This came about from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes. (Matt 21:42d)

What, exactly, is the this that the Lord brought about and that is marvelous in our eyes?

The earlier part of verse 42 tells us: The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief corner stone.

It’s a prophecy from Psalm 118:22-23 that the Jewish leaders (the builders) would reject the stone (Jesus). Which they did.

Now comes the marvelous part. It was all the Lord’s doing! Even the rejection! Yes, in spite of that rejection and by means of that rejection, God made Jesus the Chief Cornerstone—the central figure in redemption. The agent of atonement. The Savior. The centerpiece of everything God has ever been doing. Jesus is the One who has first place in everything (Col 1:18). And that—despite His rejection!—is marvelous in our eyes!

It’s the ultimate Genesis 50:20, don’t you think? “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good—to bring about this present result, the saving of many lives.”

Father in Heaven, we praise You that even those determined, unbelieving rejectors could not thwart Your plan to save us. In fact, their rejection served only to heighten Jesus’ honor and glory as our Savior—the Chief Cornerstone! Truly, this is marvelous in our eyes! We reaffirm our devotion to Him!