We easily assume that temporary structures like tents are used for a short time, but iconic grand buildings will last for ever.  Jesus often taught at the huge temple in Jerusalem which had been built by Herod.  It was physically splendid in every way, built of new hewn stone which was either pure white or covered in gold.  The stones used in construction were massive and looked permanent; one stone at the southwest corner was 36 metres long.  The disciples, like many religious people, took pride in the physical structures associated with worship.  They assumed that the permanent building represented the unmovable presence of God.

Jesus knew differently.  He knew that less than 40 years later, the Roman General Titus would demolish the temple as prophesied in Daniel 11:31.  It was a dreadful and bloody end to Jerusalem.  The city was surrounded to starve the inhabitants to surrender; over 100,000 people tried to leave to find food but were caught and killed in unspeakable atrocities.  Finally, the temple itself was burned and the stones pulled apart.  The land of Israel was no longer under Jewish control and many fled.  God’s Word had been fulfilled (Matthew 24:15-21).

Why should God allow the temple to remain?  There would be no purpose in having a temple for sacrifices after Jesus had been the ultimate sacrifice.  If His people rejected Him, then there was no point in worshiping Father God, because to reject Christ is the same as rejecting the one who sent Him (John 5:22-23).  It would be time for the temple to go.  Jesus’ prophecy would have comforted the Early Church who might otherwise have wondered if God had left them.  The glory of the temple would go (1 Samuel 4:21-22) but the presence of God by His Holy Spirit in the believers was constant (1 Peter 4:14).

Human beings are attracted to what they can see and reassured by apparent permanence.  But followers of Jesus should walk by faith and not by sight.  Relying on what we can see, is a poor substitute for trusting the Lord - who has promised that He will be with us always (Matthew 28:20).  In the face of many challenges, we are not called to put our faith in buildings, institutions, denominations or even in wise and godly people: and we must not be seduced to idolise churches, music, art or even fine preachers.  Instead we look to the glory which will be revealed when Jesus returns for those who love Him.  Peter wrote to Christians who suffered under Roman rule: "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:6-7).