And the veil of the temple was torn
Ponder: Access to God through Jesus Christ
Scripture: “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5, NKJV).
What a shock it must have been to the priests working in the temple that afternoon! As three hours of darkness concluded, “behold, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51).
Back when the tabernacle was in use, a veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:31-33). Solomon’s temple used the same arrangement (2 Chronicles 3:14). Apparently, Herod’s temple did also. Only Israel’s High Priest was allowed to pass through the veil into the Holy of Holies one day each year. On the Day of Atonement, he applied a bull’s blood to the mercy seat to atone for himself and the rest of the priesthood (Leviticus 16:11, 33). Then he applied a goat’s blood to atone for the sins of the rest Israel. God’s special presence dwelt in the Holy of Holies; no one else was allowed to approach Him.
It was neither accident nor coincidence that the veil tore at the very time Jesus died. By His sacrificial death, Jesus forever abolished the separated priesthood of Judaism. He forever abolished the use of animal sacrifices in worship. Now everyone can have access to God through Him.
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Jesus, our High Priest, has entered “once for all” into the true Holy of Holies (Heaven itself), offering His own blood to atone for our sins (Hebrews 9:12, 24). Whereas the Aaronic priest entered into God’s presence by coming through the veil, we approach through the body and blood of Christ, given for us on Calvary. The restrictive veil has been destroyed! You may approach God directly through Jesus Christ, not just one special day per year, but 24/7/365.
“Let us therefore draw near boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Song: “To God be the Glory; Great Things He hath Done”
Prayer: Gracious Father in heaven, how thankful we are for the access we have to You through the new and living way Jesus made for us when He gave Himself for us at Calvary. Help us, we pray, not to squander it. In His name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)