Matthew 21:42

Every time Jesus said, "Did you never read?" He was stressing that the Scriptures pointed to Him (cf. Matthew 12:3; Matthew 12:5; Matthew 19:4; Matthew 21:16; Matthew 22:31; Mark 12:10). In these instances He also referred to well known texts, but He used them in unexpected ways. Jesus changed the figure from a vineyard to a building. This quotation is from Psalms 118:22-23. It probably originally described David, Jesus’ ancestor and type. All Israel’s leaders including Samuel and Saul had originally rejected David, but God chose him and made him the capstone of the nation. Likewise God had chosen Israel, a nation that the other world leaders despised. However, God would make Israel the capstone of the nations when He established the kingdom.

Similarly in Jesus’ day Israel’s leaders had rejected after trial (Gr. apodokimazo) the Son of David, but God would make Him the capstone of His building. Jesus’ history recapitulated the history of both Israel and David. Earthly leaders were rejecting Him, but God would exalt Him over all eventually. This reversal of fortunes is a phenomenon that onlookers marvel at as they observe it. Jesus made another strong messianic claim when He applied this passage to Himself.