Matthew 21:44 - Exposition

Christ proceeds to show the positive and terrible results of such unbelief. Whosoever shall fall ( πεσω Ì ν , hath fallen ) on this stone shall be broken ( συνθλασθη ì σεται , shall be shattered to pieces ) . This may refer to the practice of executing the punishment of stoning by first hurling the culprit from a raised platform on to a rock or stone, and then stoning him to death. The falling on the stone has been explained in more ways than one. Some think that it implies coming to Christ in repentance and humility, with a contrite heart, which he will not despise. But the subject here is the punishment of the obdurate. Others take it to represent an attack made by the enemies of Christ, who shall demolish themselves by such onslaught. The original will hardly allow this interpretation. Doubtless the allusion is to those who found in Christ's low estate a stone of stumbling and rock of offence. These suffered grievous loss and danger even in this present time. The rejection of the doctrine of Christ crucified involves the loss of spiritual privileges, moral debility, and what is elsewhere called "the scattering abroad" ( Matthew 12:30 ; comp. Isaiah 8:14 , Isaiah 8:15 ). On whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder ( λικμη ì σει αὐτο Ì ν , it will scatter him as chaff ) . The persons hero spoken of are not those who are offended at Christ's low estate; they are such as put themselves in active opposition to him and his kingdom; on them he will fall in terrible vengeance, and will utterly destroy them without hope of recovery. The idea is rerepeated from Daniel 2:34 , Daniel 2:35 , and Daniel 2:44 , Daniel 2:45 . Christ in his humiliation is the Stone against which men fall; Christ in his glory and exaltation is the Stone which falls on them.