What is the meaning of Matthew 21:42? Jesus said to them - Jesus addresses the leaders who are questioning His authority (context: Matthew 21:23-27). - He speaks with divine authority, echoing His earlier words in Matthew 7:29, where “He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” - His direct speech signals accountability: those listening are responsible for their response, just as Israel’s shepherds were in Ezekiel 34:1-10. Have you never read in the Scriptures - Jesus appeals to written revelation, underscoring the sufficiency and clarity of God’s Word (see Isaiah 8:20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). - The question highlights a tragic irony: experts in the Law have missed its central message (John 5:39-40). - Scripture itself holds them to account; the standard is not tradition but what is written (Mark 7:6-8). The stone the builders rejected - “The builders” represent Israel’s religious leaders, entrusted with God’s house (Jeremiah 12:10; Romans 9:31-32). - Their rejection of the stone points to their rejection of Jesus at His first coming (John 1:11; Luke 23:18). - Psalm 118:22 (quoted here) foretold this rejection, showing God’s plan was never thwarted, only misunderstood. Has become the cornerstone - God reverses human judgment: the discarded stone is exalted as the foundation of a new spiritual house (Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:4-7). - Cornerstone imagery indicates: • Alignment—everything in God’s building takes its measure from Christ (Ephesians 2:20-22). • Stability—He holds the structure together (Colossians 1:17). • Exclusivity—no other foundation will stand (1 Corinthians 3:11). This is from the Lord - God Himself accomplished and ratified this reversal (Isaiah 28:16; Hebrews 10:9-10). - Human schemes cannot overturn divine purpose (Proverbs 19:21; Acts 2:23). - The passive recipients (“builders”) are now confronted with God’s sovereign act—accept or stumble (Romans 9:32-33). And it is marvelous in our eyes - The transformation evokes worship, just as Israel celebrated deliverance in Psalm 118:23. - Believers today marvel that rejection leads to redemption (Romans 11:33-36). - What seemed defeat became victory, prompting praise and confidence for all who trust in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14). summary Matthew 21:42 reveals Christ as the rejected yet exalted cornerstone. Religious leaders cast Him aside, but God made Him the foundation of salvation. Scripture predicted this, underscoring both human responsibility and divine sovereignty. The result is cause for marvel: what people dismissed, God lifted up, securing eternal life and unity for all who build on Jesus. |
    |