November 13, 2024 Devo

November 13th, 2024

“It’s All About Jesus!”
Questions Jesus Asked
As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” – Matthew 16:26 (NLT)
“Look for Jesus”

Isn’t it funny how fascinated we can become with superficial things? In fact, so much so that we often overlook that which is TRULY amazing and wonderful! Our passage today is a great example. Here are the disciples leaving the temple with Jesus, and what captures their imaginations? The BUILDING! They lock in on the big stones, the fancy masonry work, and the huge columns. They’re so caught up in the architecture that they completely lose sight of the fact they are walking with The Architect of The Universe! Now THAT’S short-sightedness!
But that’s our human nature, isn’t it? We’re mesmerized by superficial beauty. We’re impressed by people and things that are slick and cool. We’re wowed by stuff that shines brightly for a moment—though things like that often flame out as quickly as they light up.
Jesus reminded his disciples that these things that are so wildly impressive often don’t last. And this prophesy He made was incredibly accurate. In 70 A.D. the temple that they were so in awe of would be utterly destroyed. In fact, the temple and the surrounding buildings were wiped out so completely that there is no trace of them today. There’s even doubt as to where they exactly were. This fascination with the superficial reminds me of when Samuel came to Jesse to anoint a new king for Israel. If Samuel would have had his way, he would have anointed Eliab, David’s oldest brother, because of how impressive he looked. But God said, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” So should we.
Don’t go to church looking for impressive buildings and fancy coffee bars. Look for the presence of God. Don’t get swept away by people who are talented or charismatic. Look for their hearts. Look for their character. All the things on the outside pass away. Look deeper. Look for Jesus. He’ll still be around long after the other stuff is gone. That’s God’s Word for you today.