Which New Testament passages reference Psalm 118:22, and what is their significance? Psalm 118:22 — The Prophetic Stone “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” New Testament References at a Glance Matthew 21:42 — Jesus Names Himself the Cornerstone • Context: Following the Parable of the Vineyard Tenants. • Quote: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes.’” • Significance: – Jesus openly applies the prophecy to Himself. – He exposes the religious leaders as the “builders” who would reject Him. – Sets the stage for imminent judgment on unbelief (vv. 43-44). Mark 12:10–11 — Confirmation in a Parallel Account • Quote: “Have you never read this Scripture: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” • Significance: – Reaffirms Christ’s claim in another Gospel witness. – Underscores the marvel of God’s sovereignty: what man despises, God exalts. Luke 20:17 — A Direct, Piercing Challenge • Quote: “But Jesus looked directly at them and said, ‘Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”?’” • Significance: – Luke highlights Jesus’ penetrating gaze—He confronts hardened hearts. – Adds weight to personal responsibility: leaders could not plead ignorance of Scripture. Acts 4:11 — Apostolic Preaching before the Sanhedrin • Quote: “He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’” • Significance: – Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, turns the charge back on the council that condemned Jesus. – Links the resurrection (v. 10) with the exaltation foretold in Psalm 118. – Lays the groundwork for the exclusive claim of salvation in Christ (v. 12). 1 Peter 2:7 — Exhortation to the Scattered Saints • Quote: “To you who believe, then, this stone is precious; but to those who do not believe, ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,’” • Significance: – Shows the ongoing, two-sided impact of the prophecy: honor for believers, stumbling for unbelievers (v. 8). – Encourages persecuted Christians: their faith rests on God’s chosen, immovable Stone. Why This Matters Today • Christ’s rejection and exaltation were foreseen—our confidence rests on fulfilled prophecy. • God overturns human verdicts; what the world discards, He establishes as foundational (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Corinthians 3:11). • Believers become “living stones” built on the Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:5), forming a spiritual house anchored forever in Him. |
    |