Scripture Reading: Luke 21:1-38, Luke 22:1-2, Daniel 7:13-14
In about 20 BC, Herod the Great, the Rome-appointed provincial ruler of the Jews, began a massive renovation and expansion project on the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.
The original temple had been finished by King Solomon in 960 BC, but King Nebuchadnezzar’s invading forces from Babylon destroyed it when they sacked Jerusalem in 586 BC and deported the people. After Babylon’s conqueror, King Cyrus of Persia, allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Judea in 538, they began rebuilding the temple, finishing in 515 BC. This second temple—far less magnificent than Solomon’s—stood for nearly 500 years before Herod began his improvement project, which ultimately outlasted him and took a total of 46 years.
This renovated temple complex was where Jesus went during his time on earth. At about 175 feet tall (about fifteen stories), the temple building itself was quite impressive. But the overall complex was truly an architectural marvel of the ancient world, measuring roughly 1.5 million square feet (about thirty-six acres) and filled with various gates, courts, chambers, porticoes, ramparts, and a massive retaining wall (some of which can still be seen today). The complex occupied approximately one-sixth of the total area within Jerusalem’s walls.
The Jewish temple was the heartbeat of the nation. The people’s lives orbited around its meaning and rituals. Jewish pilgrims from all over the region—indeed, all over the vast Roman Empire—flocked to the temple each year for various festivals and observances, none greater than the weeklong Passover celebration that served as a backdrop for Holy Week.
The temple was the chief repository of the Torah. It was the meeting place of the Sanhedrin, the powerful Jewish ruling council. It was where the priests offered sacrifices for the sins of the nation, where the people prayed for God’s favor and deliverance, and where the high priest entered into the inner sanctum of God’s presence once a year on the Day of Atonement.
So imagine the utter shock and confusion that Jesus’s listeners felt when, three days before His death, He prophesied these words about the temple: “The days will come when not one stone will be left on another” (Luke 21:6). It was a terrifying thought for the disciples, who asked Him for more details about warning signs and timing. Jesus’s answer? Be alert. Be watchful. Be ready.
Some of Jesus’s prophecies in the ensuing Luke 21 discourse were fulfilled in AD 70, when besieging Roman forces entered Jerusalem and razed the temple. But starting in verse 25, Jesus seemed to shift gears to address His own return, which we as twenty-first century believers still anxiously await.
Two thousand years of anticipation should confirm that attempting to pinpoint the exact timing of Jesus’s return is folly. Rather, His message for us today is the same: I will return. So be alert. Be watchful. Be ready.
Our King is coming. He has all authority, dominion and power, and soon He will inaugurate a glorious reign of peace without end. Our redemption is closer now than ever. Until then, may we be prayerfully alert, watchful, and ready.
Written by Josh Cooley
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92 thoughts on "Jesus Teaches in the Temple"
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Scares *
To be honest, Jesus coming back is a little scary to me. The events leading up to his return and the unknown of what to expect in eternity. Change scars me. I know what to expect here on earth, but in eternity I don’t know what it will be like. I know it will be perfect and wonderful, but earth is all I know. I hope this makes sense. I have been a believer for 22 years, but I still get nervous.
Hello fellow She’s! It’s been awhile since I commented, but I have been here following right along and praying with you all.
I have a prayer request to add to our list for a coworker of mine and her family. Her husband has been battling brain tumors for two years now, and just yesterday he was given months to live. They are a young couple (in their 30s) with a 9 year old son. It is a very difficult situation. Praying for healing, wisdom, and peace in the waiting.
Oh, Kira, how sad! Thank you for sharing that with us. Joining you in that prayer! ❤
Praying❤️ ❤️❤️
Praying for this family, Kira.
