What does Mark 12:11 mean?

This continues a quote from the Septuagint version of Psalm 118:22–23. It describes how the people reacted to God's providence in taking a stone that was rejected for the construction of the temple sanctuary and making it essential for the temple porch. This is an example of a literal, historical event having symbolic meaning. The "stone," in Judaism, represents Abraham, David, or the Messiah. Some thought the "builders" represents the scribes who are experts in the law.

This is a key point in how God acts in human history. There was nothing noteworthy about Abraham that earned God's favor. God chose to bless him as the father of His people because of His good grace. David was a shepherd boy, the youngest of a large family, nowhere near the line of King Saul, when God chose to anoint him as king. Similarly, the Messiah was described as having no majesty or beauty that would automatically attract others to Him (Isaiah 53:2).

It is the same for us. "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). There is nothing we can do to earn salvation. It is all a gift of God, possible through Jesus' sacrifice (Ephesians 2:8–9). Only when we accept that we are powerless can we enter God's kingdom (Mark 10:15).

Despite all law and tradition, God chooses "what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God [chooses] what is weak in the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27). Despite our initial doubts and skepticism of that plan, if we truly follow Him, we will find His plan "marvelous."