This prophecy the Jews had often repeated in the synagogues, applying it to the coming Messiah. Christ was the cornerstone of the Jewish economy, and of the whole plan of salvation. This foundation stone the Jewish builders, the priests and rulers of Israel, were now rejecting. The Saviour called their attention to the prophecies that would show them their danger. By every means in His power He sought to make plain to them the nature of the deed they were about to do.

Denne profeti havde jøderne ofte gentaget i synagogerne med henblik på den kommende Messias. Kristus var hjørnestenen i jødernes samfundsordning og i hele frelsesplanen. Denne hovedhjørnesten var de jødiske bygmestre, Israels præster og rådsherrer, nu ved at forkaste. Frelseren henledte deres opmærksomhed til de profetier, der kunne vise dem, hvilken fare de var i. Med alle de midler, der stod til hans rådighed, søgte han at gøre dem klart, hvad det var for en handling, som de stod i begreb med at udføre.