Daily Bread 2011 - Mark 13
Daily Bread 2011 – Monday, February 28th 2011 Mark 13
The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times
1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” 2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
What Does This Mean?
Jesus continues to usher in new reality for his disciples. In this passage, he gives a foreshadowing of future events by re-defining the temple. In the Jewish faith, the temple was the locality where God showed up and met the people. In the temple the High Priest went in once a year to offer the unblemished lamb for the forgiveness of the people’s sins.
The temple was the sign of God’s blessing and His presence. In Leviticus, we learn of the detail and importance of everything in the temple. It was a holy place where God dwelt by His Spirit. As Jesus ushers in the new kingdom and new covenant, he explains that this temple is going to be thrown down. The disciples, who are enamored with the size and beauty of the temple, are confronted with the new reality that the temple will no longer be a building, but that God’s temple will be located in the human hearts and the assembly of believers which will become known as the Church.
What Does This Mean For Us?
The teaching reminds us not to get too enamored with the size of our church building, and by application, any external measurement of the church. The true success of any church is what God is doing on the inside, which always leads eventually to external growth through disciples making other disciples.
In Corinthians Paul will teach, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, which is from God.” Of course, this chapter is in the context of teaching re: the end times. Although we don’t know when this time will come, Jesus is teaching us about what things will have lasting, enduring value/importance when it does come.
As we look to be faithful disciples in the 21st century, it is helpful to be reminded to focus on what is going on inside of the temple, the thoughts and attitudes of our heart. As we gather as the body of Christ in the power of the Spirit, something unique happens. The bible calls this Fellowship (or Koinonia), and this is what attracts people in the world to experience the power of God through our community as believers. Although the Church is not permanent either, it is God’s means of communicating the Gospel/Good News to the world until the day He chooses to return.
Jesus thank you for teaching us about the temple of the human heart where you Spirit resides as we trust in Your Promises from the Father. Help us as the Church to be a place where people can experience your love and grace as Your Spirit flows through Your temple on earth! Amen.
The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times
1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” 2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
What Does This Mean?
Jesus continues to usher in new reality for his disciples. In this passage, he gives a foreshadowing of future events by re-defining the temple. In the Jewish faith, the temple was the locality where God showed up and met the people. In the temple the High Priest went in once a year to offer the unblemished lamb for the forgiveness of the people’s sins.
The temple was the sign of God’s blessing and His presence. In Leviticus, we learn of the detail and importance of everything in the temple. It was a holy place where God dwelt by His Spirit. As Jesus ushers in the new kingdom and new covenant, he explains that this temple is going to be thrown down. The disciples, who are enamored with the size and beauty of the temple, are confronted with the new reality that the temple will no longer be a building, but that God’s temple will be located in the human hearts and the assembly of believers which will become known as the Church.
What Does This Mean For Us?
The teaching reminds us not to get too enamored with the size of our church building, and by application, any external measurement of the church. The true success of any church is what God is doing on the inside, which always leads eventually to external growth through disciples making other disciples.
In Corinthians Paul will teach, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, which is from God.” Of course, this chapter is in the context of teaching re: the end times. Although we don’t know when this time will come, Jesus is teaching us about what things will have lasting, enduring value/importance when it does come.
As we look to be faithful disciples in the 21st century, it is helpful to be reminded to focus on what is going on inside of the temple, the thoughts and attitudes of our heart. As we gather as the body of Christ in the power of the Spirit, something unique happens. The bible calls this Fellowship (or Koinonia), and this is what attracts people in the world to experience the power of God through our community as believers. Although the Church is not permanent either, it is God’s means of communicating the Gospel/Good News to the world until the day He chooses to return.
Jesus thank you for teaching us about the temple of the human heart where you Spirit resides as we trust in Your Promises from the Father. Help us as the Church to be a place where people can experience your love and grace as Your Spirit flows through Your temple on earth! Amen.
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