It has been observed that in pointing out the magnificence of the Temple to Jesus the disciples were stating the obvious! Jesus had seen the Temple many times, so why bring it to His attention?

The statement takes place on the Tuesday of the last week of Jesus’ life. On Sunday He made His triumphal entry and entered the Temple. On Monday He cursed the fig tree and cleansed the Temple. And on Tuesday, He has taught in the Temple and engaged in a series of debates with the religious leaders.

The phrase that captures our attention is “as Jesus was leaving the Temple that day” and its significance lies in the fact that Jesus never returned to the Temple again. In the previous two days, the disciples have seen Jesus do and say some extraordinary things and this seems to be why they draw His attention to the Temple.

In response to their comment, Jesus predicts its annihilation.

Less than 40 years later, in 70AD, the armies of the Roman General, Titus, lay siege to Jerusalem, eventually breaking through the city walls and crushing the Jewish rebellion.

Titus gave specific orders for the Temple to be preserved.

The soldiers had other ideas. They were enraged with the Jewish rebels and set fire to the Temple in revenge. Much gold and silver had been hidden there, which melted down into the cracks of the stones. The soldiers literally pried apart every stone to get to the treasure. “Not one stone was left upon another” – Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled to the last detail!

Three days after making this startling prediction, Jesus would die as God’s perfect and final sacrifice for the sin of the world. Since 70AD, no sacrifice has been offered for sin on a Jewish altar, a powerful witness to the completeness of salvation brought about through Jesus, who “offered Himself once for all.”

There is no other sacrifice. There is no other Saviour. Jesus has done it all.

Today’s Bible reading: Mark 13:1-2