The prophecy of Jesus' rejection is a significant theme in the Bible, foretelling the Messiah's suffering and rejection by His own people. This theme is woven throughout the Old Testament and finds its fulfillment in the New Testament accounts of Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Prophecies

1. Isaiah 53:3 · The prophet Isaiah vividly describes the suffering servant, who is "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." This passage is a cornerstone in understanding the Messiah's rejection, highlighting the sorrow and pain He would endure.

2. Psalm 118:22 · "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This verse is a prophetic metaphor indicating that the one whom the leaders of Israel would reject would become the foundation of God's redemptive plan.

3. Zechariah 11:12-13 · Zechariah speaks of the betrayal of the shepherd for thirty pieces of silver, a prophecy that aligns with the price paid to Judas Iscariot for betraying Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16).

New Testament Fulfillment

1. John 1:11 · "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." This verse succinctly captures the essence of Jesus' rejection by the Jewish people, despite being their long-awaited Messiah.

2. Matthew 21:42 · Jesus Himself references Psalm 118:22, saying, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the rejected stone, emphasizing His role in God's salvific plan.

3. Acts 4:11 · Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declares to the Sanhedrin, "This Jesus is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'" This affirmation by the early church leaders underscores the fulfillment of the prophecy in Christ.

4. 1 Peter 2:7 · The apostle Peter reiterates the theme, stating, "To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.'"

Theological Significance

The rejection of Jesus is not merely a historical event but a profound theological reality that underscores the nature of His mission. The prophecies and their fulfillment reveal the paradox of the Messiah's coming: He was the Savior, yet He was rejected by those He came to save. This rejection was part of God's divine plan, allowing for the inclusion of the Gentiles into the covenant community and the establishment of the Church.

The rejection also serves as a call to faith and repentance, urging individuals to recognize Jesus as the cornerstone of their faith. The prophetic witness to Jesus' rejection invites believers to reflect on the cost of discipleship and the reality of opposition in the world.