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Jesus’ Last Visit to the Temple
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hearers. In a voice choked by anguish and bitter tears He exclaimed,
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest
them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered
thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under
her wings, and ye would not!” In the lamentation of Christ the very
heart of God poured forth. It was the mysterious farewell of the
long-suffering love of the Deity.
Pharisees and Sadducees were alike silenced. Jesus summoned
His disciples and prepared to leave the temple, not as one defeated,
but as one whose work was accomplished. He retired a victor from
the contest.
On that eventful day, in many hearts new thoughts started into
life, and a new history began. After the crucifixion and resurrection,
these persons came to the front with wisdom and zeal. They bore
a message that appealed to hearts. Before their testimony human
theories and philosophies became as idle fables.
But Israel as a nation had divorced herself from God. Looking for
the last time on the interior of the temple, Jesus said with mournful
pathos, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto
you, ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He
that cometh in the name of the Lord.” As the Son of God should
pass out from those walls, God’s presence would be withdrawn
forever from the temple built to His glory. Its ceremonies would be
meaningless, its services a mockery.
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