The Western Wall

‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer.’ (Matthew 21.13)

Looking around 

The Western Wall, or Wailing Wall, is all that’s left of a much larger wall that used to surround the Temple Mount: a magnificent architectural complex, initiated by King Herod the Great (c.72–4 BC). Yet all except the Western Wall was razed to the ground by Roman armies in 70 AD when Jewish rebels resisting an extended siege were finally overcome.  

The term ‘Wailing Wall’ refers to Jews previously using the wall as a place of lament over their destroyed Temple, city, and nation. These days Israelis tend to speak of the Western Wall. It is still a place of prayer and pilgrimage. 

In Jesus’ day, countless pilgrims had flocked to the Temple. He taught and healed people there, as well as driving out those who were turning worship into a lucrative business of currency exchange and the sale of sacrificial animals. 

The walls that ‘heard the voice of Jesus’ also echoed with the shouts of praise of those who’d begun to realize that he might be the Messiah. No wonder the established religious leaders challenged him before long. 

Stepping closer 

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood tells the story of children’s TV star, Mr. Rogers, and investigative journalist Lloyd Vogel, a hurting young man who is set on destroying Rogers’ sterling reputation. Instead, Vogel finds that Rogers is willing to give him space to lament and process the pain buried inside, which ultimately leads to his inner healing. Do we make room for our hurt?  

Nowadays, people pray and lament at the Western Wall. In our broken and complex world, where things aren’t as they should be, the Bible permits individuals and communities to voice their pain. Is lament an expression of a lack of faith? Quite the opposite. Crying out to God in our distress is a way of expressing both grief and trust: that God is big enough to handle the problem. To lament is to have faith!   

When was the last time you lamented? Take time now to let your suppressed hurt and emotions rise up. God is big enough and he’s listening.