The Word Made Flesh
But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
Matthew 12:6
Read John 1:1-18
The priests performed their work in the temple, not only during the week,
but also on the Sabbath. This was considered a normal thing. No one condemned
this practice or called it a desecration of the day of rest. The Jews
had great respect for the temple service. Although they did not realize this,
the prescribed ordinances testified of Christ. The sacrifices brought there
pointed to the offering He would bring. The washing and cleansing rituals
pointed to the cleansing which was to be found in the Saviour. The fulfillment
of all the types and shadows found in the temple service was worth
much more than the shadows themselves.
Therefore the Jews ought to have had much greater esteem and more respect
for the Lord Jesus. Christ’s work stood far above that which took place
in the temple. The Saviour declared of Himself: One greater than the temple
is here (Matt. 12:6). The Godhead was not only to be found in Christ invisibly,
but the fullness of the Godhead dwelt in Him bodily. Christ Himself
spoke of rebuilding the temple of His body in three days. His life was a far
greater treasure than the physical temple where ordinances were fulfilled.
Christ is an immeasurable treasure given from heaven, far more glorious
than any earthly temple. He is the fulfillment of every ordinance performed
there. And since the temple work performed on the Sabbath was not considered
sinful, Christ’s purposeful work on the Sabbath cannot be regarded
as sinful either. That also means that the disciples’ activity in a field of corn
on the Sabbath was not sinful.
Thought: The sacrifice of Christ is of far more value than all the sacrifices
brought into the temple.
Psalter 109:1,2 (based on Psalm 40)
The offering on the altar burned Gives no delight to Thee;
The hearing ear, the willing heart, Thou givest unto me.
Then, O my God, I come, I come, Thy purpose to fulfill;
Thy law is written in my heart, It’s joy to do Thy will.
