The Veil Torn: Bridging the Gap Between God and Man

Scriptural Passage:

Luke 23:44-46 NLT

44 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

Reflection

In Luke 23:45, we read that "the curtain of the sanctuary of the temple was torn down the middle", or as the NASB translation puts it, "the veil of the temple was torn in two." This simple yet profound moment carries deep significance in the story of redemption.

1. The Veil Once Separated Men and God

Today, curtains are used to block light and enhance the aesthetic of our spaces, but the temple veil served a sacred purpose. It was not an ordinary curtain but a divinely instructed barrier between humanity and the holiness of God. According to measurements from ancient texts, the veil was about 30 feet long, wide, and high, woven with elaborate detail from costly materials. It was no flimsy partition but a hand-embroidered tapestry, representing the separation between a holy God and sinful mankind.

The veil in the temple had a deeper meaning as well. It was comprised of two parts, with the inner veil leading to the "Holy of Holies"—the place where God’s presence dwelled, and only the high priest could enter, and only once a year. The Levites, as the designated priestly tribe, were tasked with offering sacrifices on behalf of Israel's sins. Their robes, adorned with bells, would signal their movements, and the acceptance of their atonement would be confirmed if they came out alive. The intricate rituals and the sacred nature of the veil underscored the divide between God and man due to sin.

The veil was made with blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, and finely twisted linen with cherubim, symbolising God's majesty, purity, and holiness (Exodus 26:31-33). It was hung on gold hooks and stood as a reminder of the separation that sin created.

2. The Tearing of the Veil

When Jesus died, the veil was torn from top to bottom, and this act signified more than just the end of a physical barrier:

• a. The Breaking of Separation:The veil wasn’t just any curtain; it represented the thick, seemingly insurmountable barrier between God and man. Jesus’ death tore down this separation, making way for direct access to the Father.
• b. A Symbol of God's Height and Majesty: Standing 30 feet tall, the veil represented God’s elevated position in the heavens. Jesus’ death bridged the gap between heaven and earth, bringing God down to dwell among His people.
• c. The End of Old Atonement Practices: For centuries, the Levites offered sacrifices for the atonement of sins. With the tearing of the veil, Jesus became the final, ultimate sacrifice—the perfect High Priest and the unblemished Lamb (Hebrews 4:14).
• d. The End of Repeated Sacrifices: The tearing of the veil marked the end of the need for frequent sacrifices. No longer were animals required to cover sins, for Jesus’ death was sufficient once and for all. We are forgiven, not by our own efforts, but through His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Core Principle:

Jesus' death tore down the barrier between God and humanity, granting us direct access to His presence. Through Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, we no longer need intermediaries or repeated sacrifices for the atonement of sin. We are now invited to approach God with confidence, knowing that His grace is sufficient and available to all who believe.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the tearing of the veil impact my understanding of my relationship with God?
2. In what ways do I still live as though there is a barrier between me and God?
3. What significance does the imagery of Jesus as the High Priest and ultimate sacrifice hold for my personal faith journey?
4. How can I remind myself daily of the access to God that Jesus has provided?
5. What areas of my life need to fully embrace the grace and forgiveness made possible through Jesus' sacrifice?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, and the tearing of the veil that once separated me from You. Help me to remember that through His death, I have direct access to Your grace and love. Forgive me when I act as though I’m still distant from You. Teach me to live fully in the freedom that Jesus has given me. May I always seek to draw near to You, knowing that nothing can separate me from Your love. Amen.