The True Temple

Right after watching that widow drop in her two pennies, right after Jesus pointed out what real abundance looks like — yes, immediately after! – one of the disciples points out the impressiveness of the buildings and how mighty the stones are in the Temple walls.*

He does not comment on how mighty the widow is, no. Nor how impressive are God’s ways among them. He says instead how impressive the structure of the Temple is. Surely Jesus is disappointed in their slowness to learn. He says, are you absolutely sure about the wonders of the Temple? This building and all it represents to you might seem magnificent now, but everything about it is changing so rapidly that very soon you will not even recognize it.

The true Temple, it turns out, is not to be found in this or any building. It is not even made with human hands. The time of breaking down is upon us. How rapidly the changes are coming. He says these things on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, where his own story’s turning point will soon occur. Jesus and his teachings, Jesus and his journey, are approaching convergence. His way is moving steadily on toward fruition.