- Home
- Bible
- Matthew
- Chapter 21
- Verse 21
Matthew 21:42
Verse
Context
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
41“He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and will rent out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the fruit at harvest time.” 42Jesus 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’ ?
Sermons
T. Austin-Sparks
Zac Poonen
Chuck Smith
Jack Hibbs
Ian PaisleySummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto them. Did ye never read in the scriptures-- (Psa 118:22-23). The stone which the builders rejected, &c.--A bright Messianic prophecy, which reappears in various forms (Isa 28:16, &c.), and was made glorious use of by Peter before the Sanhedrim (Act 4:11). He recurs to it in his first epistle (Pe1 2:4-6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto them, did ye never read the Scriptures,.... The passage which stands in Psa 118:22. The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. Very appropriately is this Scripture cited, and applied to the present case; which expresses the rejection of the Messiah by the Jewish builders, priests, and scribes: the whole Psalm may be understood of the Messiah. R. David Kimchi owns (z), that there is a division among their Rabbins about it: some say that the Psalm is spoken of David, and others, that it is spoken of the days of the Messiah; and these are certainly in the right; and as for this particular passage, it is applied by some of them to the Messiah: so on mentioning Hos 3:5 they (a) say, "David was king in this world, and David shall be king in the time to come: wherefore it is said, the stone which the builders refused, &c. And one of their noted commentators (b) on those words, "though thou be little among the thousands of Judah", has this note: "It is fit thou shouldest be little among the families of Judah, because of the impurity of Ruth the Moabitess, which is in thee: out of thee shall come forth unto me, Messiah, the son of David; for so he saith, "the stone which the builders refused", &c. Christ is often in Scripture compared to a stone, and is called the stone of Israel; is said to be a stone of stumbling to some, and a precious tried stone to others: is represented as a stone cut out of the mountain without hands, and on which are seven eyes: and is fitly compared to one, for his usefulness in the spiritual building the church, where he is as both the foundation and corner stone, and for his strength and duration. Christ is the sure, firm, and everlasting foundation, which God has laid in Zion, and the only one of any avail; nor can any other be laid to any purpose; and if he is neglected, and laid aside, in the ministration of the word, the building which men endeavour to rear, or exhort unto, will come to nothing. Whoever build on him are safe, and on nothing else: Christ is the foundation, on which the church, and every believer, are built, and therefore will abide; for the gates of hell cannot prevail against them: the covenant of grace is immoveable, being established in him; its mercies are sure, and its promises yea and amen: the salvation of immortal souls is certain, resting upon him; the faith and hope of the saints fail not, being directed to, and settled on him: the house not made with hands, which is in heaven, is an eternal one; and the city, which has foundations, is a continuing one, because of the concern that Christ has in it; and though he is of such eminent use and importance in the building, yet, as such, the "builders rejected" him: by the builders are meant, the Jewish rulers, both political and ecclesiastical, especially the latter, who pretended to instruct, and build up the people in knowledge and understanding; but in a very bad way did they do it, and upon a very sandy foundation, upon their fleshly privileges, their moral righteousness, and the observance of the ceremonial law, and the traditions of the elders. The Jews used to call their doctors and their scholars "builders" (c): says R. Jochanan, "the disciples of the wise men are called "builders", because they study in the building of the world all their days, which is the law. These rejected the Messiah, refused to receive, and acknowledge him as such: they disallowed and disapproved of him, as base and vile, and the most contemptible of mortals, and set him at nought, and had him in the utmost scorn and derision. And so he is rejected by some who bear the characters of builders among Christians: as when his proper deity, and eternal sonship are denied, and he is treated as a mere creature; when his satisfaction and atoning sacrifice are either wholly rejected, or little regarded, lessened, and depreciated, and repentance and good works are put in the room of them; when his imputed righteousness is opposed, and laid aside, and the righteousness of men preferred unto it, and cried up as the matter of justification in the sight of God; when his efficacious grace is represented as unnecessary to regeneration, conversion, and sanctification, and to the performance of good works; and when he is left out of public ministrations, as the way of life and salvation, as the fountain of all grace, and foundation of all happiness, and human power, free will, and moral righteousness are put in his room. But notwithstanding the former and present rejection, and ill treatment of him, he is become the head of the corner: he is the corner stone in the building which knits and cements it together, angels and men, Jews and Gentiles; Old and New Testament saints; saints above, and saints below, and in all ages and places, all meet, and are united together in this corner stone; which also strengthens and supports the building, and holds it together, and is the ornament and beauty of it: he is the chief corner stone; he is higher than the kings of the earth; he is superior to angels, and the chiefest among ten thousands of his saints; he is exalted above all creatures, angels, and men, who, by the Jewish builders, was despised and rejected, and scarce allowed to be worthy the name of a man: this is the Lord's doing; this stone is laid in the building by him: the rejection of him is according to his determinate counsel and foreknowledge; and the exaltation of him, above every name, is owing to him, and he is by, and at his own right hand: and is marvellous in our eyes; in the eyes of all the saints; there being in all this such, a wonderful display of the wisdom, grace, mercy, power, and faithfulness of God, (z) In Psal. cxviii. 1. (a) Zohar in Exod. fol. 93. 3. (b) Jarchi in Mic. v. 2. (c) T. Bab. Subbut, fol. 114. 1. Vid. En Israel, fol. 64. 3. & Juchasin, fol. 80. 2. & 81. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:42 The cornerstone was either the first stone of the foundation or the capstone (as of an arch), the last to be laid. The very stone that the builders rejected as unworthy of use was, in fact, the most important. Jesus was referring to his own role in the Kingdom of God (21:43) and to the religious leaders’ rejection of him.
