Read: Mark 13 NIV – The Destruction of the Temple and Signs – Bible Gateway
“As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” Mark 13:1 NIV
Throughout the centuries magnificent cathedrals have been built to worship and bring glory to God. Although you’ll find cathedrals in all parts of the world, the most famous are found in Europe. Some dating back to medieval days took at least fifty years to construct with many taking much longer. The building of a new cathedral involved generations of architects, stonemasons, skilled and unstilled workers, and an enormous amount of money.
The most notable of the European Cathedrals is Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Built between the years of 1163-1345, its age, architectural structure, size, beauty, and its history makes this magnificent building attract 12 million visitors a year. Disaster stuck this magnificent building on April 15, 2019 as fire broke out underneath the roof during a renovation project. As a result there was significant damage to the cathedral. A full restoration was completed in December 2024 with visitors being welcomed back.
The Jewish temple during Jesus’s time on earth was also a magnificent building. It also took many years to complete; in fact it was not completed in Jesus’s day. One of Jesus’ disciples remarked, look what a marvelous structure, what massive stones, what a magnificent building. But Jesus’s response was not to concur with their assessment of the temple. It was of magnificent structure and the place to offer sacrifices and worship God, but it would be destroyed. Jesus answered by saying, “Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.” (Mk.13:2 niv)
Jesus then preceded to instruct the disciples concerning future events of the end times, and His second coming after the tribulation days. He wanted their focus to be not only on the present, but looking at the future and eternity. The day is coming where there will be no magnificent buildings as in these days to visit and worship in, for they will all be destroyed; but we will be worshiping at the feet of Jesus in the New Jerusalem. Let us be looking forward to the future as we remember the past events of our Lord and Savior during this week.
Word for the Soul 