One Greater than the Temple
Open Your Bible
John 1:1-3, John 1:14, Luke 2:25-32, Matthew 12:3-8, John 2:14-22, Matthew 26:57-66, Matthew 27:39-40, Mark 15:33-39
BY Nicole Smithee
Where do you feel closest to God? Some might answer while hiking in the woods or sitting at the beach listening to the waves crash against the shore. Others might say they feel closest to God while attending their local church service, worshiping the Lord alongside their brothers and sisters. A number of believers might describe sitting at their kitchen table in the first minutes of their morning, sipping coffee and reading Scripture. Some might describe feeling nearest to God at the dinner table, laughing and eating amongst the family they love.
For God’s people during Jesus’s time on earth, the answer would have been obvious—they would experience God’s presence at the temple. This is where they had worshiped and sacrificed to the Lord since the days of old, when Solomon reigned over a united and prosperous Israel. But Jesus boldly declared to God’s people that He Himself was the temple they were looking for—one not made by human hands but the Word made flesh dwelling among them (John 1:14). The implications of this message are extraordinary! Our experience of God’s presence is no longer restricted to a physical location but now is a forever reality through the person of Jesus.
Jesus not only declared Himself to be the temple in which we encounter God’s presence but said that He was the One who would be destroyed and raised back up in three days (John 2:19). Truly, Jesus was destroyed—betrayed, arrested, accused, beaten, ridiculed, and crucified (Matthew 15:33-39). Christ’s body was broken for our transgressions, and He overcame death and the grave to offer anyone who would believe in Him eternal life. As magnificent and holy as the temple of the Lord was in Jerusalem, Jesus is the One greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6). The temple offered a place of momentary atonement and nearness to God. Jesus offers eternal salvation and continual intimacy with God.
It’s this incomprehensible sacrifice and incomparable triumph that makes dwelling with God in every moment of our lives—and for all eternity—possible. Jesus has reconciled us to God. We have been brought into right relationship with God, not by our works but by God’s extravagant grace. Jesus shows us who God is and what it means to truly abide in Him. And Jesus promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of God alive in us, our ever present Helper and Comforter.
Certainly, there are moments as followers of Jesus in which we feel closer to God than others. In truth though, because of Jesus, God is always with us. Our prayer need not be, “God, draw near to me.” Through Jesus, He already has. Instead, our continual prayer can be, “Lord, help me draw near to you and to grow in my awareness of your presence.”
45 thoughts on "One Greater than the Temple"
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I love the little prayer at the end of the devotional today! “Lord, help me draw near to You.” I pray this every day and I’m grateful that God has answered me and has given me the opportunity to join a church community near me and start volunteering there. I am so thankful that because of Jesus and His sacrifice I am able to grow nearer to God and can feel His presence everywhere in my life now. I am praying for all of you and hope you had a wonderful Tuesday!! ❤️
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I find Jesus often in nature, sitting quietly, walking, listening to the sounds around me. The wind whispering, birds singing, water babbling. It brings such peace. When I struggle with sleep (way too much), I imagine Jesus being with me in a nature scene I create in my mind. We don’t need to talk, just be in His presence. May you find His ️ in the moments of your day.
Lifting . -
I feel closest to God when I am worshipping at church or outside. Right now I am sitting in my backyard hearing the birds chirping, looking at the trees waking up from winter and feeling the sun on my skin.
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“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Today I woke up seeing snow on the ground, the cold is back, and some anxiety and fear filling in my mind. I would appreciate your prayers over a pressing matter that has caused me to feel forsaken.
@FOSTER MAMA: what a wise answer your goddaughter gave. Prayers for the new baby and upcoming arrangements to go smoothly.
@SEARCHING: life is too short :( prayers for the wife and child and all others connecting during sudden grief. So sorry.
@MICHELLE PATIRE: congrats on your song release!
@TAYLOR: prayers for your friend’s marriage and your knee recovery.
@MIA FAITH: continual strength and grace for all in your family.
@ADRIENNE: praying all is well.
@AMANDA NOBLE: are you with us? Prayers over your family, your peace.Be blessed dear sisters.
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Me again Dear Shes. Sleeping much better. Though not consistently. Combination of night time non & pre-scribed “elixir” seems to work. Plus Psalm 116:7, “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you”. God have mercy. Christ have mercy. Spirit have mercy.
Hugs to everyone for their care & concern for my insomnia! -
Today’s reading reminded me of two songs about the presence of God, and I hope they encourage anyone who needs to hear them:
Be With Me – Bryan & Katie Torwalt
Another in the Fire – Hillsong United -
Continuous intimacy with God! What a gift! I made commitment a couple of years ago to be conscious of small things going on in my life and stopping in the moment to praise God. For example: washing my invalid MIL’s hair during her final days on earth, A funny joke shared with grands, coffee with dear friends even the oft repeated losing and finding of my glasses etc. It has been a discipline that has reaped big rewards of laughter, encouragement and feeling connected to God for me! Amen to all the prayers for help drawing nearer to our Lord God
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Hello Shes!
Popping in, honoring the ever present Lord. Not actively participating in this community read, but not removed from the spirit. Taking a class on early church history held @ nearby cathedral & taught by an associate priest @ church I attend. Joining the class in person. Not on line. About 20 of us! The “presence of God” through the body of Christ (“disciples” gathered) seeking & praising Him! Had always wondered about how the Eleven came out of hiding; became the twelve, emboldened by the Holy Spirit; to foster & develop a belief system & body of teachings sustained & nurtured over 2000 years! That only happens through constant conversation & commitment to a heavenly cause. The risen Christ remains IN us! Abides in us. Teaching. Guiding. Providing. In unison, yet intimacy!
Much Love. More later.
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