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Matthew 21 · Grade 5

The Rejected Stone

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Read and Think

Matthew 21 opens the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry. His entry into Jerusalem is a royal arrival. By riding a donkey, He fulfills Zechariah 9:9 and presents Himself as Israel's humble, peaceful King. The crowds use words from Psalm 118, a psalm of pilgrims, to hail Him as the son of David.

His actions in the temple are prophetic. Overturning the money changers' tables, He cites Isaiah and Jeremiah: the house meant for prayer for all nations had become a den of robbers. Cursing the fruitless fig tree illustrates judgment on outward religion that bears no fruit, and it becomes a lesson in faith-filled prayer.

When the leaders challenge His authority, Jesus asks about John's baptism and exposes their unwillingness to commit. Two parables follow. The son who first refused but then obeyed represents tax collectors and sinners who repented; the son who said yes but did not go represents the leaders. In the parable of the wicked tenants, the owner finally sends his son, whom they kill. Quoting Psalm 118, Jesus says the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

Show What You Know

  1. What does riding a donkey reveal about the kind of King Jesus is?

  2. What do the temple-clearing and fig tree have in common?

  3. Why did Jesus ask the leaders about John's baptism?

  4. Whom do the two sons represent?

  5. Who is the stone the builders rejected?

Crossword

342156

Across

  1. People put coats and tree ____ on the road.
  2. The city Jesus came to.
  3. The animal Jesus rode.

Down

  1. The people praised Jesus as their ____.
  2. God's house should be a house of ____.
  3. The word the people shouted.

Think About It

  1. How can people praise Jesus one day and reject Him days later? What does that teach us about real faith?

  2. In what ways can a person look fruitful on the outside but not really be following God?

Memory Verse

Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of the corner. This was from the Lord. It is marvelous in our eyes’?

Matthew 21:42 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • What good habits can people see in your life?
  • How can you stay open to Jesus when others turn away?
  • What is one specific way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.