Luke 20:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What, then, can we say of Christ? He offers another affirmation through the Psalms of David (Psalms 117:22), identifying Himself as the cornerstone, while the teachers are likened to builders. In alignment with the words of the prophet Ezekiel, who states, “and when he builds a wall, they anoint it with mud” (Ezekiel 13:10), this indicates their attempts to appease and conceal the shortcomings of the people, as if attempting to mend their wounds with a superficial layer. In what way was this stone 'rejected'? When they remarked, “This Man is not of God” (John 9:16).

He looked at them and remarked, “What does it signify when it is said, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner’? Whoever stumbles on this stone will be shattered, and on whom it falls, he will be ground to dust.” Though the Saviour is the chosen foundation, He was dismissed by those tasked with constructing the Jewish synagogue in all aspects of spiritual growth, yet He became the cornerstone. The Scriptures draw a parallel between the cornerstone and the coming together of the two nations, Israel and the Gentiles, in a shared unity of spirit and belief. “For the Saviour has created a single new humanity from the two, establishing peace and reconciliation in one body with the Father.” This reflects the corner that connects two walls, thus binding them.

In the face of their opponents, Jesus positioned them as self-judges by asking, "What will the owner of the vineyard do to these tenants?" (Matthew 21:40). In their own condemnation, they responded, "He will bring those evil men to a wretched end" (Matthew 21:41). Then He elucidated the parable, stating, "Have you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone!’" (Matthew 21:42). What is this stone but one with the hardness of a diamond (Ezekiel 3:9)? <...> To illustrate that He Himself is this stone, He proclaimed, "Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed" (Luke 20:18; Matthew 21:44). This was because the leaders of the people conspired against Him, rejecting His teachings. The saying implies that those on whom He falls will be crushed because He eradicated idolatry and similar evils. Just as the stone that struck the image grew into a great mountain, filling the entire earth.

The text focuses on the themes of Christ's humiliation and triumph, emphasizing the significance of His Resurrection and the Revelation of victory through suffering. It invites reflection on these concepts in light of scripture, particularly how they resonate within the Christian faith.

“Jesus said to them, 'Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes?'” (Matthew 21:42).

This passage reminds believers of the transformative power of Christ, who, through His own trials and ultimate victory, fulfills God's plan and offers hope to humanity. The imagery of the rejected stone becoming the foundation illustrates how suffering can lead to redemption and new life.

To emphasize the rejection experienced by God's chosen people due to their hardened hearts, the Lord referenced the prophet, the Psalmist, who had long ago anticipated the astonishing reality of the builders discarding the very cornerstone that was to be pivotal. He also indicated that others would rise to tend to the Lord's vineyard. Utilizing imagery from a psalm, He conveyed the same message with the metaphor: those who stumble upon this rock will be shattered, and on it, they will fall. The initial shattering represents the brokenness of repentance leading to entry into the Messiah's kingdom, while the second shattering signifies God's judgment, akin to the vision observed by Daniel, which resulted from a stone striking the feet of the statue (Dan. 2:45 cf. Is. 8:14-15).

In the midst of His admonition, Jesus inquired, "Have you not read in the Scriptures that the stone rejected by the builders will become the cornerstone, a surprising act from God? Therefore, understand this: anyone who stumbles over this stone will be shattered, and whoever it falls upon will be crushed. You have cast aside this stone, leading to the removal of the kingdom of God from you, which will instead be given to a nation that produces its fruits." In discussing the stone that the builders rejected while alluding to the Scriptures, Jesus referenced Psalm 117 and the vision of Isaiah (Isaiah 8:13-15).

Jesus Christ, gazing at those before Him with profound insight, referenced verses 22 and 23 from Psalm 117, where their treatment of Him is foretold: “Have ye not read in any of the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.’” The Psalmist employs an architectural metaphor, depicting the strongest and largest stone that supports two converging walls at a corner. Christ emerged as the cornerstone of the holy Church, as noted in Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:7, and Romans 9:33, uniting all people—both Jews and Gentiles—in one faith.