Now while some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and offerings, Jesus said, “As for these things that you are gazing at, the days will come when not one stone will be left on another. All will be torn down!”
Luke 21:5-6 NET
The temple in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus was large and ornate, the center of Jewish religious life. The disciples’ reaction to the beauty of the building and its activity indicates that it was a point of pride, something to boast about. They were proud of this structure and all that went on in it. And they likely saw it as the center of Jesus’ kingdom once he claimed his throne.
But Jesus knew something they didn’t. This magnificent temple would soon be destroyed, with not one brick left on top of another. The destruction would be complete. About 40 years later, this came to pass when the Romans crushed a Jewish rebellion and destroyed Jerusalem and its temple.
How often do we, like Jesus’ disciples, take pride in our church buildings and see them as the center of God’s activity in the world? But I wonder if Jesus is as impressed with our “worship” facilities as we often are.
It’s Just a Building
Having a place for the church to meet is a good thing. And keeping it in good working condition is being a good steward of what God has given us. But the place we meet in is just a building. And no matter how grand, it is temporary and will someday be torn down. However, the church that meets in it will last long after the building is gone. And long after this world has come to an end.
Our buildings can facilitate our gathering as a church and our ministry to our community. But we do need to be careful that we maintain our primary focus on the eternal rather than the temporary. Our comfort and pride are not nearly as important as being the church Jesus died to create–a church that is growing in faith and love and serving as the hands and feet of Jesus in a lost and dying world.
Thanks for the enlightenment and correcting the error that many Christians have lived with for a long time. Indeed, the Church is who we are, not the building, the Body of Christ.
God bless you for this noble work you are doing. SHALOM.
Thanks brother