As Jesus led the disciples down from the Temple, they asked Him about what He had just said: "Look, your house is left to you desolate" (Matthew 23:38). They pointed out the huge strong stone structure which they thought would last for ever. For them, the Temple was the evidence of God's presence, who was pleased with the sacrifices and acts of worship. It was unthinkable that God's house could ever be desolate. Jesus' words were unsettling.
 
Later, when they were alone with the Master, the trainee apostles asked Him to explain. He told His men that the Temple was not permanent; it was not indestructible. It would be reduced to rubble. That was shocking to hear. So the disciples asked two questions: when that might be, and what will be the sign of Your coming again and the end of the age? They may have thought that the two were linked, but they were asked and answered separately (Matthew 24:4-28; Matthew 24:29-51).
 
Although the Temple was still under construction (it had taken almost 50 years up to that time and it would not be completed until AD64) it had an atmosphere of permanence. Everybody thought that God would never allow the Temple to be destroyed. But God allowed the Temple (the place where God lived) of Christ's body to be destroyed (John 2:19-21). But unlike Jesus Christ who was raised again, the gigantic stone Temple was pulled down by General Titus and his Roman army in AD70 and has never been rebuilt.
 
We all need security. We look for it in our own strength or the strength of others, in permanent buildings or institutions or in religion. The truth is that all those securities will fail, even the most lavish, wise or strong Christless religion. Only Jesus Christ will stand for ever with the Father and the Spirit, and with all those who put their trust in Him alone. Nothing else can create a certain future. That is why, although we live in this world, it cannot be our home: although we work in this world, it can never bring lasting reward. That is why we need Jesus and we need to share the gospel so that others will find the ultimate security they have always been looking for.