The Veil Was Torn
By Emma Danzey
“But Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit. Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.” - Matthew 27:50-51
Have you every pondered the reason that the first verse after Jesus’ death in three of the four gospels is the fact that the temple veil, curtain, tore in two? Why is this so significant? How does this apply to all believers today? We are going to spend time studying the value and wonder of our great and victorious Savior who tears down the veil and makes us His own again.
What Was the Veil?
When we first hear of the word veil, we may think about a bride or just simply a covering. This curtain was established in the times of Moses. It was intentionally placed to divide the holy of holies in the temple of God (The Tabernacle then). Exodus 35:25 says, “Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen.”
The veil was in the temple where God dwelled among the Israelites. The veil was the divider inside between the holy place to the holy of holies. Only a high priest once a year could enter the holy of holies. The veil was the physical symbol of separation caused by our sins. The veil was said to be 60 feet high. This would not have been easy to get to the top to tear down.
Dr. Tom Lovorn shares that “The Temple veil was the thickness of a man's hand embroidered with figures of cherubim like those Ezekiel saw guarding God's Throne. The veil was also a picture of death whereby we enter the Presence of God.”
Judeo Christian Clarion says, “Behind the veil sat the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat. The veil concealed the Presence of God. Two cherubs were woven into the veil.”
The High Priest’s Privilege
One time a year during Yom Kippur, one high priest would be selected to go into the holy of holies. This was a great honor. It could be a moment of life or death, as they would literally tie a rope around his ankle in case he were to pass away while in the presence of God. Aaron Armstrong shares that “the priest offered sacrifices and gifts on behalf of the people to reconcile them to God.” We know that based on the book of Hebrews that Jesus is called our High Priest. He fulfilled this task of Passover as our sacrificial Perfect Lamb of God.
One Temple, One Way
There was one temple found in Jerusalem. As we ponder this thought, that meant that there was only one veil. One sin caused separation from God. One veil symbolized that divide. And one Savior Jesus came and made one way to heaven. John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
We have such a great hope today in Christ. We do not have to be distanced or feel the need to hide in our shame. Jesus has unveiled our faces, He has taken away the separation of sin and brought us all into His presence again. He has sent us the Holy Spirit. We now are Christ’s temples. When He is in our hearts, we have security of heaven.
Understanding how the Old Testament is leading up to the New Covenant amazes us. We gain a greater appreciation and understanding of our Savior’s completely intricate, yet straight forward plan of salvation. We are reaffirmed that He has delivered us and we are His forever. We are His bride and we are united with our Groom. He has called us His own and given us the right to be co-heir’s with Him forever.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
How does knowing the veil was torn for you remind you of the great length Jesus went to in order to save you from your sins? How does this compel you to live out of that confidence this week?
Further Reading:
Exodus 26:33
Mark 15:38-39
Luke 23:45-47
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Suchada Tansirimas
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