LUKE 23:44–49
And the curtain of the temple was torn in two
(Luke 23:45b).
Just before Jesus breathed His last, the veil of the temple was torn asunder. Mark tells us it was torn from top to bottom (Mark 15:38). This was an amazing event, both physically and in terms of its spiritual meaning. The curtain covered the golden doors that led into the Holy of Holies. It was about 80 feet high and 24 feet wide. Because of its great size, it was very thick and strong, and consisted of several layers of drapes. Anything layered like this is virtually impossible to tear by natural means.
The function of the veil was to prevent people from entering or seeing the Holy of Holies, the innermost chamber of the throne of God. In the Old Testament, God had slain those who approached Him inappropriately. The veil protected men from the consuming fire of God’s holiness. Now, however, the completed Atonement permitted all men access to God.
Jesus had earlier cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Now, however, the work was completed, and Jesus gave His victory cry: “It is finished!” The Atonement had been made and the ransom had been paid. And now that it was finished, God no longer turned His back upon His Son, and Jesus said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
The exaltation of Jesus began immediately. The Roman centurion in charge of the crucifixion was moved to praise God, something only a regenerate person can do. Luke tells us that he stated for all to hear, “Surely this was a righteous man” (v. 47). Once again Jesus is declared innocent by a government official, just as Pilate had found Him innocent. Mark tells us the centurion also said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (15:39). It seems that the first trophy of grace given to Jesus after His death was the Gentile soldier who had crucified Him.
CORAM DEO
Joel
Revelation 5
WEEKEND
Amos
Revelation 6–7
Is there a relationship between the rending of the veil and the conversion of the Gentile soldier? What happened to people in the Old Testament who looked within the veil? To better understand the significance of the torn veil, we must grasp the utter horror of facing God alone. Seek to cultivate, in prayer, an awareness of the fearsomeness of God.
For further study: Hosea 13–14; tape #B57INT.94/95
WEEKEND