Jesus is called the 'rejected stone' because He was dismissed by the religious leaders while being the essential foundation for faith.
The term 'rejected stone' refers to how Jesus was viewed by His contemporaries, particularly the Jewish leaders, who dismissed Him despite His importance as the Messiah. In Matthew 21:42, Jesus Himself cites the prophecy about the stone that the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone. This highlights the irony of His rejection and the eventual establishment of His supremacy in God’s plan. Peter reinforces this concept by explaining that while people may reject Him, God has chosen Him as the cornerstone for salvation. This underlines the truth that those who believe on Him will not be confounded or ashamed, contrasting with the fate of those who reject Him.
Commentary