Most of us equate following Jesus with going to church. So when we hear Jesus say, “Come, follow Me,” we assume He is inviting us to a building — a designated house of worship — and telling us to meet Him there.
But what if Jesus was actually inviting us into something far more radical… and far more transformative?
Jesus Never Said to Build Buildings
When you read the Gospels carefully, something striking becomes clear: Jesus never told His followers to build buildings for worship. Nor did He instruct them to fund temples or erect religious monuments in His name.
Instead, Jesus taught:
- On mountains (Matthew 5:1)
- On grassy hillsides (Mark 6:39)
- At people’s homes (Luke 10:38–42)
- From boats (Luke 5:3)
Even when the temple stood at the center of Jewish religious life, Jesus frequently taught outside of it. And rather than encouraging people to pour money into construction projects, He repeatedly told them to sell what they owned and give to the poor. (Luke 12:33; Luke 18:22)
Just as radically, Jesus dismantled the idea that God’s presence was tied to a physical location at all:
“A time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem… true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” (John 4:21–24)
A Sharp Contrast With Modern Christianity
This stands in stark contrast to much of modern Christianity. Today, aside from staff salaries, church buildings are often the single largest expense for congregations. Millions — sometimes hundreds of millions — of dollars are spent on structures, aesthetics, and expansions.
We are told this is devotion.
But Scripture tells a different story.
The Bible is explicit:
“The Most High does not live in houses made by human hands.” (Acts 7:48)
Paul echoed the same truth:
“God… does not live in temples built by human hands.” (Acts 17:24)
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was killed shortly after proclaiming this very message. Clearly, the idea that God is not impressed by religious buildings has always been a sensitive — and dangerous — truth to speak aloud.
When Buildings Become Idols
This problem isn’t limited to churches.
Travel anywhere in the so-called “civilized” world and you’ll find people boasting in skylines, monuments, stadiums, and architectural achievements. Humanity celebrates what it has built with its own hands, often pouring love, identity, and vast wealth into these creations.
Scripture warns us plainly:
“Do not love the world or anything in the world.” (1 John 2:15)
Love that should be directed toward God and people is instead lavished on things. That, by biblical definition, is idolatry.
When Comedy Tells the Truth
Recently, a skit by comedian Druski went viral, poking fun at the excesses of megachurch culture. In the sketch, a pastor urgently asks his congregation to raise $4 million in a single day for a church project.
Many were offended.
But often, offense is simply what happens when truth lands too close to home. Even when delivered through humor, exposure can be uncomfortable.
What Jesus Actually Taught
The conclusion is unavoidable.
God does not live in man-made temples. Scripture is unambiguous on this point. When preachers pressure believers to give enormous sums toward building projects — while the poor remain neglected — they are not following the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus said plainly:
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” (Luke 12:33)
“Give to those who cannot repay you.”
(Luke 14:13–14)
When we do this, Jesus promises that our Father in heaven — who sees what is done in secret — will repay us.
This is what following Jesus actually looks like.
Not religious real estate. Not monuments. Not temples made by human hands.
But lives poured out in love, generosity, and obedience to Christ.
Anything less is a counterfeit — and one that tragically leads many astray. Let us not be among them.
Reclaiming The Way 