This verse, Mark 14:58, is part of the false testimony brought against Jesus during his trial. It's crucial to understand that it's likely a distorted and twisted version of something Jesus actually said. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
"We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple that is made with hands...": This likely refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Jewish people. The accusation implies Jesus threatened to destroy this sacred building.
"...and in three days I will build another made without hands.'": This is the more cryptic and significant part. It's understood by Christians as a veiled reference to Jesus's death and resurrection.
Here's how it's generally interpreted:
The "temple made with hands" symbolizes the physical Temple in Jerusalem: It represents the old covenant, the old order, and the established religious system.
"I will destroy this temple..." This suggests the end of that old order. With Jesus's sacrifice, the need for the Temple's sacrificial system would be superseded.
"...and in three days I will build another made without hands." This refers to the resurrection of Jesus's body. It's a "temple" not built by human hands but by God's power. This spiritual "temple" is often interpreted to mean:
Jesus's resurrected body: He becomes the new temple, the dwelling place of God.
The Christian church: The body of believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becomes the new temple of God (see 1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 2:21).
Key Considerations:
Distortion and Misunderstanding: The verse is presented as a false accusation. Jesus likely said something similar, but it was twisted and misunderstood to paint him as a threat to the Temple and Jewish tradition.
Symbolic Language: Jesus often spoke in parables and symbolic language. His words were not always meant to be taken literally.
Fulfillment in Resurrection: Christians believe the true meaning of Jesus's words became clear after his resurrection. His death and resurrection ushered in a new covenant and a new way of relating to God.
In Summary:
Mark 14:58, while a false accusation, points to the profound truth of Jesus's mission. He came to replace the old covenant with a new one, centered on his sacrifice and resurrection. The "temple not made with hands" represents the new reality of God's presence in Jesus and the community of believers.
This verse, Mark 14:58, is part of the false testimony brought against Jesus during his trial. It's crucial to understand that it's likely a distorted and twisted version of something Jesus actually said. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
"We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple that is made with hands...": This likely refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Jewish people. The accusation implies Jesus threatened to destroy this sacred building.
"...and in three days I will build another made without hands.'": This is the more cryptic and significant part. It's understood by Christians as a veiled reference to Jesus's death and resurrection.
Here's how it's generally interpreted:
The "temple made with hands" symbolizes the physical Temple in Jerusalem: It represents the old covenant, the old order, and the established religious system.
"I will destroy this temple..." This suggests the end of that old order. With Jesus's sacrifice, the need for the Temple's sacrificial system would be superseded.
"...and in three days I will build another made without hands." This refers to the resurrection of Jesus's body. It's a "temple" not built by human hands but by God's power. This spiritual "temple" is often interpreted to mean:
Jesus's resurrected body: He becomes the new temple, the dwelling place of God.
The Christian church: The body of believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becomes the new temple of God (see 1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 2:21).
Key Considerations:
Distortion and Misunderstanding: The verse is presented as a false accusation. Jesus likely said something similar, but it was twisted and misunderstood to paint him as a threat to the Temple and Jewish tradition.
Symbolic Language: Jesus often spoke in parables and symbolic language. His words were not always meant to be taken literally.
Fulfillment in Resurrection: Christians believe the true meaning of Jesus's words became clear after his resurrection. His death and resurrection ushered in a new covenant and a new way of relating to God.
In Summary:
Mark 14:58, while a false accusation, points to the profound truth of Jesus's mission. He came to replace the old covenant with a new one, centered on his sacrifice and resurrection. The "temple not made with hands" represents the new reality of God's presence in Jesus and the community of believers.