The Temple Replaced
The detail Matthew uses to make a point in his Gospel is astounding. From the time Jesus enters Jerusalem for the final few days before crucifixion, Matthew highlights over and over that Jesus is replacing the temple as the meeting place between God and man.
Old Testament priests had a two-fold calling: to represent God to the people (in teaching about Him and living lives that reflected His character) and representing the people to God (carefully bringing the peoples’ sacrifices before God and interceding for the people).
The temple priests failed on both accounts. They no longer represented God and no longer honoured the people’s sacrifices and needs.
When Judas brought the thirty pieces of silver back to the temple chief priests and elders, he confessed ‘I have betrayed innocent blood’ (27:4). If they had any heart for truth and what was right, they would have listened to Judas. But their response was one of disdain ‘What is that to us? See to that yourself’ (27:4).
The temple was no longer led by men who cared for right and wrong; expediency now ruled. The priests’ roles were constantly being violated; the temple’s purpose had been completely forgotten. The temple’s fate was sealed.
Within hours Jesus would be crucified. The new and final meeting place between God and man was now in Him – purchased through His death for us. The curtain in the temple split right down the middle (27:52). Faith in Jesus could and would now bring millions fully into God’s saving presence.
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