Luke 20:18

Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Luke 20:18 (KJV)

Context

Jesus spoke these words at the close of the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen (Luke 20:9-19). In that parable, a man planted a vineyard and leased it to vinedressers. When he sent servants to collect the fruit, the vinedressers beat them and sent them away empty-handed. Finally, he sent his beloved son, but the vinedressers killed him. Jesus then asked what the owner would do to those tenants, and the religious leaders answered that he would destroy them. They understood that Jesus spoke this parable against them (Luke 20:19).

Meaning

In verse 17, Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22, saying that the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. That stone is Jesus Himself. He was rejected by the religious leaders, yet He would become the foundation of God’s kingdom. Verse 18 then presents two distinct fates for those who oppose Him.

First, “Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken.” This describes those who stumble over Christ and are offended by Him, falling through unbelief and hardness of heart. It is not about a believer casting themselves on Christ in faith, which brings salvation and a broken and contrite heart. Rather, it speaks of the ruin and hurt that come to those who reject Him.

Second, “but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” This describes a more severe and final judgment. The Greek word used here conveys the idea of scattering like chaff or crushing completely. This second fate points to the final judgment of God, when the stone falls in judgment and utterly destroys. The parallel passage in Matthew 21:44 uses the same imagery and warning.

Application

This verse serves as both a warning and an invitation. It warns that rejecting Jesus has severe consequences, leading to eternal separation from God. It also invites us to fall on the stone in humility, acknowledging our sinfulness, repenting, and surrendering our lives to Christ. By doing so, we experience forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the opportunity to build our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ.

There is no neutral ground regarding Christ. One either builds upon Him or is broken by Him. Those who persist in opposition will face His final judgment. This truth calls us to choose the path of surrender and faith, acknowledging Jesus as the foundation of our lives.