During our Lord Jesus' earthly ministry, Herod's temple was still standing. After 40 days of Jesus' birth, Mary and Joseph went to the temple to dedicate Him to God (Luke 2:22-38). Since then, Mary and Joseph, with Jesus, have gone to the temple every year for the Passover festival (Luke 2:41). When Jesus was 12 years old, He stayed in the temple by himself for three days after the Feast of the Passover without Mary and Joseph knowing it. Mary and Joseph thought that Jesus was with them as they walked back home, but they realized later that Jesus was not with them, so they went back to the temple, and they saw Jesus talking to the teachers in the temple, asking them questions. The teachers were amazed at Jesus' understanding of the Word of God (Luke 2:41-52). When Jesus started his ministry at 30 years old, he performed many miracles, including healing blind and lame people in the courtyard of the temple (Matthew 21:14). Two times, Jesus cleansed the Temple courtyard from merchants selling animals and exchanging currency (John 2:14-16; Matthew 21:12-13).
The temple was significant for the Jewish people and our Lord Jesus; however, when He died on the cross, the purpose of the temple, which was to deal with our sins, was completed. The curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn in half when Jesus died on the cross, signifying that anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus will now have direct access to the presence of our Heavenly Father. Jesus replaced the animal sacrifices with His sacrificial death on the cross; therefore, we do not need to sacrifice animals for our sins. Jesus also replaced the High Priests because He is now representing us with His righteousness before our Heavenly Father. We can ask God for forgiveness of our sins directly from our Heavenly Father through our Lord Jesus. Jesus is now our everlasting High Priest who can understand everything that we are going through (Hebrews 4:14).
The Roman Empire destroyed the temple in 70 AD, and we have never had one since. Instead, we have become the Temple of the Holy Spirit for those who believe in the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Who is now my High Priest? Why don't I need to offer animal sacrifices for my sins anymore? Who is now the Temple of the Holy Spirit?
Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for sending my Lord Jesus to save me from my sins. I praise you for having my Lord Jesus as my High Priest, who completely understands what I am going through, listens to my prayers, and is always with me in my difficulties. Please give me the wisdom and strength to go through the day. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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