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1And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”
2And 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)
5And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said,
6“As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (Luke 21:5–6 ESV)
1Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple.
2But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
4And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.
5For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.
6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.
7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
8All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.
10And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.
11And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.
12And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
13But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
14And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:1–14 ESV)
What we see and how we respond to life issues are crucial because these affect a lot of things. For sure, our perspectives influence our relationships, mental health, and personal growth. More importantly, what we see and how we respond can shape our character and spiritual well-being.
Three days before Jesus was nailed on the cross, He preached a sermon on the Mount of Olives which we called the Olivet Discourse. This message is found in Matthew 24–25, Mark 13 and Luke 21.
- What Did the Disciples See?
5And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, (Luke 21:5 ESV)
The Disciples Were Impressed by the Temple
Regarding the temple, what did the disciples see? Based on the Gospel of Mark, as Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” (Mark 13:1 ESV) If you refer to the Gospel of Luke, some of the disciples struck up a conversation on the temple, as it was adorned with noble stones and offerings (Luke 21:5). Obviously, Jesus’ disciples were impressed with the beautiful appearance of the Jewish temple.
Proud of Their Religious Buildings
It is normal that many followers of all kinds of religion are proud of their faith. Some even boast of the magnificent architectural features of their temples or church buildings.
The Stunning Temple
As the temple was covered on all sides with massive plates of gold, on a bright and sunny day, if you stared straight at it, the breathtaking brightness will force your eyes to turn away from it. All in all, the temple was truly a magnificent building.
Herod’s Temple
In the Old Testament, King Solomon was the first person who built the temple (1 Kings 6). After the captivity of the Jews in Babylon, the temple was rebuilt by Zerubbabel (Ezra 6). In the days of King Herod, the temple was greatly enlarged. Herod was not Jewish but Idumean. His motive in building his temple was political rather than religious. He simply wanted to placate his Jewish subjects by constructing a sanctuary as magnificent as Solomon’s.
The Symbolic Meanings of the Temple
As to the Jewish race, the temple was a symbol of Jewish national and religious identity. Most importantly, the temple was a representation of the dwelling place of Yahweh. By means of offering sacrifices to God and performing various rituals, the Jewish believers’ transgressions were forgiven.
The temple was God’s dwelling place among the Jewish people. Although God cannot be restricted, the temple was considered a place for God to live forever (1 Kings 8:13, 27).
The Temple in Jesus’ Days
After fifty years of renovation, the temple was still unfinished in Jesus’ day. Although its construction was not completed, the building still looked incredible. In Jesus’ days, the temple had become very commercial. For the alleged purpose of beautifying and administering the affairs of the temple, the merchants and money-changers had amassed excessive wealth from exploiting the poor. As for the sale of sacrificial animals and money exchange, they should do it near the temple rather than within its four walls. Sad but true was that the temple, once the glorious symbol of God’s dwelling with His people, had degenerated into a place of commerce and perfunctory ritual (John 2:14–16).
The Biblical Truths about God’s Presence
Let’s learn the biblical truths about God’s presence. Jesus says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20 ESV) He also says, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23 ESV) In the Old Testament, the psalmist says, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18 ESV)
God’s Presence in Modern Days
Based on the biblical truths, it does not matter whether you worship God in a big and beautiful sanctuary or not, the presence of God matters most.
Around the world ten of millions of so-called believers worship God in a fantastic church building on every Sunday, but the question I have to ask them is: Do they really gather in Jesus’ name?
Church congregations might be small and poor, but they can still have the presence of Jesus, if they really gather in His name.
- What Did Jesus See?
Sharp Response
1And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”
2And 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)
As the disciples were standing before the temple, they told Jesus they were marvelled at this wonderful building. They admired the grandeur of the temple but Jesus’ response was radically different. Jesus acted like a killjoy who ruined the joy of the disciples.
The Complete Destruction of the Temple
The disciples of Jesus saw the splendour of the temple but Jesus saw things differently. The disciples got a glimpse of the present state of the temple but Jesus saw its future complete destruction.
Jesus told his disciples: “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6 ESV)
The Future Destruction of Jerusalem and The Temple
What causes the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple? To cut a long story short, Judaea was a Roman province from AD 6 to 135. A combination of military, religious, and socioeconomic factors, triggered the Jews to fight with Rome. The war ended horribly in AD 70.
The Romans were brutal and great in military power, the siege on Jerusalem made 97,000 people captives and killed 1,100,000 Jews by slow starvation and the sword. Moreover, the Roman army completely destroyed the city and its temple, leaving only three towers and part of the western wall standing.
Not One Stone upon Another That Will Not Be Thrown Down
What causes not one stone upon another that will not be thrown down in the temple? There are at least three reasons:
First, as the Roman soldiers destroyed the Jewish temple by setting it on fire, causing gold in the structure to melt and run between the stones. Because of that, the soldiers had to dismantle the stones to retrieve the gold.
Second, the Romans chopped down trees to create a massive bonfire around the temple, causing moisture in the limestone blocks to expand and shatter the stones. The fire collapsed the entire structure in a single day.
Third, the complete destruction fulfilled the prophecy of Jesus Christ mentioned in Matthew 24:2.
Jesus’ Perspectives on The Temple
Jesus was born as a Jew. Definitely, He had a profound respect for the temple. In Luke 2:49, Jesus identified the temple as His Father’s house. However, He was displeased with the temple’s institutional corruption.
Based on the Gospel of John, Jesus cleansed the temple on two separate occasions (John 2; 21). During these episodes, He expelled merchants and money-changers, declaring the temple should be “a house of prayer” rather than “a den of robbers.” (Matt 21:12–13)
By making a veiled reference, Jesus mentioned about the destroying and rebuilding the temple in three days (John 2:19), which incited religious opposition and accusations of blasphemy. In fact, He was referring to Himself as the temple.
