…Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
— Luke 21:5-6
The temple loomed larger than anything else in the spiritual vision of Jesus’ followers. It was, after all, the embodiment of God’s promise and the symbol of his presence. It was the arena for the ritual and the exercise of the law. Enthused worshipers made their pilgrimages there to make sacrifices and admire the massive, beautiful stones that made up its walls. Jesus burst the bubble of the disciples’ admiration when he looked up at the impressive structure—this symbol of stability for the people—and said, “This will all be torn down one day.” Shocking. Unthinkable. Subversive even. At least, that is what his enemies made of it.
It is true, of course, that all monuments made with hands and all empires built by intellect and guts do eventually crumble. It is as certain as anything in history. The temple had been destroyed before and rebuilt. But now Jesus expands his disciples’ understanding by telling them of a cataclysm ahead that will tear apart families and bring war across the land. Bible interpreters’ beliefs vary regarding whether this is a prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Romans some 40 years later, or a prophecy yet to be fulfilled—or both.
In either case, Jesus’ principle is the same: Don’t trust in what you can put your hands on. Our salvation, our redemption, is only to be found in God and his love. Indeed, Jesus said, when life seems to be falling apart around you, you should “lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). He should know. Jesus said that when the temple, which was his body, was destroyed, it would be raised in three days. And it was. Any human can rebuild stones, but only God can come back from death.
Ponder This: Are there any “temples” or sanctuaries in your life that you know could pass away, necessitating a new level of faith?
