Stones

“As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!’” Mark 13:1 ESV

The temple in Jerusalem had become the pride of the Jewish people. This magnificent building, built by Herod the Great, was a powerful symbol, the centerpiece of their heritage and history. Recent archeological investigations have revealed more details involved in the construction process. The project began in 19 BC and involved an estimated 10,000 skilled laborers.

Of the central aspects of this construction were the stones used in the building process. Many stones were huge, weighing as many as 160,000 pounds! The stonecutters used highly advanced techniques to locate and unearth these stones. Special techniques were developed to transport these stones on large wooden rollers. According to the ancient historian Josephus, 1,000 oxen were used in this transportation alone.

And the process of fitting stones together required almost unimaginable precision. We still can see some of these stones on the temple mount today, where stones weighing over 80 tons remain in place at a height of at least 100 feet above the foundations.

Even though they probably didn’t know these details, the disciples were proud of the temple. This was clear after they emerged from the temple and exclaimed to Jesus, “Look.” The Greek word here indicates great surprise. Even though they had seen the temple before, on this occasion they could not hold back their delight.

The disciples particularly were impressed with the stones used in the temple. But Jesus had a completely different perspective. These stones (and the temple) might have been impressive, but He urged them to remember that none of the stones of “these great buildings” will be left.

It was in this context that He provided prophetic insights about future events. His words remind us why we need to have God’s perspective on the things of this earth. Stones and buildings and earthly kingdoms may be impressive, but they will not last.

Prayer: Father, help me to seek first Your Kingdom. Give me Your priorities for my life and the things of this world. I trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.