Our Temples and Buildings: A beautiful building, the Temple –laboriously built and the pride of the people. Impressive now, Jesus agrees, but not one stone will be left upon stone. The kingdom he offers is not about fancy buildings. His kingdom will, however, remain after all else has been destroyed.

Jesus and his friends have come to the city of Jerusalem and are standing outside the beautiful Temple. The temple was huge – a lot bigger than our church. And people had worked hard for years and years to build it. Jesus’ friends were really impressed. “Look, Jesus”, they were saying, “Look how huge the stones are and how awesome this building is.” Jesus wanted his friends to understand that buildings are good, but we don’t need fancy buildings to do the work he wants us to do. So he told his friends that one day this fancy building would all be torn down. And one day it was. The building is gone, but the church continues. I wonder how that can be?

Assume that this is the first time the disciples had had the time to really tour the Temple. I wonder how you describe their awe at being in this magnificent place. 

Assume the disciples had a bit of time to try to understand what Jesus had said in verse 2. What do you think the disciples made of Jesus’ response (verses 5-8) following their question in verse 4?

As we consider what we, this community of believers, is being called to do in Jesus name, let us notice the resources we have – the people who make up our community – and the place where we meet. How can we use these resources to rebuild our congregation?

Prayer: Timeless One, you create all moments of our lives, giving each its meaning and its purpose. Strengthen us to witness continually to the love of Jesus Christ, so that we may hold fast in times of trial, even to the end of the ages. Amen. Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002) alt.