Matthew 21:42
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
41“He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and will rent out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the fruit at harvest time.” 42Jesus 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’ ?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Holy Nation
By T. Austin-Sparks9.4K33:17ChurchEXO 3:5EXO 14:29MAT 21:42MAT 21:441PE 2:71PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of separation from the world in the life of Abraham. God called Abraham to leave his country, his family, and his father's house in order to establish a people of a different kind. The speaker highlights how God demonstrated the evil nature of the world through the plagues in Egypt and how He met Moses at the burning bush to deliver His people from the power of darkness. The sermon also mentions the Israelites' struggle with their hearts still being attached to Egypt even after being physically separated, and how crossing the Jordan River symbolized their hearts finally being out of Egypt. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the need for believers to be separated unto God and live a holy life that leaves a mark for God.
(Basics) 26. Crucifixion and Praise
By Zac Poonen3.8K12:55PSA 22:1MAT 21:42MRK 12:10HEB 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God as a key to overcoming difficult situations in life. He compares praising God to having a master key that can unlock any door. However, he warns against treating praise as a technique or empty ritual, emphasizing the need for genuine praise that comes from a crucified heart. The speaker also highlights the power of God to turn even the worst situations into something good, using the crucifixion of Jesus as an example. He encourages listeners to have a spirit of praise rather than just speaking empty words.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.2:36-3:30
By Zac Poonen3.1K1:00:38From Babylon To JerusalemPSA 137:1DAN 2:47MAT 6:33MAT 13:20MAT 21:42In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the sovereignty of God as depicted in the book of Daniel. He highlights God's sovereignty over the physical bodies of Daniel and his friends, as well as over the governments of the world and the elements of nature. The speaker also discusses the four kingdoms that would rule the world from the time of Daniel until the coming of Christ, with the Roman Empire being the final one. The sermon emphasizes the importance of standing for God and the assurance that He will stand with believers in times of trial and suffering.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 28:16 - Part 1
By Chuck Smith1.7K25:59ExpositionalISA 28:1ISA 28:15MAT 21:42LUK 10:42LUK 12:20In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about a great image with different materials representing different kingdoms. A rock, not cut by human hands, struck the image and destroyed it, growing into a mountain that covered the whole earth. Daniel interpreted the dream as a prophecy of the future, revealing that God will establish His kingdom and bring an end to earthly kingdoms. Pastor Chuck emphasizes the importance of not building our lives solely on material possessions, but instead finding peace and confidence in God's control over our lives.
Hell Enlarged! Avoid the Three Steps Which Will Take You There!
By Ian Paisley1.1K39:14GEN 6:5ISA 1:4ISA 5:1MAT 21:42MAT 21:44REV 14:6In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a vineyard as a metaphor for the church. He refers to the parable in Matthew 1:33-34 and the passage in Isaiah 5 to illustrate the relationship between God and his church. The preacher emphasizes that God gave the world to the church for evangelization, but instead, the world has corrupted the church. He warns the congregation about the enlargement of hell and urges them to avoid the three steps that lead to it.
The Discipline of Detail - 16
By Jack Hibbs9331:02:07DisciplinePSA 118:23MAT 21:42MAT 28:18ROM 11:25PHP 1:211TH 5:18JAS 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of slowing down and taking time to appreciate the spiritual matters in life. He criticizes the fast-paced nature of society and how it affects churches and Christian programming. The speaker reminds the audience of God's unchanging nature and encourages them to trust in Him. The sermon also focuses on the discipline of detail, highlighting the significance of living a purposeful life centered around Christ.
