The Temple and the Passion
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Understanding the deep significance of the fading of the Temple, and the transition to the Passion of Christ.
Text: Luke 21:37-22:2
Date: 06/29/2025, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 199
Description:
As the sun physically sets on the final day of Jesus' earthly public ministry, the Temple fades into shadows. But high above it, on the Mount known as Olivet, the glorious, golden light brilliantly illuminates the preeminent One-- Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone of the New Temple. In a transitional passage unique to Luke, we will return to a discussion of the Temple for a brief moment to consider the teaching and events of the last week. But as the Temple fades into the background of Luke's Gospel, Jesus as the New Temple takes center stage. We will first consider why Luke would re-emphasize the Temple before moving forward, and then set the groundwork for the extended study of the Passover that will surround the Last Supper. Ultimately, we will recognize the deep significance of the transition from the Temple to the Passion-- where sins will be permanently atoned for and God will remain in the midst of His chosen ones forever
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I. Introduction
A. A Threshold to the Passion, Luke 9:51, 19:28.
B. A transitional passage.
C. A puzzle.
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 21:37-22:2.
A. Context
1. Imagining the scene, Matt. 26:1-2.
2. Continued confrontation with evil, Luke 20:17.
3. Prophet, Priest, and King, Luke 21:27.
B. From the Temple to the Passover to the Passion.
1. Setting the scene, vs. 21:37.
a. Noticing an "inclusio", Luke 19:47-48.
b. Return to the Temple.
i. Establishing a timeline.
1) Saturday, John 12:1.
2) Sunday, Mark 11:11.
3) Monday, Mark 11:12.
4) Tuesday/Wednesday, Mark 11:20.
5) The interpretation, John 12:36.
ii. Teaching in the temple.
1) A simple summation.
2) Exposing the apostasy of the Jews, Luke 19:45.
a) A graphic comparison, Luke 19:45-46.
b) The tone of Jesus' teaching.
3) The Temple as it should have been, Ezek. 43:5.
4) Pathway to the New Temple, Matt. 7:24-25.
c. The nightly lodgings, John 12:1,7; Mark 11:11; Matt. 21:17.
2. The mood in Jerusalem, vs. 21:38.
a. The zeal of both students and Teacher, Judg. 9:33.
b. Lessons as the Temple loses focus.
i. The compassion of Jesus, Matt. 9:36; John 12:37-38; Luke 23:34.
ii. The importance of the Word, Matt. 28:18-20.
3. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, vs. 22:1.
a. Establishing the timeline, Matt. 26:2.
b. Focus on the Passover.
i. Defining "Passover", Ex. 12:6,8,12,14,18.
ii. A Passover primer, Ex. 12:12.
1) The reason for first Passover, Ex. 12:12,29.
2) The New Testament connection to the Passover, Rom. 3:23; 1Cor. 5:7.
3) The significance of the leaven, Ex. 12:1,19,39; 1Cor. 5:6.
4. Plotting an execution, vs. 22:2.
a. The culprits, Luke 19:19,39,47.
i. The chief priests, Matt. 26:3-4.
ii. The scribes, Luke 20:46.
b. Reasons for the intent.
i. Financial fury.
ii. Contended authority, Luke 20:1-2.
iii. The threat of Rome, John 11:49,50,53.
c. The hypocrisy, Matt. 26:4.
d. An important dynamic.
III. Conclusion
