The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

FULFILLED PROPHECY

When Jesus prophesied the destruction of the temple, he was standing on the grounds of that magnificently adorned place of worship. The temple was at the heart of Israel’s religious life, and Herod the Great had initiated an extravagant refurbishing process: residents and tourists saw gold- and silver-plated gates, golden grapevine clusters that decorated the courtyard, and ornate Babylonian linen tapestries that hung from the temple veil. Even a Roman historian, Tacitus, was impressed, declaring it to be an “immensely opulent temple.”

Jesus’ prediction must have seemed unlikely, even unthinkable, to the people listening. Not only was the temple itself impressive, but Jesus lived during a time when Judaism was experiencing great Messianic fervor, with high expectations of national deliverance from Roman rule. How could it be that this building that stood at the center of Jewish life and hope would be reduced to a heap of rubble? But just a few short decades later, in AD 70, Roman forces attacked the city of Jerusalem and ransacked, demolished and burned the temple.

Despite the tragic nature of this episode in history, it highlights a great truth: Jesus’ words are reliable. As God’s people now live in the hope of Jesus’ return, the final resurrection and all the other promises of Jesus that have yet to come to pass, they can find reassurance in knowing that Jesus’ prophecies have proven reliable time and time again. Christian hope is well founded on the One who does not change (Mal 3:6; Jas 1:17).

Jesus, I don’t always understand some of your promises, but help me to believe in them anyway. I know your Word does not change. Amen.