Mark 12:11 - This was from the Lord, it is marvelous in our eyes’?” Psalm 118:22-23

Generated Verse: Mark 12:11

What does "Mark 12:11" mean?


Let's break down the meaning of Psalm 118:22-23, as quoted in Mark 12:11, and its significance in the context of Mark's Gospel:

The Psalm Passage (Psalm 118:22-23):

"The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (Psalm 118:22): This is the key metaphor. In ancient construction, the cornerstone was the vital stone that anchored the entire building. A rejected stone, deemed unusable by the builders, unexpectedly becomes this crucial, foundational element.

"This was from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes" (Psalm 118:23): This acknowledges that the unexpected elevation of the rejected stone is God's doing, a surprising and wonderful demonstration of His power and plan.

Context in Mark 12 (The Parable of the Tenants):

In Mark 12, Jesus tells the parable of the tenants: A landowner plants a vineyard and leases it to tenants. He sends servants to collect the rent, but the tenants beat, wound, and kill them. Finally, he sends his beloved son, thinking they will respect him. Instead, the tenants conspire to kill the son to seize the inheritance. The Landowner then will come to destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others.

Jesus then poses the question and answers: "Have you never read this passage of Scripture: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?" (Mark 12:10-11).

Meaning and Significance in Mark 12:

Jesus as the Rejected Stone: The "stone the builders rejected" represents Jesus. The Jewish leaders (the "builders" of the Jewish faith) reject Jesus as the Messiah. They see him as a threat to their authority and power.

Jesus as the Cornerstone: Despite being rejected, Jesus is actually the cornerstone, the foundation upon which God's new kingdom (the "building") is being built. He is the essential element for salvation and the establishment of God's reign.

God's Plan and Reversal: The quotation of Psalm 118:23 highlights that this reversal – the rejected one becoming the most important – is God's plan. It's not an accident or a failure; it's a deliberate act of God.

Judgment on the Rejectors: The parable and the Psalm together imply judgment on those who reject Jesus. They are like the wicked tenants who will be punished for their actions. The vineyard will be given to others (those who accept Jesus).

Marvel and Wonder: The phrase "it is marvelous in our eyes" underscores the amazement and wonder that this reversal should inspire. It is a testament to God's power to bring about salvation in unexpected ways.

In summary, Psalm 118:22-23, as used in Mark 12:11, means that Jesus, though rejected by the religious authorities, is actually the cornerstone of God's plan. This is a surprising, divinely orchestrated event that should inspire awe and wonder, but also serves as a warning to those who reject him. It's a powerful statement about God's ability to turn rejection into victory and to establish His kingdom through the most unlikely means.