The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Mark 15:38)
That the curtain of the Temple was torn in two at the death of Jesus is a little detail that was significant enough to be recorded in all three Synoptic Gospels. What is its significance?
This curtain is almost certainly the one that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. It had cherubim embroidered on it, symbolically guarding the entrance into God’s presence, represented by the Ark of the Covenant that was placed inside the Holy of Holies. No one was allowed inside except the High Priest, and even then, only briefly, once a year, on the Day of Atonement. There he had to burn incense and sprinkle blood from a sacrificial animal to make atonement for his sins and for the sins of the people. Because God is holy and man is sinful, we are separated by a barrier, symbolised by the curtain.
That the curtain was torn from top to bottom at Jesus’ death suggests that it was torn through divine intervention. It was torn when Jesus died. In other words, because of Christ’s death for us on the cross, God removed the barrier between us and Him. The way into God’s presence is open. We now have access to God! We can confidently go into God’s presence by the blood of Christ, by the new and living way He opened for us through His body which was torn for us (Hebrews 10:19-20).
The fact that the way to God’s presence is open means that we can receive mercy and grace in time of need, if we draw near to Him (Hebrews 4:16). It means that we can speak to Him and hear Him speak (Exodus 29:42). It means we can gaze at Him, gain a fresh revelation and appreciation of Who He is, marvel at Him and worship Him. I believe it’s no coincidence that immediately after the curtain was torn, the centurion declared in Mark 15:39, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” It’s not just through human observation that he came to this conclusion! It came to him through divine revelation! Now that the curtain was torn and the way to God was open, even a Gentile centurion could stand in His presence and receive His revelation.
What does this mean for us today?
It means we can go confidently before God to fellowship with Him and present our requests before Him, knowing that we’re no longer under His wrath and that He receives us, listens to us and speaks to us. Most of us don’t even have access to our prime minister and president! But we have been given 24/7 access to the King of the universe! What a tremendous privilege! Let’s not take this for granted but be ever grateful. It would be such an irony if we do not take hold of this privilege to draw near to God each day.
Do you go into God’s presence each day in prayer and worship, and sit at His feet to hear Him speak through His Word? I don’t mean going through the motions of a meaningless daily habit but seeking Him, fellowshipping with Him, laying your burdens before Him and hearing Him. The way to Him is open. Let’s take hold of this privilege!
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Exodus 29:42-43
“For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the tent of meeting, before the Lord. There I will meet you and speak to you; there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory.
Tuesday: Hebrews 10:19-22
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Wednesday: Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Thursday: Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Friday: Mark 3:14-15
He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
Saturday: John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
Sunday: Exodus 33:11
The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
All scriptures are quoted from the New International Version (NIV).
By Pastor Yong Tai Tong
