Matthew 24:1-2
“24 As Jesus came out of the temple and was going away, his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 Then he asked them, ‘You see all these, do you not? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’”
Architecture is fascinating. I see some of those medieval cathedrals and marvel at all the steeples and carvings. Of course there are the Pyramids of ancient Egypt, a wonder of the world. Jesus and crew are leaving Jerusalem to head to Bethany and the home of Mary and Martha for the evening. They have probably offended enough people after their encounters with the Pharisees and Sadducees. I wonder if the beauty of the Temple did not calm their spirits and encourage them that they were part of something bigger and more solid than the bickering of the day. Perhaps it is like the peace that comes from watching a sunset at the end of the day. The disciples bask in the beauty of the temple and we marvel at buildings that are built well and maintained well.
Jesus breaks the reverie with the harsh truth that it is not the structure that is important as that will eventually crumple but the condition of the heart of the people admiring. Jesus is perhaps alluding to the coming destruction of the Temple in 90 AD. The words about the destruction of the Temple are quoted at his trial later in the week.
So the question that comes to my mind for reflection is to ask ourselves what kind of building we are constructing with our lives. That question broadens our thinking. We have our professions, our families, and our relationships…our faith perhaps most importantly. What are we building with? Will the arena of our efforts and love withstand the trials of life? Let’s take a moment to gaze in our hearts at what we think we are building and then chat with the Lord about how we are “building” and what we are “building.” We need his help and his wisdom. Don’t use inferior materials or cut corners. Don’t go for sales. Let’s pray that our buildings will withstand the test of time. Blessings as you ponder.
On the Way to Wonder 