Matthew·Chapter 21

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to reflect on what you might feel rejected or overlooked in your life. Is it a talent, a dream, or maybe even a relationship? Write it down. Now, think about how that thing can actually become your cornerstone—the thing that builds you up and supports you. Challenge yourself to embrace it! Maybe share your story with someone who needs to hear it. Your experiences, even the tough ones, can inspire and empower others. Let that 'rejected stone' become a part of your foundation.

Chapter Context

To get the full impact, let’s look at what’s happening around this verse. Jesus has just entered Jerusalem, stirring up a lot of emotions and reactions. The religious leaders are questioning His authority, and tensions are running high. When He drops this line about the rejected stone, it’s like dropping a bomb in a tense room! This verse highlights a key moment in the story: Jesus is positioning Himself as the cornerstone of faith, and it’s a direct challenge to those in power. They’re rejecting Him, but He’s claiming the ultimate role in God’s plan. His words here are setting the stage for everything that’s about to unfold in the coming days.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• jesus - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• said - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• them - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• never - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• read - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• in - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• scriptures - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• the - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• stone - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• the - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

How do you see the 'stone' in your own life? What aspects of yourself or your journey have you felt rejected or overlooked, and how might they be essential to your story?

Related Verses

• Psalm 118:22 - This verse talks about the stone that was rejected becoming the cornerstone, showing that this idea was not new, but part of a larger narrative about God’s plan.
• Isaiah 28:16 - Written about 700 years before this, it prophesies that God would lay a cornerstone in Zion, hinting at the importance of Jesus as the foundation of faith.
• 1 Peter 2:7 - This verse connects back to the idea of Jesus being the cornerstone, showing how early followers recognized Him as the key figure in their faith.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Matthew 21:42. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Messianic Fulfillment, Authority of Jesus, Judgment on Israel, Worship and Praise, Corruption in Religion, Spiritual Fruitfulness

Key Verses

Matthew 21:5, Matthew 21:9, Matthew 21:13, Matthew 21:16, Matthew 21:19

Historical Context

Matthew 21 is part of the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, often referred to as Passion Week. This chapter serves as a crucial transition from His public ministry to the events leading to His crucifixion. The fulfillment of prophecies, such as Zechariah 9:9 and the reactions of various groups, illustrates the deepening conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities. Matthew's audience, primarily Jewish, would have understood the significance of these prophetic fulfillments and the implications of Jesus' actions, especially in the temple, highlighting the urgent call for genuine faith and repentance.