In the parable of the vineyard tenants, Jesus said: 'Have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner' (Οὐδὲ τὴν γραφὴν ταύτην ἀνέγνωτε, Λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας;). This quotes Psalm 118:22-23, applying it to Himself. The 'builders' are Israel's leaders who rejected Jesus. The 'cornerstone' (kephalēn gōnias, κεφαλὴν γωνίας) is the foundational stone determining building alignment. Jesus, rejected by religious authorities, becomes foundation of God's new temple, the church (Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:6-8). This reversal—rejected stone becoming essential—illustrates gospel paradox: what humans despise, God exalts. The crucified Christ becomes salvation's cornerstone.
Historical Context
Psalm 118 was messianic psalm sung at Passover and Feast of Tabernacles. The 'stone' imagery had building/temple associations. Jesus applied it to Himself after the parable condemning Jewish leaders for killing God's son (Mark 12:1-9). Early church extensively used this text (Acts 4:11; Romans 9:32-33; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-8). Peter, quoting this before the Sanhedrin, identified them as the 'builders' who rejected Jesus (Acts 4:11). The imagery became foundational for ecclesiology—Christ as cornerstone, apostles/prophets as foundation, believers as living stones (1 Peter 2:5). The rejected stone's exaltation demonstrates God's sovereignty reversing human judgments.
Questions for Reflection
How does the rejected stone becoming cornerstone illustrate the gospel pattern of God exalting what humans despise?
What does Christ as cornerstone teach about His centrality to the church's foundation and identity?
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Analysis & Commentary
In the parable of the vineyard tenants, Jesus said: 'Have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner' (Οὐδὲ τὴν γραφὴν ταύτην ἀνέγνωτε, Λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας;). This quotes Psalm 118:22-23, applying it to Himself. The 'builders' are Israel's leaders who rejected Jesus. The 'cornerstone' (kephalēn gōnias, κεφαλὴν γωνίας) is the foundational stone determining building alignment. Jesus, rejected by religious authorities, becomes foundation of God's new temple, the church (Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:6-8). This reversal—rejected stone becoming essential—illustrates gospel paradox: what humans despise, God exalts. The crucified Christ becomes salvation's cornerstone.