Luke 20:17

“And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?”

Context:In this verse, Jesus is addressing the chief priests, scribes, and elders who questioned His authority. He had just told them the parable of the wicked tenants, in which the owner of a vineyard sends his servants and even his son to collect the fruit, but they are rejected and killed by the tenants. Jesus then quotes Psalm 118:22, referring to Himself as the rejected stone that becomes the cornerstone.

The Rejected Stone:Jesus quotes from Psalm 118:22, a messianic psalm that speaks of the triumph of the anointed King. The stone represents Jesus, who was rejected by the religious leaders and the people of Israel, symbolized by the builders. Jesus’ rejection was evident in their refusal to acknowledge Him as the Messiah and their subsequent plot to crucify Him.

The Head of the Corner:Jesus refers to Himself as the “head of the corner” or the “cornerstone.” In ancient architecture, the cornerstone was the first and most crucial stone laid in the construction of a building. It determined the alignment, strength, and stability of the entire structure. Similarly, Jesus, as the cornerstone, is the foundation upon which the Church is built (Ephesians 2:20). He is the central and essential element that brings unity, support, and coherence to the people of God.

Fulfillment of Prophecy:Jesus identifies Himself as the fulfillment of the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 118:22. This verse affirms that the very stone rejected by the builders becomes the cornerstone. Although Jesus was initially rejected and crucified, God exalted Him and made Him the cornerstone of His redemptive plan. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the pivotal figure in God’s Kingdom, providing salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Spiritual Application:This verse carries important spiritual implications for believers today. It reminds us that in our own lives, we may face rejection, persecution, or be disregarded by others because of our faith in Christ. However, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus Himself experienced rejection and overcame it through His resurrection. We can find strength in knowing that our identity and worth are found in Him, not in the acceptance of others. We are called to build our lives upon the cornerstone of Jesus Christ, allowing His teachings, example, and grace to guide us.

• In conclusion, Luke 20:17 emphasizes the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders and the subsequent exaltation of Him as the cornerstone.
• It serves as a reminder of the fulfillment of prophecy and the significance of Jesus as the foundation of the Church.
• As believers, we are called to build our lives upon the unshakable foundation of Christ, finding our identity and purpose in Him.