Rejection and Departure of Jesus from the Temple

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Fifth Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Jn 8:51-59*

*First Reading : Gn 17:3-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 105:4-5, 6-7, 8-9*

*Rejection and Departure of Jesus from the Temple*

*1) Jesus going out of the Temple*

The Gospel of the day speaks about Jesus departing from the temple, after Jews failed to recognize His true identity

The moment when Jesus "went out of the temple" (John 8:59) is deeply symbolic. 

It marks not just a physical departure, but also reflects a spiritual reality: the rejection of God's presence by those who should have recognized it.

*2) God Departing from His Dwelling Place*

The temple was the center of Jewish worship—the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. 

For Jesus, who is God incarnate, to walk out of the temple signifies something profound. 

This symbolises that God is leaving the place where He is no longer welcome.

In  Ezekiel 10:18–19, we read where the glory of the Lord departs from the temple because of Israel’s unfaithfulness.

When hearts are hardened and truth is rejected, God's presence will not force itself in

*3) The Tragedy of Spiritual Blindness*

The religious leaders, experts in the Law and Scripture, failed to recognize the very One they claimed to be waiting for.

Though Jesus fulfilled prophecy and spoke with authority, they could not see beyond their expectations and pride.

John 1:11 – “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.”

Are we so rooted in our assumptions that we miss God's voice when it doesn't come in the form we expect?

*4) The Rejection of Divine Presence in the Sacred Space*

It is painfully ironic that Jesus is rejected inside the temple—the very house of God. 

His rejection shows that religious spaces are not immune to spiritual failure when they are not centered on truth, humility, and love.

Matthew 23:37–38 – “Jerusalem, Jerusalem… How often I have longed to gather your children… but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate.”

*5) A Prelude to a New Temple*

Jesus leaving the temple also foreshadows a shift

He Himself is the true temple (John 2:19). The physical temple would soon no longer be the center of God’s presence. 

It would be found in the Person of Jesus, and later, in His body—the Church.

Do we cling to forms, or do we seek the living presence of God in Christ?

*6) Departure of Jesus from ones Life*

St Paul says that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit

If so, Our life and Body is the dwelling place of God 

If there is welcome, God will stay in our life. If not, God will depart from our life 

Self righteousness and the pride of Jews were the hurdles for Jews to recognize the identity of Jesus. So Jesus departed from the Temple 

What about my life? 

What are those things which are deeply rooted in my life which make Jesus to depart from this temple, that is my life or my body 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*