesus’ Jewish audience. Psalm 118 is a song of thanksgiving and deliverance, often sung during Israel’s major feasts. It celebrates God’s ability to save His people, even when they face opposition or rejection.

During Jesus’ time, the religious leaders rejected Him because He didn’t fit their idea of the Messiah. They expected a political savior who would free them from Roman rule, but Jesus came to establish a spiritual kingdom. His rejection and crucifixion seemed like the end of the story to His enemies, but God turned what looked like defeat into the foundation of salvation.

After Jesus’ resurrection, His followers, especially the apostles, recognized that this rejection had been foretold in Scripture and was part of God’s divine plan. What the religious leaders intended for evil, God used for good.

Theological Implications

1. God’s sovereignty is central to His plan of salvation. This verse highlights that God is in complete control. Even when Jesus was rejected and killed, it was all part of God’s greater purpose. Nothing, not even human sin, can thwart God’s plans.
2. God’s ways often appear foolish to the world. The religious leaders and others who rejected Jesus thought they were getting rid of a problem, but they were actually fulfilling God’s plan. What seems weak or foolish to the world is often what God uses to accomplish His purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27).
3. God’s work is worth marveling at. The phrase “marvelous in our eyes” reminds us that God’s plan of redemption through Jesus is not just a historical event—it’s a miraculous act of grace that should inspire wonder and gratitude in our hearts.

Literary Analysis

This verse uses strong imagery to describe God’s work as something astonishing and unexpected. The word “marvelous” is meant to provoke awe and admiration, reflecting the reaction of those who recognize what God has accomplished through Jesus. The structure of this verse ties into the larger theme of reversal: the rejected stone becomes the cornerstone, and what seemed like defeat becomes victory.

The reference to Psalm 118 connects Jesus’ story to Israel’s history and highlights the continuity of God’s plan. It shows that Jesus’ rejection and exaltation were not random events—they were part of a long-standing promise that God would deliver His people in a way that only He could orchestrate.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 118:22-23 – “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”
• Acts 4:11 – Peter quotes this same passage while preaching to the religious leaders, declaring that Jesus is the cornerstone.
• Isaiah 53:10 – “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer.” This verse emphasizes that Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan.
• 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 – “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
• Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds Christians that God’s plans are often beyond our understanding, but they are always good. When we face rejection, difficulty, or situations that seem hopeless, we can trust that God is at work, even if we don’t see it yet. Just as God turned the rejection of Jesus into the foundation of salvation, He can take the challenges in our lives and use them for His glory.

It also calls us to marvel at the Gospel. The fact that God would send His Son to be rejected, suffer, and die for our sins—and then raise Him from the dead to offer us eternal life—is truly marvelous. This should lead us to praise, gratitude, and a deeper commitment to living for Him.

Additionally, it challenges us to view rejection differently. Jesus was rejected, but that rejection led to victory. As His followers, we may face rejection for our faith, but we can be encouraged knowing that God uses even rejection for His purposes.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows God’s love through His willingness to redeem humanity, even when they rejected His Son. God didn’t abandon His plan when Jesus was rejected—He used that rejection to bring salvation to the world. This demonstrates the depth of His love and His desire to rescue us, even when we don’t deserve it.

God’s love is also seen in the fact that His plan is “marvelous”—it’s full of grace, mercy, and wisdom. He didn’t just make a way for salvation; He made a way that reveals His glory and amazes those who understand it.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the rejected stone who becomes the cornerstone. His rejection by the religious leaders and His crucifixion were not accidents—they were necessary parts of God’s plan to save the world. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the foundation of the Church and the only way to salvation (John 14:6).

Peter and Paul both refer to Jesus as the cornerstone in their writings, showing that this theme continued to be central to the early Church’s understanding of the Gospel. Without Jesus as the cornerstone, there would be no salvation and no Church. But because of Him, people from all nations and backgrounds can be part of God’s kingdom.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to you that God’s plan is “marvelous”? How does that affect your view of salvation?
2. Have you ever experienced rejection for your faith, and how does Jesus’ rejection encourage you to keep going?
3. In what ways do you see God working through difficult or unexpected situations in your life?
4. How can you marvel at the Gospel more deeply in your daily life?
5. What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God, trusting that His plan is better than your own?