The Destructible, Indestructible Temple

March 27

“Not even God Himself could sink this ship!” was the common thought about the R.M.S. Titanic before she sailed her tragic maiden voyage on April 10, 1912.

In the first century A.D., a similar attitude was common regarding the Second Temple (Herod’s Temple), the massive complex of buildings with courts, colonnades, balconies, and porches. The Temple was significantly larger than the Acropolis in Athens. In their minds, Herod’s Temple was indestructible, hence the Jewish leaders’ scoff at Jesus’ claim that He would destroy the temple and raise it up again in three days. (John 2:19; see also Mark 13:2). Of course, they didn’t know that He was speaking about the temple of His body. (John 2:21)

Herod’s Temple wasn’t just a center for worship. It also functioned as a place for public assemblies, a marketplace, and also served as a cultural and political center. This provides a bit of context for our upcoming devotional on March 29, when we read about what happened when Jesus died.

This Temple’s renovation by Herod took 46 years to complete, and it occupied one-sixth of the land area of ancient Jerusalem. It would not be completed until A.D. 63, just seven years before its complete destruction by Rome.

Given that Jews often made multiple pilgrimages to Jerusalem, it’s surprising that this unnamed disciple exclaimed what he did about what he saw. Had he never made the trip before? Had he never traveled to Jerusalem with Jesus and His other disciples? Had he not seen the enormous complex from lower elevations across the countryside surrounding Jerusalem?

When Jesus predicted the future destruction of the Temple, the immediate response was to ask, “When?” When believers today read about Jesus’ return, the immediate response continues to be the same: “When?”

We don’t know. Jesus said He didn’t even know when He would return. And no one—including Jesus—will know until the time comes. So, we should stop trying to guess, along with listening to those who claim to know the answer. We just don’t know. (Mark 13:33) Jesus even warned His disciples to be on their guard to avoid being deceived. (Mark 13:5)

What we do know, however, is that Jesus tells us to always be ready for His return. We also know that, as His return draws closer, signs will increase throughout the earth. Wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution… all creation will groan in travail. Yet these things are merely the beginning of the end, and they must happen, He says. (Mark 13:7-8)

Application

Some of Jesus’ prophecies concerning the end times were fulfilled, including the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. However, believers differ on other details. We all need to exercise humility and extend grace to one another on secondary and tertiary theological issues.

As we consider the subject of the End Times (“eschatology”), remember that we are not awaiting them. We are living in them. Jesus walked into human history announcing that the Kingdom of God had come. (Matthew 12:28)

During this time of the year, the approach of Easter, we are reminded of Zechariah’s prophecy: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; He is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9, CSB) Except the next animal Jesus rides in fulfillment of prophecy will not be donkey. It will be a white horse! (Re. 19:11)

The Lord will return for us, though, and when He does, He will take us to live with Him for all eternity. Even so, come King Jesus!

© Copyright 2026 Craig Beaman