Coming from Galilee, the disciples are enamoured with the size and beauty of the temple.1 Indeed, the temple was considered to be one of the most beautiful structures in the ancient world, even by the Romans.2 Diaspora Jews (those who lived far away from Jerusalem) paid an annual tax for its upkeep.3
1 Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple.