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Explanation for:
Matthew
21
:
42
Jesus saith to them: Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? By the Lord this has been done; and it is wonderful in our eyes.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The same truths are conveyed through various parables and sayings. Those whom He previously referred to as laborers, vine tenders, and farmers are now identified as builders or stonemasons. Consequently, the apostle states, \\"Ye are God's field, God's building\\" [1 Corinthians 3:9]. Just as vine dressers are entrusted with a vineyard, these builders receive a stone intended to be placed either in the foundation, similar to Paul, the builder (ibid.), or in the corner, where it would unite two walls or two peoples, as referenced in Eph. 2:14. This stone, originally rejected by them, was ultimately established as the cornerstone. This was accomplished through the Lord's power, not by human strength, but through the might of God. The apostle Peter affirms this truth with certainty: \\"The stone which the builders rejected, but which was made the head of the corner\\" [1 Peter 2:7]. Moreover, the prophet Isaiah declares, \\"Behold, I lay for a foundation in Zion a stone, a tried stone, a cornerstone, precious, firmly established: he that believeth in it shall not be ashamed\\" [Isaiah 28:16]."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"To demonstrate that not only justice necessitated it, but also that the grace of the Holy Spirit had long foretold this and that God had predetermined its outcome, Christ references a prophecy and admonishes them, saying, \\"Have ye never read in the Scriptures, that the stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the head of the corner? This is from the Lord, and is marvelous in our eyes?\\" He makes it clear to the Jews that they, in their disbelief, will be cast aside, while the Gentiles will be welcomed. This was illustrated through His interaction with the Canaanite woman, the choice of the donkey at His entry into Jerusalem, the example of the centurion, and numerous parables; He emphasizes this point once again. By stating, \\"This is from the Lord, and is marvelous in our eyes,\\" He reveals that Gentile believers and the believing Jews will unite, regardless of their previous separations. Furthermore, to clarify that these events do not contradict God's perfection, but rather align harmoniously with it, and evoke wonder in everyone—for indeed, it was an extraordinary miracle—Christ continued, \\"This is from the Lord.\\" He identifies Himself as the stone and the Jewish leaders as the builders; Ezekiel also notes, \\"When he builds the wall, they cover it with mud\\" (Ezekiel 13:10). How is it that they rejected Him? They did so when they claimed, \\"This man is not of God\\" (John 9:16); \\"he deceives the people\\" (John 7:12); and also, \\"Thou art a Samaritan, and ... a demon is in thee\\" (John 8:48)."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"He then clarifies the significance of this parable, stating, \\"Have you not read: ... the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone?\\" Which stone is he referring to? It is the one described as a precious gem in these words, \\"I ... I will set a precious gem among the children of Israel.\\""},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Christ is referred to as a rock for two primary reasons. Firstly, He serves as a solid foundation for all who believe in Him; those who rely on Him will not succumb to misleading schemes or be shaken by adversity. Secondly, Christ is described as a rock because those who act wickedly are shattered when they come against Him. Just as anything that strikes a stone is broken without harming the stone itself, so too will those who oppose Christianity find themselves defeated, though they cannot diminish its strength. This illustrates Christ as the ultimate rock. Those who stumble upon this stone will experience a breaking, while it will crush anyone upon whom it falls (Luke 20:18, Psalm 117:22-23, Isaiah 8:14-15). There is a distinction between being broken and being crushed; when something is broken, remnants remain, whereas being crushed reduces it to a powder from which nothing can be formed. When a person falls upon a stone, it is not the stone that causes the crushing; rather, it is the individual himself who is overwhelmed by the stone. Thus, what falls on the stone is not broken based on the stone's strength, but rather according to the intensity of the impact."},{"author-name":"Maximus the Confessor","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8951a1dea23713695271e_Maximus%20the%20Confessor.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":7,"exegesis-text":"The stone that was overlooked by the builders, specifically the Jewish priests and leaders, is the very stone that has become the cornerstone, representing the foundation of the Church. As Scripture indicates, the 'cornerstone' signifies the Church. Just as a corner unites two walls, holding them together with an unbreakable bond, the Holy Church serves as the union of two groups: the Gentiles and the Jews. Through the singular doctrine of faith, She unites them, fostering an unwavering harmony; Christ, as the Head of the entire Body, is the cornerstone of the Church (Colossians 1:18)."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He refers to Himself as the cornerstone, while the builders represent the Jewish teachers who dismissed Him as unworthy, declaring, \\"Thou art a Samaritan, and the devil is in Thee.\\" Nevertheless, He triumphed over death and established His position at the head of the corner, becoming the Head of the Church and bringing together Jews and Gentiles in one faith. Just as a stone anchoring a corner supports both walls, Christ unifies all believers in a single faith. This cornerstone is extraordinary and of the Lord, for the Church, which encompasses and binds us through faith, is of divine origin; it elicits great admiration for its magnificent design. Additionally, this stone is remarkable in that the words of Christ are validated and demonstrated through miracles, illustrating the wondrous nature of the Church’s foundation."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"And Jesus asked them, Is it not stated in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone? This prophecy belongs to David. Through it, Christ demonstrates that what was prophesied by the Holy Spirit will undoubtedly come to pass. He will be put to death, and upon His resurrection, He will become the chief cornerstone. What is the significance of this? The stone referred to in the prophecy symbolizes Christ, while the builders represent the Jewish leaders, who were likened to laborers in the previous parable. They did not position this Stone in order but rejected it, first declaring, This is not a man of God (John 9:16), then criticizing Him for flattering the nations (John 7:12), among other accusations, culminating in His crucifixion. The chief cornerstone signifies Christ as the foundation, embodying this type of stone. Just as this stone connects two walls, Christ connects two peoples—Gentile believers and Jews—uniting them into one through faith in Him. Some interpret the Church as represented by the angle, signifying the gathering of believers, with Christ as the Head and Founder. