What Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled by Jesus in Mark 12:10? Setting the Scene • Jesus has just finished telling the parable of the vineyard tenants (Mark 12:1-9), exposing Israel’s leaders for rejecting God’s Son. • He crowns the lesson in verse 10 by quoting Scripture they all knew: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Cited Prophecy in Mark 12:10 • Direct quotation: Psalm 118:22-23. “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” • Additional echo: Isaiah 28:16 foretells a “precious cornerstone for a sure foundation,” amplifying the same theme. Original Context of Psalm 118:22-23 • Psalm 118 is a victory psalm sung at feasts, celebrating God’s deliverance. • “The stone” likely referred to Israel—despised by nations yet exalted by God. • Under inspiration, the Spirit embedded a messianic layer: the ultimate “stone” would be the Messiah Himself. How Jesus Fulfills the Prophecy • Rejected by the “builders” – Religious leaders dismissed His messiahship (Mark 8:31; John 1:11). • Become the “cornerstone” – Through His crucifixion and resurrection He becomes the foundation of God’s new covenant people (Ephesians 2:20). • God’s doing, not man’s – “This is from the LORD” underscores divine initiative; Easter morning vindicates the prophecy. Wider New Testament Echoes • Acts 4:11 – Peter cites Psalm 118 before the Sanhedrin: “He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’” • 1 Peter 2:4-7 – Believers are “living stones” anchored to Christ the cornerstone. • Romans 9:32-33 – Paul links Isaiah 28:16 with Psalm 118: stumbling for unbelievers, secure footing for faith. Personal Takeaways • God exalts what the world discards; rejection can be a pathway to His highest purposes. • Jesus alone is the solid foundation—every life, ministry, or church flourishes only when aligned with the Cornerstone. • The prophecy’s fulfillment assures us that every promise in Scripture stands firm; the same God who elevated the rejected Stone faithfully upholds those who trust in Him today. |
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