The Stone the Builders Rejected
In the psalm of deliverance the rejected stone is shown to become the chief cornerstone by the Lord's doing, marvelous in the eyes of the faithful. When Jesus quotes these words He applies them to His own rejection by the builders of Israel and His exaltation as the sure foundation of God's kingdom. This reversal stands at the heart of redemption, where what the world discards God uses to bring salvation to many.
Key Passages
The Psalm
Psalms 118:22-23
This passage shows how God turns human rejection into the very foundation of His redemptive plan, filling us with wonder.
22he stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Jesus Quotes It
Matthew 21:42
This passage reveals that Jesus, though rejected by leaders, becomes the essential foundation of God's kingdom, bringing hope and belonging to all who trust him.
42esus 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 Lordโs doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Did You Know?
Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22 on the Tuesday before His crucifixion. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. The religious leaders understood exactly what He meant.
Peter used the same verse in Acts 4 before the very council that had rejected Jesus. The rejected stone had become the only name under heaven by which we must be saved.
God has a habit of choosing what the world discards. The youngest son, the barren woman, the despised carpenter from Nazareth. The stone the builders throw away becomes the foundation of everything.