We have been looking at the days and events “After Acts” – significant events in the church’s development and history. Not long ago we discussed a secular event – the burning of Rome – and how it impa. cted believers because of the concentrated persecution efforts of the Roman Empire. The church would spend the next 300 years suffering and struggling for social acceptance. Today our discussion will focus on the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple.
Now as Jesus was going out of the temple courts and walking away, his disciples came to show him the temple buildings. 2 And he said to them, “Do you see all these things? I tell you the truth, not one stone will be left on another. All will be torn down!”
Matthew 24:1-2
New English Translation
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Matthew 24:1-2 MESSAGE
Matthew 24:1-2 HCSB
Catastrophic Destruction
Today we look at another secular event holding vast spiritual significance for both Judaism and Christianity. In 70 AD the land of Judea was plunged into cataclysmic chaos and turmoil. Scores of Jews throughout the land had made their way back to Jerusalem after the crushing defeat of the Roman garrisons in 66 AD by the Zealots. The Jewish population swelled, with over 100,000 people seeking to return home and to escape the spreading and strengthening persecution from the Empire. Bands of Zealots and other Jewish rebels roamed the countryside attacking Roman garrisons and all those accused of being sympathetic to the Roman cause.
The Power of Rome
In April of 70 AD the Roman General, Titus, who would later become Caesar, besieged the city and left the entire population trapped inside. As the Romans tightened their noose around the city, the Zealots began fighting with other, confused and scared Jewish groups inside the gates. Anarchy, fear, starvation, and mass burnings of supplies and food reigned supreme. Many Jewish families plummeted over the walls hoping to find solace in more open spaces.
The Roman army numbered about 30,000, overpowering the Jewish troops by over 6,000 soldiers. According to Tacitus, a Roman historian, there were about 600,000 visitors crowding the streets of Jerusalem for the Passover.
Rome surrounding the city for five months, prohibiting anyone from entering and killing anyone who tried to escape. Shortly after five months, the Roman soldiers stormed the walls. The weakened and frustrated Jewish army could not muster the energy to fight off the intruding soldiers. The walls gave way with a thundering roar, the Temple and other buildings were burned to the ground, and the city was left ruined and desolate.
Records show that over a million Jews were killed. Legions of Roman soldiers took another 95,000 captivates away to Caesarea. One of those captured was the historian Josephus. Many Christians had earlier fled from the city, relying on the words of Jesus (Matthew 24).
WEB RESOURCES | DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM
- Warfare History Network | The Fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE
- Live Science | Key Events in the Bible Confirmed
- World History.org | The Siege of Jerusalem
- Bible History | The Destruction of Jerusalem
- My Jewish Learning | The Temple and its Destruction
- Jewish History.org | The Destruction of the Second Temple
- The Origins of Christianity | Destruction of the Temple
Impact of the Destruction of the City
In the very late fourth century, biblical translator and monk Jerome described the Jews returning to Jerusalem to observe the ninth day of the month of Ab, the anniversary of the destruction of the Temple. “Overcome with mourning,” he wrote, they “are prohibited from entering Jerusalem. So that they may be allowed to weep over the ruins of their own city they pay a hefty price, and those who shed Christ’s blood now shed their own tears.”
Jerusalem has always been important to Christians. Contemplating that through its streets Jesus walked, taught, performed miracles, and more importantly, suffered, died, and rose again, the significance of Jerusalem to the Christian world appears obvious. This is why Helen, the mother of Constantine, built churches there in the fourth century to commemorate the events in the life of Christ. It is why Christians from every denomination visit Jerusalem visit every year.
For Christians, the destruction of the Temple placed an emphasis upon the absence of records of David’s lineage (no way to realize who should sit on the throne), the absence of records of Levi’s lineage (no way to realize who should serve as a priest), and the absence of Temple sacrifices. In all three, Jesus’ fulfillment of the Old Testament requirements shines in their absence.
For the Jews, the loss of the Temple was particularly devastating. The Temple was the center of their religious worship. It was also a symbol of national identity. Jews were displaced, sold into slavery, and fled from the region. They established communities throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. The different cultures shaped the Jewish experience and identity. Almost everything about Judaism underwent a shift in practice and thought. The result was the surging of Rabbinic Judaism, wrestling Jewish control from the Temple to the classroom.
For the Roman Empire, the destruction of Jerusalem secured a significant victory. The show of power strengthened the rule of Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus. The success was celebrated in Rome with a triumphal procession, as seen on the Arch of Titus. The victory consolidated the power of the Empire after the struggles of the year of Four Emperors.
Conclusions
As we bring our lesson on the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple to a close, here are some questions for you to ponder about the truths of this lesson.
- Can the government bring an end to religious activities?
- At what point does a believer have to rebel against the government?
- If Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, why do some Christians still treat Israel with special consideration? Do you think that God still has plans for Israel and Jerusalem?