I love architecture and I love the description today of the temple in ways I could understand and imagine. What a magnificent development. Deep down in my heart I always wish to walk among such historical landmarks and structures to take it all in the breathtaking intricate designs. But this remains an imagination of my own. What stood out to me was Our precious Lord Jesus sat and gazed at people’s behavior with their purse strings. He knows where our heart is, there our treasure is. And the widow who gave two mites was the winner. I was reading the book the Psychology of Money (did not finish yet) and it’s just so eye opening how money controls human behaviour and emotions more than we realize. Money programs people’s behavior more than we like to admit. The whole spectrum of human fear, worries, anxieties, thoughts, and even joy, can evolve subconsciously around money. Financial peace. Even our interactions with God can be affected. It’s so interesting to be honest. And the Lord knows. Do we know? Lord have mercy. The Bible says we cannot serve both God and money. We will worship one and despise another. The Word of God is like an x-ray that lasers through the heart intentions and secret strongholds that govern and maneuver humans. The pilgrims journey is a sophisticated one. Deconstruct the old man and reconstruct the new man through the power of the Holy Spirit to be like Christ. May we remember that this earth is not our home. All the beautiful structures, development, real estate wonders will burn to the down to the ground one day. And the Lord, the God of all wisdom has gone before us, and has prepared a place in a higher realm called Heavens, with the streets of gold, with gates of pearls. Isn’t that incredible? I’m just so thankful to even possess such knowledge. Such hope. May we count the cost and know that all that costs us to have Him now is worth it. Jesus is worth everything we can lose for. To God be all the glory. Forever and ever. Amen.
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I’m learning to :
Count the years as months
Count the months as weeks
Count the weeks as days any day now
we’ll be going home!!!!
Come, Jesus, come!
I try to put myself in the place of the disciples as Jesus explained to them, without sugar coating His words, of what they could expect to endure…
.be seized
.be persecuted
.be handed over to religious leaders
.be put in prison
.be brought before kings & governors
.be betrayed by family & friends
.be hated
.be put to death
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Where would I stand? Would I forsake all and follow Him, even knowing that any or all of this could happen to me?
There is no guarantee that these things will not one day happen in our country. We are losing our freedoms more and more. I pray that I will stand firm, that I will always follow Jesus and never look back – no matter how hard the path is that is set before me.
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Father God, help me to be faithful to the calling to which you have called me to. Let me never falter or fear. Help me always to be alert, be watchful, and to be ready for your return. I pray this for myself and for each one of my sisters here, at SRT. Go before us, make our path straight, keep our eyes fixed on You. In Jesus Name.
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Love you all – have a blessed day!
Amen!!
Amen ❤️
Amen! Well said!
Amen, Sharon! Thank you, sister!
Dear Shes
The world can feel wrenched & wrecked by chaos & confusion.
We are called – shouted out even from the heavens – to seek strength & sustenance through Him.
Is it the will of man? No!
Is it the Word of God? Yes!
Almighty Author & Faithful Finisher.
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“He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
Daniel 7:14 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/dan.7.14.NIV
I know that as I am alert, am watchful, praying, and alert keeping my focus on Him, He will equip me for whatever may come! Why, because He has all power, authority, and dominion!
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Psalms 56:3 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.56.3.NIV
Thank you Lord that I can trust in you!
Praying for all the requests!
Thank you for prayers for Levi.
Thank you for sharing your stories and insights! They are a blessing!
Some days I’m extra thankful for and anticipatory of Jesus’ return.
Father, we thank you for your son Jesus whose life was given as a propitiation for ours. Lord, we ask that you would open our eyes and hearts to notice new details in Your Word that we might have missed before. We praise you for your healing power, peace, and love. Lord, be with each of these ladies as they walk this life alongside You. We lift up each prayer request to You & ask that Your will would be done Father. In Jesus mighty & powerful name, Amen!
Amen!
