Author: Clark Brown

Recall that Jesus had just previously spoken of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, which was portended by the Jewish leaders’ rejection of Him as their Messiah.  Now as they are returning to Bethany Jesus’ disciples have come to Him on the Mount of Olives overlooking the city and the temple mount and asked…

Recall that in response to the cataclysmic events Jesus had just spoken of in regard to Jerusalem and the temple His disciples had come to Him on the Mount of Olives and asked when those things would take place, and what would be the sign that they were about to happen.  Those events would, and…

Read Matthew 24:1-41, and then read The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem from Philip Schaff’s History of the Christian Church, Volume I, answering the several questions interspersed there and those that follow: The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. A. D. 70 History of the Christian Church, Volume I — Philip Schaff…

Recall that Jesus has forsaken the temple, having been driven from it by those who would have it for themselves and who would have their spirit fill it rather than the Holy Spirit of God.  And just as in Ezekiel’s vision the glory of God went up from the midst of the city and stood…

Recall that the magnificent glory of God hidden within the humble earthenware vessel of Christ has just left Herod’s temple for the last time, having been driven from it by those who would have it filled with the spirit of their own worldly religion rather than the Holy Spirit of God.  In this context, what…

Recall one of the most great and central truths in all of Scripture that is rooted in the divine nature and that was most manifest in the person of Jesus Christ: By veiling our own glory there is a much greater glory to be had—indeed a glory that has no limits and increases without bound. …

Recall Phil 2:5-11 and consider that although He existed in the very form of God, Christ in no manner sought to seize control from, demand equality with, or usurp authority from the Father as His head, but in humble submission and complete faith in His Father’s lovingkindness, He veiled His glory in an earthenware vessel,…

As they were leaving the temple, what did Jesus’ disciples’ point out to Him?  See Mat 24:1; cf. Luk 21:5.  What does their pointing out the temple buildings to Him and noting its beautiful stones and votive gifts indicate about the impression the temple had upon them and how they viewed it?  In light of…

What is the significance of the first words from Mat 24:1 in light of the preceding context?  See Mat 23:38-39 and recall that Jerusalem’s “house” refers primarily to the temple.  Having departed from the temple, did Jesus ever return to it again?  What happens to any habitation when God’s presence forsakes it?  See Mat 23:38,…