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Mark 
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Day 274

That of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, "Acts 2:30b"

Day 274 – Mark 13

THE TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM

Israel had always been impressed with the physical temple buildings. Two historic temples occupied the hearts and minds of ancient Israel.

1. Solomon’s Temple (Cf. 2 Chronicles 2-7)

Solomon built a truly magnificent temple for the Lord. It was the pride of the nation to have such a beautiful temple. The pride of this temple was so deep and strong, it became a snare to the people. A popular saying in the days of Jeremiah went like this.

“The temple of the LORD,
The temple of the LORD,
The temple of the LORD are these”
JEREMIAH 7:4

a) There was false confidence derived from the presence of the temple.
b) As long as the temple stood, Israel felt that God would always bless the nation.

One of the most painful lessons Israel had to learn came through the destruction of the Temple by the Babylonians (2 Chronicles 36:11-21). It was the Lord and not the temple that brought about blessings upon the nation!

2. The Temple built by King Herod

There was a temple built in the days of Ezra, but this was a far cry from the temple of Solomon. The next magnificent temple of Jerusalem was built by King Herod the Great! The entire Temple project took more than forty years to complete. It was arguably the most impressive and imposing building ancient Palestine boasted!

a) The Temple was one of the most imposing of buildings in the first century

The same danger arose- pride in the physical temple! Just about everyone in Jerusalem took pride in the beautiful Temple and other buildings.

b) The Disciples of Jesus were also enamoured of Herod’s temple.

They came to Jesus as He was teaching in the Temple and said.

“Teacher, see what manner of stones and
what buildings are here!”
MARK 13:1

They must have been amazed that Jesus never made much reference to the temple, even though He was found teaching in it. The significance of Jesus cleansing the temple had become obscured with the passing of the days. The Temple had become a den of thieves. How could Jesus be impressed with such a temple, notwithstanding the physical beauty of the temple buildings?