The Week That Changed The World Devotional February 24
by David Joynt on February 24, 2024
Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
MARK 13:1-2 | 1 As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” 2 Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”
JOHN 2:19-21 | 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body.
The zealot option for Israel eventually prevailed. Rebellion led to Roman reprisal and the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. Jesus predicted this event, knowing that violent nationalism would lead to disaster. But God did not leave us bereft as He pronounced judgement on His people. Jesus was the Temple in its ultimate form, in Him God’s fullness had come to dwell. He ended the ongoing sacrifices, first by interrupting them as He cleansed the Temple, then permanently by offering Himself as a final perfect sacrifice. God provided, through Jesus, a new way to access the divine presence and find forgiveness. The temple of His body was “rebuilt” in the resurrection and the Spirit of God released. We can be clean temples for God’s presence through Him.
Do you see how the death and resurrection of Jesus superseded the Temple’s purposes?
Gracious God,
Cleanse and renew me. May I be a temple for Your Spirit, full of truth and justice. Let others find Your presence in me.
Amen.
