The rejected stone becomes the cornerstone
Jerusalem's welcome and Jesus' teaching reuse a thanksgiving psalm's welcome and rejected-stone image.
Historical context
The psalm celebrates deliverance, entry through the gates, and the LORD's reversal of rejection in a worship setting.
Tradition note
Follow the unity of the incarnate Word's life and Israel's Scriptures, as read in the Church's worship and Christological tradition. The labels distinguish the New Testament's citations from broader applications and typology; original historical contexts remain visible.
Avoid overclaiming
The royal or communal original referent is debated. The welcome and stone are different uses within the same psalm; their Christian application should not be flattened into one predicted incident.
Key points
- New Testament application
- Matthew 21:9 (New Testament application) — The crowds' welcome draws on Psalm 118:26 as Jesus enters Jerusalem.
- Acts 4:10–11 (New Testament application) — Peter names the risen Jesus as the stone rejected by the builders that has become the cornerstone.
- Matthew 21:42–44 (New Testament application) — During the Jerusalem controversy, Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22–23 following the vineyard parable. This teaching application is distinct from the crowds' welcome and Peter's later sermon.
Doctrinal connections
- The crowds' welcome draws on Psalm 118:26 as Jesus enters Jerusalem. Peter names the risen Jesus as the stone rejected by the builders that has become the cornerstone. During the Jerusalem controversy, Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22–23 following the vineyard parable. This teaching application is distinct from the crowds' welcome and Peter's later sermon.
Scripture
- Psalm 118:22–26 — The psalm celebrates deliverance, entry through the gates, and the LORD's reversal of rejection in a worship setting.
- Matthew 21:9 — The crowds' welcome draws on Psalm 118:26 as Jesus enters Jerusalem.
- Acts 4:10–11 — Peter names the risen Jesus as the stone rejected by the builders that has become the cornerstone.
- Matthew 21:42–44 — During the Jerusalem controversy, Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22–23 following the vineyard parable. This teaching application is distinct from the crowds' welcome and Peter's later sermon.
Sources and further reading
- Acts 4:10–11 · World English Bible
- Matthew 21:42–44 · World English Bible
- Matthew 21:9 · World English Bible
- Psalm 118:22–26 · World English Bible
- Reviewed biblical text and context · ACT04.htm
- Reviewed biblical text and context · MAT21.htm
- Reviewed biblical text and context · MAT21.htm
- Reviewed biblical text and context · PSA118.htm