Matthew 21:42
“Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?”
This verse is part of a larger passage known as the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen, which Jesus tells to the chief priests and elders in the temple. In this parable, Jesus uses the imagery of a vineyard and its workers to convey a deeper spiritual message.
In Matthew 21:42, Jesus is quoting from the Old Testament scriptures, specifically from Psalm 118:22-23, which says:
“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”
By referring to this scripture, Jesus is drawing a parallel between the stone in the Psalm and himself. The stone represents the Messiah, the anointed one, who is rejected by the builders, symbolizing the religious leaders of that time.
Let’s break down the meaning of Matthew 21:42:
“Did ye never read in the scriptures”:Jesus begins by challenging the chief priests and elders’ knowledge of the Scriptures. He implies that they should have been familiar with the prophecies and recognized their fulfillment in his person.
“The stone which the builders rejected”:Jesus refers to himself as the stone that the builders, meaning the religious leaders, rejected. In the context of the parable, it represents their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah.
“The same is become the head of the corner”:Despite the builders’ rejection, Jesus asserts that he has become the cornerstone. The cornerstone is the foundational stone that determines the alignment and stability of a building. Jesus is declaring his central and crucial role in God’s plan of salvation.
“This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes”:Jesus emphasizes that his position as the cornerstone is not the result of human effort or wisdom but is ordained by God. The Lord’s work in exalting the rejected stone is something wonderful and awe-inspiring.
This verse carries a profound message about Jesus’ identity and mission. It reveals that despite being rejected by the religious leaders, Jesus is the pivotal figure in God’s redemptive plan. The chief priests and elders failed to recognize the Messiah when he was among them, but his exaltation as the cornerstone of the spiritual building is a remarkable work of God.
As believers, we are called to acknowledge Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith and build our lives upon Him. Just as the stability and strength of a building depend on the cornerstone, our spiritual lives should be grounded in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ.
By studying this verse and understanding its significance, we gain insight into the rejection Jesus faced and the glorious purpose for which he came-to bring salvation to humanity and establish the foundation of God’s kingdom.