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This also ties into the previously mentioned prophecy, illustrating that through God’s divine will, this cornerstone, or the union of the nations, will be established and will become a source of wonder for all. It will not only be adorned with a multitude of virtues but will also prove to be stronger than any human design."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"What is the relationship between these statements and what has been previously discussed? It is both significant and profound; for it acknowledges that what the Lord declares was ordained by God and prophesied by the holy Prophets. However, in making this assertion, it also condemns their lack of understanding of the Scriptures. \\"Or know ye not,\\" He asks, \\"these words of the Divine Scripture, ‘The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner’?\\" (Ps. 117:22) The cornerstone is Jesus Christ Himself, as the Divine Apostle testifies, \\"that rock is Christ\\" (1 Cor. 10:4); those who build are referred to as laborers. The blessed Paul explained the concepts of work and building by asserting, \\"You are God's work, you are God's building\\" (1 Cor. 3:9). The cornerstone signifies the unity of the two peoples who believe in Him, namely, the Jewish and the Gentile. Just as a cornerstone connects two walls of a house, so faith in Christ unites these two nations to form the Church, with Christ as its head (Eph. 5:23). Concerning this eternal rock, meaning Christ the Savior, \\"the builders of the house,\\" representing the Jewish leaders, \\"rejected or despised,\\" seeking to seize His authority for themselves. Yet, He is the cornerstone and foundation of the Church, which unites the two nations; He is the architect of it. \\"This is the Lord's doing\\" (Ps. 117:23), proclaims the Psalmist. \\"And upon this rock,\\" declared the God-man, \\"I will build my church\\" (Matt. 16:18). Truly, the creation is marvelous: remarkable due to the countless miracles contained within it, remarkable for the profound doctrines and natural sacraments elucidated therein, remarkable for the amalgamation of diverse peoples, tribes, and languages, and remarkable for its victories against adversaries: \\"the gates of hell shall not prevail against it\\" (Matt. 16:18) in the Church established by Christ, which upholds and safeguards the Orthodox faith imparted by Him."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In interpreting the essence of the parable, which they themselves had recognized, the Lord cites Scripture regarding Himself and the leaders of the Hebrew nation from Psalm 117:22-23, illustrating that their treatment of Him was anticipated in their sacred texts. The phrase “the stone that was rejected” draws on the metaphor of constructing a building, where solid, large stones are typically placed at the corners. Jesus Christ is depicted as the bedrock of the church, often referred to as its cornerstone (Acts 4:11, Rom. 9:33, Eph. 2:20, 1 Pet. 2:7). He identifies Himself as the stone while designating the Jewish teachers as the builders, a notion echoed by Ezekiel, who speaks of those who build the wall but do so ineptly (Ezek. 13:10). In what way were they ‘rejected’? They declared, “This man is not of God; he misleads the people,” and accused Him of being a Samaritan possessed by a demon (Jn. 7:12, Jn. 9:16, Jn. 8:48). It is evident that “it is of the Lord”; miracles and fulfilled prophecies affirm that God the Father sent Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of the church. Furthermore, “marvellous in our eyes” signifies the wonder and reverence of all the redeemed, recognizing that God sent His only begotten Son into the world for their sake. This Son of God humbled Himself to endure death on the cross, rose in glory, and became the cornerstone of the church of the redeemed."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Jesus inquired of them, ‘Do you really believe that it is unthinkable for your privileges to be stripped away? Have you not considered what is written: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone? You are aware of the significance of the Stone to which the Psalmist refers; you indeed attribute these words to the Messiah. You were chosen to establish a spiritual edifice, the Church of God, yet you have dismissed Me as the foundational stone of that structure. Despite this rejection, this Stone will become the key element that unites the two walls: within My Church, I bring together believers from both Jews and Gentiles. This is pleasing to God, My Father: This is from the Lord and is marvelous in our sight?"},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In His stern discourse, Jesus questioned, “Have you never read in the Scriptures that the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone, and this is the work of the Lord, astonishing to all?” He went on to warn that those who stumble upon this stone will be shattered, and those upon whom it falls will be crushed. He declared, “You have rejected this stone, and as a consequence, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation that produces its fruit.” By referencing the rejected stone, Jesus alluded to Psalm 117 and the prophecy from Isaiah (Isaiah 8:13-15). Archbishop Innocent elucidates this passage by stating that Psalm 117 is a heartfelt hymn through which David offers gratitude to God in the temple after his enemies were vanquished. The Jewish nation is likened to a structure whose builders include Saul and the elders of the twelve tribes. The stone they dismissed symbolizes David, whom God appointed as the cornerstone, granting him kingship and triumph. Since David is a forebear of the Messiah, his reign and experiences profoundly foreshadow Jesus Christ.\\n\\nJesus likely contemplated Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 8:14-15), which declares that the Lord of hosts will be both a sanctuary and a stumbling block, a rock of offense to both houses of Israel, causing many to stumble and fall. Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the rock. Those who stumble upon this rock are the Jews who, swayed by His lowly appearance, failed to accept His teachings. The path to repentance was accessible to them, and they only faced the consequence of losing divine favor. However, there were others among the unbelievers who would experience a crushing downfall; their transgressions stemmed from intentional malice and rebellion, leaving them unrepentant and thus unworthy of forgiveness. One such devastating collapse occurred with the destruction of Jerusalem."}]}
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