The Dwelling Place of God
The Temple in Jerusalem was an architectural wonder, having been built by Herod the Great, who was one of the great architects of the ancient world. The Jews referred to it as the "Second Temple" because the Babylonians destroyed the First Temple in 586 BC. Seventy years later some Jews returned and built a Second Temple, and it was this Temple that Herod rebuilt and beautified. The location of the Temple was very significant, the holy of holies rested upon the exact place where David bought the threshing floor of Auranah. Throughout Jewish history the High Priest would enter the holy of holies once per year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and sprinkle the sacrificial blood between the cherubim upon the mercy seat, which was the lid on the Ark of the Covenant, and inside of it was the law of God. The presence of the Lord was called the "Shekinah" and His glory would fill the Temple. The Lord referred to the Temple as His "dwelling place".
"And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers." - Luke 2:46-47
Herod's Temple
The Temple in Jerusalem was eventually destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD as foretold by Jesus. After Jesus rose again the dwelling place of God is in the body of every believer, which He calls "The Temple of the Holy Spirit."
Joseph and Mary's Flight into Egypt, Herod's Slaughter of the Infants in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary Return to Israel, Archelaus Ruling in Judea, Joseph and Mary Settle in Nazareth, Jesus Grows Strong in Spirit, Theological Insight about the Incarnation, The Boy Jesus Comes to the Temple, The Dwelling Place of God
"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." - Luke 2:40
The New Testament - A Brief Overview
| Brief History of the Childhood of Jesus Scriptures and Topics Covered: Joseph and Mary's Flight into Egypt (Mat 2:13-23). Herod's Slaughtering of the Infants (Mat 2:16-18). Joseph and Mary's Return to Israel (Mat 2:19-21). Archelaus Ruling in Judea (Mat 2:22). Joseph and Mary Settle in Nazareth (Mat 2:23; Lk 2:39). Jesus Grows Strong in Spirit (Lk 2:40). Jesus Visits Jerusalem (Lk 2:41-50). Jesus Increases in Wisdom (Lk 2:51-52). |