The Firebrand Priest in the Filthy Clothes
By Ian Paisley65738:42ZEC 3:1ZEC 3:8MAT 21:42JHN 1:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of grace and its transformative power. He describes how every person is like a burning brand, destined for destruction, but through God's intervention, they can be saved. The preacher uses the example of John, a sinful and lost soul, to illustrate the need for God's grace. He then references the book of Zechariah, where the word "branch" is mentioned in relation to Jesus Christ. The preacher highlights the significance of this word in different parts of the Bible, representing Christ as the servant, the man, and the Word made flesh. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the condemnation of sin and the power of God's grace to redeem and transform lives.
Palm Sunday (The Stones Sing Out)
By Thaddeus Barnum45027:41Palm SundayGEN 3:23EXO 14:21JOS 4:22PSA 23:4PSA 118:22PSA 118:25MAT 21:9MAT 21:42In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joshua chapter 4 in the Bible. The passage describes the Israelites' journey from captivity in Egypt to the promised land. The speaker emphasizes the significance of the stones that were set up as a memorial for future generations. These stones were a reminder of God's faithfulness and the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing and proclaiming God's work in our lives, even if it means that inanimate objects like stones would sing His praises.
The Cross on the Wall
By Anton Bosch0PSA 118:22MAT 21:42ROM 8:282CO 5:17EPH 2:8Anton Bosch shares the powerful story of the cross hanging in their chapel, made from discarded, weather-beaten wooden posts that were transformed into a beautiful symbol of God's grace. This story reflects how God rescues and restores us, even when the world has discarded us, cleansing us through His Blood and changing us into something useful in His Kingdom despite our scars and imperfections. The cross serves as a reminder of the centrality of the Cross to our faith, the price Jesus paid to rescue us, and how we can display His amazing grace through our lives, pointing to the Great Carpenter who can transform us.
1 Peter 2:8
By John Gill0Disobedience to the GospelStumbling at ChristISA 8:14MAT 21:42JHN 1:11JHN 3:19ROM 9:331CO 1:23GAL 5:4EPH 2:8HEB 4:21PE 2:7John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:8, illustrating how Christ serves as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to those who disbelieve, particularly the Jews who could not accept His humble origins and the nature of His ministry. He discusses their misconceptions about the Messiah's glory and power, which led them to reject Jesus due to their expectations of a worldly king. Gill emphasizes that their disobedience to the Gospel and refusal to accept divine revelation are the root causes of their stumbling. He also notes that while some are appointed to believe, others are left in their disobedience, leading to their spiritual downfall. Ultimately, the sermon highlights the contrast between those who embrace Christ and those who reject Him due to their own understanding and expectations.
A Call to Separation
By A.W. Pink0PSA 118:22MAT 21:42MAT 22:29MAT 26:56LUK 24:26JHN 5:39ACT 17:11ROM 15:42TI 3:15Paul emphasizes the significance of the Scriptures in the New Testament, referring to the Old Testament writings as a whole collection. The Scriptures are seen as the inspired Word of God, with quoting Scripture understood to be the same as quoting God. The majority of Old Testament passages quoted in the New Testament are from the Greek translation of the Hebrew, the Septuagint. One of the most important descriptions of Scripture is found in 2 Timothy, where Paul reminds Timothy of the sacred writings that lead to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Jesus Teaches About the Narrow Door to Heaven Luke 13:22-35
By David Servant0PSA 118:22MAT 7:13MAT 21:42LUK 13:34ACT 4:11David Servant preaches about Jesus becoming human to die for our sins, emphasizing the narrow gate to heaven and the importance of true belief and obedience to Jesus as the Son of God. He highlights the two destinations after death, heaven or hell, with no purgatory, and Jesus' sorrow over Jerusalem's rejection leading to its destruction. Jesus foretells the reversal of honor for devoted followers of Christ and the worldly honored, referencing Psalms 118 about Jesus as the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto them. Did ye never read in the scriptures-- (Psa 118:22-23). The stone which the builders rejected, &c.--A bright Messianic prophecy, which reappears in various forms (Isa 28:16, &c.), and was made glorious use of by Peter before the Sanhedrim (Act 4:11). He recurs to it in his first epistle (Pe1 2:4-6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto them, did ye never read the Scriptures,.... The passage which stands in Psa 118:22. The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. Very appropriately is this Scripture cited, and applied to the present case; which expresses the rejection of the Messiah by the Jewish builders, priests, and scribes: the whole Psalm may be understood of the Messiah. R. David Kimchi owns (z), that there is a division among their Rabbins about it: some say that the Psalm is spoken of David, and others, that it is spoken of the days of the Messiah; and these are certainly in the right; and as for this particular passage, it is applied by some of them to the Messiah: so on mentioning Hos 3:5 