What Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled in Matthew 21:42? “Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes”?’” 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.” Isaiah 28:16 “Therefore the Lord God says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.’” 1 Peter 2:6–7 “For it stands in Scripture: ‘See, I lay in Zion a chosen, precious cornerstone, and whoever believes in Him will never be put to shame.’ 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.’” Romans 9:32–33 “They stumbled over the stumbling stone. As it is written: ‘See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.’” Acts 4:11 “This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’” Key Points • The prophecy Jesus cites in Matthew 21:42 is Psalm 118:22–23. • Isaiah 28:16 reinforces the cornerstone imagery, showing God’s plan for a foundational stone in Zion. • New Testament writers (Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:6–7; Romans 9:32–33) apply these verses directly to Jesus, affirming His rejected-yet-exalted role. • Jesus’ quotation underscores that earthly rejection cannot overturn God’s purpose; the rejected Stone (Messiah) becomes the essential Cornerstone of salvation and the kingdom. Why This Matters • Psalm 118 foretells that the very One spurned by religious “builders” would become the keystone of God’s redemptive plan. • Christ’s resurrection and exaltation validate this prophecy, demonstrating the Lord’s sovereignty (“This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes”). • Believers are called to build their lives on this Cornerstone, trusting God’s sure foundation in Christ. |
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