This is a prayer request. I went to my Life group Sunday. The pastor is a very, very nice Christian man.He is kind, thoughtful,and I had respect for him. Sunday he made a statement that blew me away. I can frame it this context. Imagine you are Jewish and the pastor says, ” I love Adolf Hitler.”You instantly know you don’t belong in that room. Your first instinct is to flee because you feel unsafe. Then you realize everyone in that room has that allegiance. I left life group as soon as it was over and I can never return. I can run from people and relationships and not look back. He and his wife were good leaders but I cannot go back.I suspected they were part of this political group and when he expressed his love for this leader. It was over for me. I wonder about all Christians.
I will be praying that you find the right place for yourself. I will also be praying for this church. This is very sad.
Thank you. I appreciate it.
Praying for you, Tanya, as you seek to find a safe place to worship our Lord and Savior. Praying for any Christians that elevate anyone or anything as worthy of worship anything other than the one true God and His son.
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Be alert. Be watchful. Be ready. OUR King JESUS is coming! Perhaps today! Can’t wait!!!
Thank you all for your insight and for sharing how the scriptures fall with you.
I am so encouraged thru this study of Isaiah and now into Holy Week to lift my head and stay focused on Jesus, He will show me the way and put the words in my mouth.
Praying for all your requests those spoken and those not.
Thank you Jesus for this community ❤️
Wow…I feel like the temple description is what I had somewhat imagined but the size far beyond that. Can’t imagine how a building of that scale could have possibly been built in that day without the tools, machines, power, resources, that we have today. To think that there are still portions standing is quite something. Lord willing, someday maybe I can see that.
This stands out to me: Rather, His message for us today is the same: I will return. So be alert. Be watchful. Be ready.
No complacency. Always be ready. Live a life worthy of the calling of Christ. Be equipped. Abide in His presence, sit as His feet. Read the Word. Know Truth. Know Jesus. Stand firm, steadfast and strong. Honor and glorify Him – the One who reigns, who is ruler and holds dominion over all. No matter how far down the brokeness, destruction, sin and sorrow of the world may fall, His Kingdom will not be destroyed. I love the Daniel passage. Thank you Father, that you are our Savior and King. God be praised ✝️
‘He was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,so that those of every people,nation,and language
should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away,and his kingdom is onethat will not be destroyed’ Dan 7:14
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Amen! ❤️
V 28 “Stand up and lift your head” stood out to me today. In the chaos, confusion, and unknown, I must choose where to put my sights. If I look at the chaos, I am doomed. I am being pulled in many directions right now, not only caring for my brother’s medical needs, but dealing with closing his business, his personal finances which are a mess, and also my daughter having a tough week and when she has a tough week, I have a tough week… BUT GOD! Thank you for these verses that remind me to look to you! Reminds me of the song by Bethel Music, “God I look to you” –
God I look to you
I wont be overwhelmed
give me vision, to see things like you do
God I look to You
You’re where my help comes from
Give me wisdom
You know just what to do
Amen!
Yes! Keep our focus on God and not on the chaos.
Praying for you in all you are going through. ❤️
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GM She’s!
I appreciate the recap of the TEMPLE! As many times as I try to grasp the whole of it all, I still can’t remember when trying to recant it in the full— First destroyed by the Babylonians and the people taken in captivity. Then by the Romans just shortly after Jesus. There are so many prophecies and foreshadows…all mixed in between stories, individual and larger context…for someone like me that has a hard time retaining and putting together…it’s frustrating at times-bible studying. The wanting to grasp and understand, to be knowledgeable when discussing with believers and non. BUT God–He tells me to be observant, be aware. Know Him. Trust Him. Put my faith in Jesus, and be on guard. Yet, he will give me exactly what I need when I need. He will give me words…that phrase right there! It comforts this scrambled, not so genius mind. :)
Two thousand years later…we still wait anxiously. Try to make sense of it all. But I don’t have to figure it all out. Stay close, stay alert. Trust and obey. While I am here- share the love of Jesus- his life changing, soul saving, powerful love and grace, and mercy.
