Matthew 12:6

“Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple.”

Jesus had to prove to the religious leaders that while the temple was important, the temple was not everything. The temple was to be a place of gathering for worship but what made the temple relevant was the presence of Him who was to be worshipped. Without the God of heaven’s presence, the temple was totally irrelevant. What makes the temple relevant is the presence of God as the Lord and Head of the temple; but this, the religious rulers failed to see.

And this blindness continues today. It is possible to develop our elaborate church programs and worship systems, and not recognize when the Lord is there or is not. In fact, we want to subject the Lord to the rules and guidelines of our fabricated programs of worship. Jesus is greater than the temple. Jesus is greater than our church services. Jesus is above and beyond. While worship in church is needful, we must always ensure that all worship puts Jesus at the center and make the entire service about glorifying Him. Jesus is greater than Church!

“Lord, I know it is needful to belong to a community of worshipping believers and this I will always do, but I will keep my eyes on You, Jesus, for You are greater than Church. I need never put You below or squeeze You into the mold of Church. I need You primarily, and I will only stay where You are exalted and elevated, above the systems and regulations of temple worship. Amen.”