SANCTUARY: THE VEIL HAS BEEN TORN
And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.
Matthew 27:50-51 (NASB)
In the Bible, the veil refers to the curtain that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies). It was a massive curtain, described as 60 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 4 inches thick, so heavy that it reportedly took 300 priests to manipulate. It was crafted from fine linen and interwoven with blue, purple and scarlet yarn threads, a combination of colors often associated with royalty and divinity. It was hung by gold hooks on an acacia wood frame, which was overlaid with gold (Exodus 26:31-33). It features skillfully embroidered cherubim (guardians of the sacred or angels of mercy), representing God's presence and power.
Though more than a piece of material, it was a physical, visible barrier representing the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only on the Day of Atonement. It was a reminder that our sin separates us from God and that we need a Savior.
The Gospels record that the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death on the cross. Jesus, being the perfect priest, means that believers now have direct access to God. Jesus bridged the gap between the divine and human, emphasizing His role as the mediator between God and humanity.
This is the greatest news ever. Because the veil has been torn (forever open), we have direct access to God. Because of the work of Jesus, we can come boldly into God’s presence (Hebrews 10:22-25). Those who believe in the Son of God find forgiveness of sin and are brought back into full union with God.
APPLICATION: Today, resist keeping Jesus at arm’s length. Draw near to Him often. Seek His presence continually. Go to Him boldly and encourage those around you to do the same.
PRAYER: Lord God, I thank You for making a way. Thank You that the veil is torn and I have complete access to You. I long for greater and more ongoing intimacy with You. Just like You tore the veil, I pray You’d break down any barrier in me that keeps me from loving You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?