Beginning of the End
Matthew 24:1-3 records, “Jesus went out and departed from the temple … [He] said, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Jesus finished his words
in the temple and left it, never to return. When He departed from the temple, the glory of God went with Him. A few days later, the veil was torn: and the holy of holies became unclean. History records what happened in AD 70, fulfilling Jesus’ words. The Romans built high wooden scaffolds around the temple buildings, then set them on fire! The heat became so intense that the stones crumbled. The rubble was sifted through for melted gold; the remaining ruins were “thrown down” into the Kidron Valley. What a powerful picture of the destiny of all of the world’s glory! The most beautiful body will eventually be food for worms. The most magnificent building will one day become a ruined heap. Jesus’ words prompted His disciples to ask two questions: (1) when will these things be and (2) what will be the sign? How did He answer? First, Jesus described the prophetic sign (or series of signs) of His coming in vv. 4-35. The disciples thought the Kingdom would appear very soon by His arrival in triumph as Messiah. Destruction of the temple was not a part of their eschatology. Crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension didn’t fit. They had no concept of a long intervening church age. Jesus tried to help them understand the reality of God’s plan. Second, Jesus declared the timing—“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” (v. 24:36) What do we gain from this passage? We have a promise that God will fulfill all of His promises, and that He will fulfill them according to His plan in His time. Where is your security? Is it in the truth of God’s Word? What is your hope? Is it eternal life by Jesus Christ?
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.