they (a) say, "David was king in this world, and David shall be king in the time to come: wherefore it is said, the stone which the builders refused, &c. And one of their noted commentators (b) on those words, "though thou be little among the thousands of Judah", has this note: "It is fit thou shouldest be little among the families of Judah, because of the impurity of Ruth the Moabitess, which is in thee: out of thee shall come forth unto me, Messiah, the son of David; for so he saith, "the stone which the builders refused", &c. Christ is often in Scripture compared to a stone, and is called the stone of Israel; is said to be a stone of stumbling to some, and a precious tried stone to others: is represented as a stone cut out of the mountain without hands, and on which are seven eyes: and is fitly compared to one, for his usefulness in the spiritual building the church, where he is as both the foundation and corner stone, and for his strength and duration. Christ is the sure, firm, and everlasting foundation, which God has laid in Zion, and the only one of any avail; nor can any other be laid to any purpose; and if he is neglected, and laid aside, in the ministration of the word, the building which men endeavour to rear, or exhort unto, will come to nothing. Whoever build on him are safe, and on nothing else: Christ is the foundation, on which the church, and every believer, are built, and therefore will abide; for the gates of hell cannot prevail against them: the covenant of grace is immoveable, being established in him; its mercies are sure, and its promises yea and amen: the salvation of immortal souls is certain, resting upon him; the faith and hope of the saints fail not, being directed to, and settled on him: the house not made with hands, which is in heaven, is an eternal one; and the city, which has foundations, is a continuing one, because of the concern that Christ has in it; and though he is of such eminent use and importance in the building, yet, as such, the "builders rejected" him: by the builders are meant, the Jewish rulers, both political and ecclesiastical, especially the latter, who pretended to instruct, and build up the people in knowledge and understanding; but in a very bad way did they do it, and upon a very sandy foundation, upon their fleshly privileges, their moral righteousness, and the observance of the ceremonial law, and the traditions of the elders. The Jews used to call their doctors and their scholars "builders" (c): says R. Jochanan, "the disciples of the wise men are called "builders", because they study in the building of the world all their days, which is the law. These rejected the Messiah, refused to receive, and acknowledge him as such: they disallowed and disapproved of him, as base and vile, and the most contemptible of mortals, and set him at nought, and had him in the utmost scorn and derision. And so he is rejected by some who bear the characters of builders among Christians: as when his proper deity, and eternal sonship are denied, and he is treated as a mere creature; when his satisfaction and atoning sacrifice are either wholly rejected, or little regarded, lessened, and depreciated, and repentance and good works are put in the room of them; when his imputed righteousness is opposed, and laid aside, and the righteousness of men preferred unto it, and cried up as the matter of justification in the sight of God; when his efficacious grace is represented as unnecessary to regeneration, conversion, and sanctification, and to the performance of good works; and when he is left out of public ministrations, as the way of life and salvation, as the fountain of all grace, and foundation of all happiness, and human power, free will, and moral righteousness are put in his room. But notwithstanding the former and present rejection, and ill treatment of him, he is become the head of the corner: he is the corner stone in the building which knits and cements it together, angels and men, Jews and Gentiles; Old and New Testament saints; saints above, and saints below, and in all ages and places, all meet, and are united together in this corner stone; which also strengthens and supports the building, and holds it together, and is the ornament and beauty of it: he is the chief corner stone; he is higher than the kings of the earth; he is superior to angels, and the chiefest among ten thousands of his saints; he is exalted above all creatures, angels, and men, who, by the Jewish builders, was despised and rejected, and scarce allowed to be worthy the name of a man: this is the Lord's doing; this stone is laid in the building by him: the rejection of him is according to his determinate counsel and foreknowledge; and the exaltation of him, above every name, is owing to him, and he is by, and at his own right hand: and is marvellous in our eyes; in the eyes of all the saints; there being in all this such, a wonderful display of the wisdom, grace, mercy, power, and faithfulness of God, (z) In Psal. cxviii. 1. (a) Zohar in Exod. fol. 93. 3. (b) Jarchi in Mic. v. 2. (c) T. Bab. Subbut, fol. 114. 1. Vid. En Israel, fol. 64. 3. & Juchasin, fol. 80. 2. & 81. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:42 The cornerstone was either the first stone of the foundation or the capstone (as of an arch), the last to be laid. The very stone that the builders rejected as unworthy of use was, in fact, the most important. Jesus was referring to his own role in the Kingdom of God (21:43) and to the religious leaders’ rejection of him.