“Some of Jesus’ disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down” (Luke 21:5-6).
Back in 2017 we had the opportunity to visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. We stood near the base of the temple complex, walking alongside and touching the great foundation stones that were placed to support the platform on which Temple stood.
We also were later able to walk on the Temple platform itself, seeing the buildings and mosques built many years, decades, centuries after the Temple was destroyed.
The stones that provide the foundation that supported the Temple are still there for us to see. As for the Temple itself, as Jesus had said, not one stone of the Temple He and the disciples saw was left standing, and the rubble was later removed and newer places built.
On that Holy Tuesday, Jesus didn’t just speak of the soon-to-come loss of the Temple. He also taught his disciples about being wise and preparing for the final days. He taught them to be faithful to God and to what God was entrusting to them. Jesus taught his followers to take care of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the needy, the sick, the prisoner. Jesus gave of himself for his followers to build on His foundation.
A foundation that would last long after the teachings of the leaders of that time had crumbled.
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).
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