Matthew 21:42 – “Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes”?’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22-23 to explain the meaning of the parable of the tenants. The “stone the builders rejected” represents Jesus Himself, who was rejected by the religious leaders of Israel. Despite their rejection, Jesus becomes the “cornerstone,” the foundation of God’s Kingdom. This transformation is not a human achievement but the work of God, described as “marvelous” and worthy of awe.
By referencing Scripture, Jesus points out that His rejection and ultimate exaltation were foretold. This verse serves as both a warning and a declaration: those who reject Jesus will face judgment, but those who accept Him will find Him to be the foundation of their faith.
Historical Context
The image of the “stone” was familiar to Jesus’ audience. In ancient building practices, the cornerstone was the most important stone in a structure, ensuring the stability and alignment of the entire building. The rejection of the cornerstone by builders was symbolic of Israel’s leaders rejecting God’s chosen one.
Psalm 118 was a well-known messianic psalm, often associated with deliverance and God’s faithfulness. By quoting it, Jesus connects His ministry to God’s redemptive plan and confronts the religious leaders with their role in rejecting Him as the Messiah.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the sovereignty of God in His plan of redemption. Even though Jesus was rejected by the leaders of His own people, God’s plan prevailed, and Jesus became the cornerstone of His Kingdom. It highlights the centrality of Jesus in salvation and the futility of opposing God’s purposes.
The verse also serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and spiritual blindness. The religious leaders, who should have recognized Jesus, rejected Him instead. This calls us to examine our own hearts and ensure we are aligned with God’s will.
Literary Analysis
Matthew 21:42 uses vivid imagery and a direct quotation from Scripture to make a powerful point. The metaphor of the “stone” ties the parable of the tenants to the broader biblical theme of God’s chosen one being rejected but ultimately exalted. The phrase “the Lord has done this” emphasizes that Jesus’ role as the cornerstone is God’s work, not dependent on human approval.
The rhetorical question, “Have you never read in the Scriptures?” challenges the religious leaders directly, highlighting their failure to understand the very Scriptures they claimed to uphold.
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.”
This is the original passage Jesus quotes, pointing to His fulfillment of prophecy. - Isaiah 28:16: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of the cornerstone as the foundation of God’s Kingdom. - Acts 4:11-12: “Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else.”
Peter quotes this verse to declare Jesus as the only source of salvation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Matthew 21:42 is a reminder of the importance of building our lives on Jesus as the cornerstone. He is the foundation of our faith, and everything we do should align with Him. The verse challenges us to examine whether we are fully trusting in Him or trying to build our lives on other foundations.
It also calls us to recognize God’s sovereignty and trust that His plans will prevail, even in the face of opposition or rejection. Just as Jesus’ rejection led to His ultimate exaltation, God can use difficulties in our lives to accomplish His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s love through His redemptive plan. Despite humanity’s rejection of His Son, God chose to make Jesus the cornerstone of His Kingdom. His love is evident in His patience and persistence, offering salvation to all who believe in Jesus. The phrase “it is marvelous in our eyes” reflects the wonder of God’s grace and the beauty of His plan.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Matthew 21:42 directly points to Jesus as the cornerstone of God’s Kingdom. His rejection by the religious leaders and His ultimate role as the foundation of salvation fulfill Old Testament prophecies and demonstrate His unique place in God’s plan. This verse highlights Jesus’ central role in redemption and calls us to trust Him as the foundation of our lives.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to build your life on Jesus as the cornerstone of your faith?
- What does this passage teach you about God’s sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His purposes despite human opposition?
- Are there areas in your life where you might be rejecting God’s authority or resisting His plans?
- How can you share the truth of Jesus as the cornerstone with others who may not yet know Him?
- What does the phrase “it is marvelous in our eyes” mean to you, and how does it deepen your appreciation for God’s plan of salvation?
Matthew 21:42 reminds us of the centrality of Jesus in God’s plan and calls us to trust Him as the cornerstone of our faith. It challenges us to align our lives with Him and to live with gratitude and awe for the marvelous work of God in our redemption.