Easter ReflectionsSample

Matthew tells us that "the curtain of the temple was torn in two" (Matthew 27:51) when Jesus breathed his last. You may not think much of a curtain ripped in two without the biblical background. So why is there a curtain in the temple, and what does it tearing in two signify?

The curtain in the temple brought separation between the people and God. God's presence resided in the temple, specifically in the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was accessible only to the Israelite high priest once a year; on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The high priest was permitted to enter the small, windowless enclosure to burn incense and sprinkle the blood of a sacrificial animal on the mercy seat of the Ark. This way, he'd atone for his sins and those of the people. The Holy of Holies was separated from the rest of the tabernacle/temple by the curtain - a vast, heavy drape made of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and embroidered with gold cherubim.

Why was there a curtain in the temple? The curtain was placed to separate sinful man from the presence of a Holy God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Adam and Eve were removed from the presence of God in the garden because of sin. So, in his mercy, God required that a curtain be placed between him and the people so that no one would approach his presence and be consumed.

How did the death of Jesus affect the temple curtain? When Jesus had breathed his last, the curtains were ripped from top to bottom. This meant that God could now be accessed directly by human beings (Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 10:19-20). We can now have fellowship with God and know that our sin does not separate us from entering God's presence through faith in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:18).

This Easter, praise Jesus for giving himself up for us so that we can now freely access the presence of God. Despite our sinfulness, God has shown us mercy through his Son. As a result, we can now boldly approach his throne of grace and receive help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). What a blessed reality to meditate on this Easter!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for your death on the cross. Thank you for reconciling me back to the Father. Help me know him more as I bring others to know this good news of redemption. In Christ's name, Amen.