What God Cares Most
There are two Bible passages which talk about what God cares most. The first one is Hosea 6:6.
6For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6 ESV)
6“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
7Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
8He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:6–8 ESV)
After reading the two Bible passages above, you would easily find out what God cares most. God cares more about the heart condition of His people than the physical building.
In the Old Testament, God speaks of the limitations of any physical structure. Since the heavens cannot contain God’s greatness (1 Kings 8:27–30), any earthly building is an inadequate dwelling. God promises His name will reside in the temple and commits to hearing prayers directed toward it (1 Kings 8:27–30). The physical structure thus becomes a meeting point where God meet with His people.
In the New Testament, it reveals that followers of Jesus Christ are God’s temple, with the Holy Spirit dwelling within them (1 Cor 3:16–17). In short, God’s presence is always with the believers of Jesus Christ.
Megachurches
Many Christians admire megachurches. They think highly of these churches for many reasons, and out of the many that I can think of is their world renowned pastors, and their large scope of ministries and outreach resources.
Well, it is great to have internationally known pastors and worship teams to minister to your needs. However, God cares more about His presence in a local congregation than anything else.
What Jesus Saw Would Surely Frightened His Disciples
What Jesus saw the fate of the temple would surely frightened His disciples. Back then no disciples would have thought of the total destruction of the temple.
Let me give you an example. Among the hundreds of famous grand cathedrals in the world, one of the most eye-catching ones is Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain. Its construction started in 1882 and is kept on building. It is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world and designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí. If someone foretells the destruction of Sagrada Familia, any rational individuals will not believe such a prophesy.
I am quite sure that when Jesus’ disciples heard their teacher said, “Not one stone will be left on top of another!” (Mark 13:2 NLT), they would respond in disbelief.
Jesus Sees Deeper Than Humans
When God asked Samuel the prophet to look for the person to replace King Saul, He reminded Samuel one thing: “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 ESV)
As Jesus Christ is God’s only Son, He sees deeper than humans. His disciples only saw the splendour of the temple, but could not see its future destruction.
People might see you as a good person, but do you know how God see you?
Do Not See Things from the Surface
As followers of Jesus Christ, we should not see things just from the surface. Instead, we should see things beyond its surface.
Many people might see the prosperity of their friends and colleagues, and may even envy what they have got. They envy their friends and bosses who are driving fancy cars, like a BMW convertible. But they abhor the fact that they are driving crappy dingy cars.
Dear Christians, rich and famous people are not necessarily happy. Riches and fame might give them temporary happiness, but it will not last forever, and it will never give them full satisfaction. As followers of Christ, we might be poor financially, but we are rich spiritually.
- What Has Jesus Seen in the Future?
3And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, (Mark 13:3 ESV)
Inner Circles of Disciples
Based on the account of Mark, there were only four disciples listening to what Jesus revealed about the signs and details about His second coming (Mark 13:3).
The Great Tribulation
In the sermon of Olivet Discourse, Jesus revealed the coming great tribulation, and it is divided into two halves. In a nutshell, the Olivet Discourse is messianic in nature. It was exclusively targeted at Jewish audience.
First Half of the Great Tribulation
In the first half of the Great Tribulation, Jesus underscores eight key signs, namely: false Christs (v. 5); wars (vv. 6–7); famines (v. 7); earthquakes (v. 7); persecution (vv. 9–10); false prophets (v. 11); lawlessness (v. 12); and worldwide preaching of the gospel (v. 14).
Let me highlight two prominent signs.
The first one is the sign of “wars and rumours of wars”. In our day and age, not only we have heard of rumours of wars, but we have witnessed all kinds of civil wars, invasions and military actions around the globe.
The second one is the sign of “earthquakes”.
Can nuclear explosions cause earthquakes? Based on the info that I read, the answer is yes. Do you know secret nuclear explosions have occurred throughout history? It is often cloaked in political secrecy, covered up by governments, or dismissed as natural phenomena.
Can climate change cause earthquakes? Based on what I read, it is highly probable.
Earthquakes are truly one of the most destructive and terrifying natural hazards, for it often strikes without any warning and will cause immense devastation.
The 1755 Lisbon earthquake, also known as the Great Lisbon earthquake, hit the Iberian Peninsula and Northwest Africa. According to one estimation, from the earthquake and the resulting fires and tsunami, it took away the lives of 40,000 to 50,000 people in Portugal, Spain and Morocco. There is a huge Roman ruins in Volubilis, Morocco. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Before the Great Lisbon earthquake, the ruins remained substantially intact.
Before the second coming of Jesus Christ, we will hear more about wars and earthquakes.
Second Half of the Great Tribulation
15“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),
16then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Matthew 24:15–16 ESV)
The abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel is the Antichrist (Daniel 7:19–28) When the time comes, the Antichrist will claim divinity and assert dominion over the entire globe. It will be the darkest moment of humanity.
If you want to know more about the Antichrist, I have produced a few audios and articles on this topic. If you are interested to know more about this topic, please feel free to visit my website at kthumb.com.
Conclusion
The disciples saw the splendour of the temple, and Jesus took the opportunity to tell them about the very last days before His second coming.
Like I said in the very beginning, what we see and how we respond to life issues is crucial to our relationships, mental health, personal growth, and spiritual character.
Jesus told His disciples to see deeper, and we should do so likewise. We often say “I see” in our daily conversation. It indicates understanding, comprehension, or acknowledgment of what someone is saying. When we understand or when we get it, we should respond with appropriate actions. Let me share with you the life applications of the Olivet Discourse next time.
Kenneth Thumb Ministry 譚約珥事工 