“And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.””Mark 13:1-2 ESV
Reflection: why did God have to tear down the temple in Jerusalem, never to be rebuilt?
Humans have been fascinated with construction, with buildings, probably since the beginning of time. In addition to basic shelters for safety, there has been a drive to build elaborate “temples” to gods. One of the oldest known temples is in Turkey, estimated to be around 11,000 years ago. And, we can see all sorts of temples built all over the world, perhaps with even longer history. This is perhaps one of the most obvious signs that show us even today that man has known since the beginning of time the existence of God. Because, if you think about it, a “temple” serve no real practical purpose; yet so much has been invested in these temples, making them often the most impressive buildings of a society and civilization. Just looking around the world even today, some of the temples, cathedrals, and even churches are very impressive, just from an architectural perspective.
From a biblical history perspective, king Salomon built the first temple in Jerusalem around 3000 years ago, or about 1000 BC. It was destroyed around 587 BC, part of the Babylonian seige. But, another was built in its place after the Babylonian captivity, around 518 BC, which was the same temple that existed during the time of Jesus. And, it is about this temple that Jesus and the disciples are discussing in our focus verses today. The disciples were clearly impressed with the temple, saying to Jesus
“Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”
What is now important to recognize is what this building, the temple, represented. Every part of this temple was very specifically defined and ordained by God directly, as were the rites and rituals associated with it. It was a place of sacrifice, of offering and worship of God, very specifically defined by God. While it had a physical definition, rites and rituals, it all represented something much greater; it all pointed to the Messiah, and represented the spiritual temple of God, which of course doesn’t have a physical form. In Hebrews 4:14 – 10:18, we can read about what the temple and the service of the High Priest really represented. And we see there that all the High Priest’s functions, and the purpose of the temple has shifted to Jesus. And, Jesus is, to this day, fulfilling the service as a High Priest on our behalf before God. There is therefore no longer a need for a physical temple, for sacrifice. We can all approach God, through the veil, which is Jesus,
To worship God.
Therefore Jesus told the disciples “And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.””Mark 13:2 ESV. The destruction of the physical temple in Jerusalem happened as Jesus said, around 70 AD, by the Romans. This physical temple was never to be rebuilt again, as there is no need for blood sacrifice. In addition to Jesus doing the High Priestley service in heaven, the physical stones and building of the temple have shifted to a “spiritual house” with “living stones”. We read “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5 ESV. The physical temple was therefore destroyed, never to be rebuilt. Because that would not only be unnecessary, but it would be blasphemous towards God; in a way man trying to nullify Jesus’ completed work.
But, perhaps we also should think about all the impressive cathedrals and churches that exist, and that we keep building, around the world. Some are so impressive that one should almost think some believe God lives there? But we know of course that God doesn’t live in a physical building, but rather in His children. We make up His temple, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. So are all these impressive church buildings necessary? Perhaps the money could be better spent, helping people in the congregation, like in the early church.
