As we come into this next passage in chapter 21, we see that the people and the disciples are still enamored with external adornments – on outward appearance. So Christ takes the opportunity to remind them that the things of this world so admired by men (like the Temple!) are only temporary and will be consumed in judgment. He also takes it as an opportunity to prepare them (and us) for the trials that believers will face in the coming centuries of church history.
