The Temple Will Be Destroyed

Reading: Luke 21:5-9
And while some were talking about the temple, that it was adorned with beautiful stones and votive gifts, He said, “As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be left one stone upon another which will not be torn down.” They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And He said, “See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them. When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.” [NASB1995®]

The sacrifice of the Lord is getting closer and closer, but before giving His life Jesus has to give a series of warnings.

This passage begins a series of announcements from the Lord about what will happen in the future.

The first announcement has a tremendous impact on His listeners. That opulent, luxurious temple, that temple which is the pride of every Jew and the center of Israel’s faith, will be reduced to rubble (indeed, in the year 70 the Roman army would destroy the city of Jerusalem, and the temple would be destroyed and looted).

What is the purpose for which the Lord proclaims these things? So that we may be confident that even in the midst of a seemingly confused and chaotic world, God is in control. Nothing happens outside of His will.

Another purpose of the Lord’s words is that we should not be deceived. Many will come to be the Messiah, and there will be announcements of seeditions and wars. But in all circumstances our gaze must be fixed on Jesus.

There are many positions regarding these passages, some with strong biblical support, others full of fantasy. As believers, we must remember these words of the Lord: Let us trust and cling to Him.

MEDITATE: In the face of the terrible facts that shake our world and fill people with uncertainty, may our hearts trust in the Lord…

Translation By: Emily Stader

Jaime Blandon (14)

Jaime Blandon was born and raised in eastern Nicaragua. He served in the Nicaraguan Special Forces for 4 years and it was during this time he came to follow Jesus. Jaime earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministries at the Rio Grande Bible Collage and a MBA in business and a Master in Project Management from EUDE Business School. Jaime was a missionary for 9 years in Nicaragua where he has helped plant three churches and found 516 Now Inc.