When I get worn out and tired- help me Jesus. When I get fearful and anxious- give me strength Lord.
When I need an extra dose of faith and courage- give me words.
When I need comfort wrap your arms around me Lord. This Holy Week, and every week, help my eyes stay on you, and shut out the noise. We love you Jesus with our whole heart, mind, and soul.
Amen Rhonda! Somehow I do not picture you ever getting worn out:) I’m amazed by all that you do and say! I love “stay close, stay alert, trust and obey”. Amen!
Amen Rhonda!❤️
Rhonda, Dear ♥️… you expressed my ♥️, as well! Yes, I am grateful for God’s Word, but I also get “caught up in my not so genius mind… definitely not scholarly”!! But God! I can obey what i DO know, Love God with my whole ♥️, serve as He directs me, in Worship and obedience to His revealed Word… loving freely, helping others find the Way, making Disciples… Today I am so grateful for Jesus, His life here with us, His death, resurrection, ascension and promised return… plus the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit… our Helper!!! Hallelujah, What a Savior!! ♥️♥️
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Amen!
Amen Rhonda! I share your thoughts exactly. Stay alert! Stay ready! Follow God’s word! Love Jesus with all your heart! ❤️
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Our Ancient of Days is our soon coming King! Our redemption draws near!
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Come Lord Jesus, Come!
Sometimes the world feels like it’s unraveling.
The news, the noise, the weight of it all—it’s a lot.
And inside, I carry my own questions, fears,
uncertainties I don’t always know how to name.
But then I remember:
Jesus saw all of this.
He stood in the temple, just days before the cross,
and He said, “Don’t be afraid.
Make up your mind not to worry.”
He didn’t say the road would be easy.
He said it would be costly,
and that following Him might lead through fire.
But He also said,
“I will give you the words. I will give you the wisdom.”
And that—
that changes everything.
Because the One who promised that
isn’t just a wise teacher.
He is the Son of Man—
the One Daniel saw in glory,
coming on the clouds,
given a kingdom that will never end.
So I can breathe again.
Because I don’t walk this road alone.
I don’t have to have all the answers.
I don’t even have to defend myself.
I just have to stay close.
To trust.
To listen.
To remember that Jesus already knows the end of the story—
and He’s still writing mine.
So today, I choose to let go of fear.
I choose to stand, to wait, to watch.
And when the moment comes,
I’ll speak—not in my strength,
but with the words He gives.
Because the Son of Man is near.
And His kingdom is coming.
Amen to this, Kimberly. ♥️
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Thank you, Kimberly Ann
Amen! Thank you
Thank you Kimberly. Amen ❤️
Amen! Beautifully said!
“If you don’t want me to run into fire, then don’t run into fire” -Princess Anna talking to Elsa (her sister) yes, I’m aware that she became queen at the end of the movie. I don’t know why I thought of this but enjoy anyways.
Love this perspective. Thanks for sharing
Yes! Thank you!
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Thank you, Kimberly Ann!
“I don’t have to have all the answers.
I don’t even have to defend myself.
I just have to stay close.”
Wonderfully written, Kimberly Ann!
Draw us nearer, precious Lord!
So good Kimberly Ann!! Thanks for reminding us of His presence and all the good that comes with the it!
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Beautifully written Kimberly Ann. Love this. ❤️
Jesus is just days from being put on trial, He won’t scramble to defend Himself, He will speak with God given authority to silence His accusers (Luke 22-23).
During this Holy Week Jesus faces, Religious Leaders (Sanhedrin), Political Leaders (Herod, Pilate), False Accusations. What Jesus says has unshakable authority, just as His followers will one day be called to.
We are called to trust fully in Gods presence and power “don’t prepare a defense in fear” “I will be your defense through divine wisdom” Luke 21:14-15.
Be resolved, trust God to speak and personally supply spirit inspired wisdom, His wisdom cannot be defeated.
