The outer portion of the temple was covered with layers and sheets of gold.

So brilliant that when the sun came up at the dawn, people couldn't look directly at the walls of the temple

because the refulgence of its glory was so bright that they were blinded, they had to look away.

In Jesus' day, the temple was one of the ancient wonders of the world, vast in size and beautifully and carefully crafted.

This made the prophecy of Jesus even more shocking to his ears when he declared his destruction would come that Jerusalem would be trampled under foot by the Gentiles.

I am Nathan W. Bingham and thank you for joining us today for renewing your mind.

Each Lord's day, RC Sproul is walking us through the gospel of Luke.

Today we find ourselves in chapter 21.

We meet the poor widow with two copper coins and we hear what Dr. Sproul calls the most astonishing prophecy ever recorded.

Here's Dr. Sproul.

This morning we're going to continue our study of the gospel according to Saint Luke, starting a brand new chapter, chapter 21.

And I will be reading from verse 1 actually through verse 24.

And ask the congregation, please, to stand for the reading of the Word of God.

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box.

And he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.

And he said, truly, I tell you this poor widow has put in more than all of them.

For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.

And while some were speaking of the temple hut was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said as for these things that you see,

the days will come where there will not be left here, one stone upon another, that will not be thrown down.

And they asked him, teacher, when will these things be?

And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?

And he said, see that you are not let us stray, for many will come in my name saying, I am he.

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