Teenage Sunday School: The Temple and how it was rebuilt in three days

Read 2 Chronicles 5:1-14 (whole chapter)

We're starting a list on the board of things that are in the Temple or things that happen in the Temple. So far we have:

• the covenant is kept here
• the most holy place is here
• the presence of God is here

Read 2 Chronicles 6:18-21

More things in the Temple or things that happen in the Temple

• God hears prayers directed here
• Believers direct their prayers here
• God's Name dwells here
• God forgives sins here

Read 2 Chronicles 7:1

More things in the Temple or things that happen in the Temple

• God receives sacrifices here

Review from previous weeks:
The Israelites were commanded to "appear before the LORD" at certain festivals each year. To fulfill the command to "appear before the LORD", where did they go?

More things in the Temple or things that happen in the Temple

• Coming here is coming before the LORD

Read John 2:19-21
When Jesus speaks of the Temple here, what does everyone think he's talking about?
The building.
What was Jesus really speaking about?
Himself.

There are all kinds of ways to prophesy being destroyed and returning on the third day. Here he is also transferring the title of "Temple" away from a building in Jerusalem and taking that title for himself. Looking back at the board here, which of the items that we've listed about the Temple can be said about Jesus?

• the covenant is kept here
• the most holy place is here
• the presence of God is here
• God hears prayers directed here
• God's Name dwells here
• God forgives sins here
• Believers direct their prayers here
• Coming here is coming before the LORD