“Be resolved, trust God to speak and personally supply spirit inspired wisdom, His wisdom cannot be defeated.”
Yes, Kimberly! And He gives freely.
Amen!
Pray, watch and be ready!
Like Tina, there was waayyy more temple & temple complex than I had ever pictured in my mind’s eye.
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And here we are again with a warning about lies in Luke 21:8, And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived …”
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As Josh Cooley reminds, be alert, be watchful and be ready.
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Praying for the lost & reminded of the song, Midnight Cry.
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ROBIN DOYLE – welcome!
ALAYNA P – eye opening comment, “Jesus wasn’t just flipping tables, He was clearing space for real connection with God.”
TAMI – praying as you walk these difficult days and that you would be filled with grace, especially on the days when exhaustion and frustration are overwhelming
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CEE GEE – thank you for pointing out “They were afraid of Him BECAUSE OF HIS TEACHING! That drove home for me the POWER of the WORD!”
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And we know that Jesus is the Word, John 1: 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
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We see it today, the power of His name – so powerful that public places ban the use of Jesus, those leading public prayers are often told to not mention Him and to not close with “in Jesus name” – yet offensive words and speech are rampant.
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SUSAN BURLEY – praying for Seth
CHERYL BLOW – praying for Levi
MICHELLE P – praying as things are sorted out after you advocated for your coworker
RHONDA J – yesterday’s comment ❤️
KELLY (NEO) praying for your young mama
Amen, sister! ❤
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Joining you in prayer. ❤
Thank you Searching:)
Praying for all these requests!
The prophecies in chapter 21 are difficult for me. I feel a lot of fear, especially when they seem incredibly relevant today. It makes me wonder why it has to be this way.
Then Jesus’ words in verse 28 caught my attention: “‘But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.’”
Lord, give me courage to stand and lift my head, seeing you through the chaos and trusting that You are still sovereign when everything feels unsure.
Amen! I am with you on this feeling, Lindsey. I pray my anxious heart and mind remember Jesus’ words from Verse 28.
Amen❤️
Agreed!
“Be resolved, trust God to speak and personally supply spirit inspired wisdom, His wisdom cannot be defeated.”
Yes, Kimberly! And He gives freely.
Yes, Lindsey!
Courage through the chaos!
“Our redemption is closer now than ever.”
Am I more ready than ever?
“But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Yes, Lord Jesus, help me/us to stand, faithful to You through it all.
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MARGARET W. – continuing to pray for you and your son’s transition.
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CHERYL BLOW – praying for baby Levi to make orogress.
Thank you for prayers for baby Levi!
Amen❤️
The first three paragraphs nearly had me walk away from continuing today! I am not a fan of history or things, I don’t believe have any bearing on my life.
The size, shape and style of the temple of two thousand years ago, has no bearing on my life… Right?
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Wrong!
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Because in my head and for as long as I can remember, I have in my head, as I have read any passage about the temple, I have assumed it to be the size of a church!
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Thank you, Josh Cooley, for empowering my mind to see the importance of the ‘putting into context’ I am now able to see and understand a lot more.. Funny that..
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BUT GOD..
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He comes for me, every day, making me more aware of Who He is and His patient love for me. He wants me to know, seriously understand the importance of the mundane things, the little things, the big things, the things I do not care to know, because it’s having all the information and knowledge that I can be whole and fully aware of what God has in store for me!
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I am to be alert. Absolutely!
I am to be watchful. Definitely!
I am to be ready. Without a doubt!
BUT I can only do that with the whole, in front of me, partially, doesn’t make the grade.. I need every bit of information to see the whole truth of Gods story, that is entwined with mine.
The whole truth And nothing but the truth.. will do!
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AMEN.
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Happy Tuesday, my loves..❤
Amen
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Yes!
To all of this!❤️
Amen!
Yes! Amen Tina!❤️
Be alert. Be watchful. Be ready ❤️
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