Topical Encyclopedia
The Second Temple, a significant edifice in Jewish history, served as the center of Jewish worship in Jerusalem from approximately 516 BC until its destruction in AD 70. It was during the period of this temple that a pivotal event in the life of Jesus Christ occurred, as recorded in the New Testament.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is described as being miraculously transported to a pinnacle of the Second Temple during His temptation by Satan. This event is a profound moment in the narrative of Christ's earthly ministry, illustrating both His divine nature and His steadfast obedience to God the Father.
The account is found in
Matthew 4:5-7 : "Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. 'If You are the Son of God,' he said, 'throw Yourself down. For it is written: "He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone."' Jesus replied, 'It is also written: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."'"
This passage highlights several key theological themes. Firstly, the location—the pinnacle of the temple—symbolizes the height of religious authority and the centrality of the temple in Jewish life. By being placed there, Jesus is positioned at the heart of Jewish worship and identity, underscoring His role as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
Secondly, the temptation itself is significant. Satan's challenge to Jesus to throw Himself down is a test of divine protection and a misuse of Scripture, as Satan quotes
Psalm 91:11-12. Jesus' response, quoting
Deuteronomy 6:16, emphasizes the importance of trusting God without testing Him, demonstrating His perfect obedience and understanding of Scripture.
This event also prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. While He refuses to test God by leaping from the temple, He later willingly submits to the will of the Father, leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. The pinnacle of the temple thus becomes a symbol of Christ's authority and His mission to redeem humanity.
In the broader context of the Second Temple period, this event reflects the tension between the established religious order and the new covenant that Jesus inaugurates. The temple, while central to Jewish worship, is also a place where Jesus challenges the religious leaders and their interpretations of the Law.
The miraculous transportation of Christ to the pinnacle of the Second Temple is a profound testament to His divine nature and mission. It serves as a reminder of His authority over all creation and His unwavering commitment to the will of the Father, setting the stage for His redemptive work on the cross.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 4:5Then the devil takes him up into the holy city, and sets him on a pinnacle of the temple,
Torrey's Topical TextbookLuke 4:9
And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, If you be the Son of God, cast yourself down from hence:
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Temptation of Christ
... but once, and was conquered; but the second Adam, though ... Angels came and ministered
unto Christ; and he who is ... him upon a pinnacle of the temple, learn also a ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the temptation of christ.htm
Resources
What is the temple tax? | GotQuestions.orgHow many times did Jesus cleanse the temple? Why did He cleanse the temple? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the temple veil being torn in two when Jesus died? | GotQuestions.orgTemple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus