Matthew 24:1

Tuesday of Passion Week.

§ 118. JESUS FORETELLS THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM, vv. AND DISTINGUISHES IT FROM THE FINAL JUDGMENT, Matthew 24:1-15 , Matthew 25:1-30 .

1. Jesus went out, and departed from the temple It was probably near the close of the day. From the temple, where he closed the pathetic prediction of the desolation of Jerusalem at the end of the last chapter, he doubtless bent his course toward Bethany, over the Mount of Olives. And his disciples came to him As he made a pause in his departure, probably they brought up before him, to call his attention to the magnificence of the temple. “Master, see,” was their animated language, according to Mark, “what manner of stones and what buildings are here.” And Luke notes how it was “adorned with goodly stones and gifts.” The stones of many ancient structures are called Cyclopean, from their stupendous size; and it is a matter of wonder and conjecture by what mechanism they were conveyed to the place they occupy. Robinson measured stones in the ruins of Baalbec, Syria, one sixty-four feet and another sixty three feet eight inches in length. And the gifts in the sacred depository were, many of them, offerings of kings. Must then so noble a pile be destroyed? If compassion could have saved it, doubtless it would have been saved. But even divine tenderness cannot save the incorrigibly impenitent.