Secretary of State Marco Rubio began his trip to Israel with a visit on Sunday to the Western Wall in Jerusalem, where the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, welcomed him with an affirmation of the U.S.-Israel relationship, even as it is tested by the war in Gaza.
“I think his visit here is a testament to the durability, the strength of the Israeli-American alliance,” Mr. Netanyahu told reporters. “It’s as strong, as durable as the stones in the Western Wall that he just touched. Under President Trump and Secretary Rubio and their entire team, this alliance has never been stronger.”
In addition to discussion about security and peace in the region, news outlets reported that Secretary Rubio inserted a rolled piece of paper into the cracks of the wall, as is customary.
So, where and what is the Wailing/Western wall? And why would anyone want to insert a paper into one of the cracks?
The Western Wall, or Wailing Wall, is a remnant of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the holiest site in Judaism, and a significant place of pilgrimage and prayer for Jews worldwide. It symbolizes the connection to the ancient Temple and the Holy of Holies, the closest location where Jews can get to the Temple Mount.
The name “Wailing Wall,” originates from the Arabic term for “place of weeping,” because of the Jews’ sorrow and mourning over the destruction of the temple. And today, visitors— like Secretary Rubio— place written prayers into the wall’s crevices, with the hopes that God will hear them.
What a beautiful and powerful image— the desire to draw near to God, so that He might see us, hear our prayers, have mercy upon us. This was the original purpose of the Temple, to provide a place for God to dwell among his people (see Exodus 25 and 26 for description of the tabernacle), and for all people to come and worship him (Isaiah 56:8), mediated by the sacrificial work of the priests on behalf of a sinful people.
But when Jesus walked the earth, he taught something shocking. He was the temple. This was part of the reason the religious leaders of the day wanted him crucified. They could not understand— the Holy of Holies was a place God dwelled and only the purified priests were allowed to come and petition for mercy. And now, what is this? This man was not only claiming the temple would be destroyed but that he could rebuild in three days?
Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. He came to dwell among us. His own body was the temple (see John 2:19-21 where Jesus prophesies his own death and resurrection). No longer would we need ritual and sacrifice to approach God. God, in Jesus, had come down to us (Philippians 2:1-6). Hebrews says we can approach the throne of— of what? Judgement? No, a throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
And so, when Christ was crucified, the temple curtain tore in two (Mark 15:38)— his blood atoned for our sin once and for all and gave access to God. God’s people could worship him in “spirit and in truth,” (John 4:21-24)
Now, God dwells with us. In fact we read in the New Testament that our bodies are the temple, as believers are indwelt with the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).
The Western/Wailing Wall is a place of prayer—and while beautiful and significant historically, is not actually more holy or near to God. We can approach God with our prayers anywhere, any time. Christ blood accomplished this for you, and for me. Do we believe that? If so, do not hesitate or delay. Approach the throne of grace today.
Photo credit: Carmen LaBerge, Nov 2014
