Nature Quote by N.T. Wright
““My conclusion from this brief survey of the evidence is that Jesus believed himself called to act as the new Temple. When people were in his presence, it was as if they were in the Temple. But if the Temple was itself the greatest of Israel’s incarnational symbols, the conclusion was inevitable (though the cryptic nature of Jesus’ actions meant that people only gradually realized what he had in mind): Jesus was claiming, at least implicitly, to be the place where and the means by which Israel’s God was at last personally present to and with his people. Jesus was taking the huge risk of acting as if he were the Shekinah in person, the presence of YHWH tabernacling with his people.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Surprised by Hope, N.T. Wright, 2008
Jesus is presented as the living Temple, embodying God’s presence among people, redefining traditional worship symbols.
In simple terms: Jesus acts as God’s presence on earth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize divine presence in everyday encounters.
Themes
theology
Christology
worship
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
theological
interpretive
When to use this quote
- Personal prayer
- church leadership
- spiritual formation
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Incarnation
Shekinah
Temple symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing Jesus as a Temple affect worship?
- What does this mean for modern religious practice?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations vary on literal vs. symbolic meaning.
