The Veil Was Torn in Two

As we approach Good Friday and reflect on the events that led up to Jesus's death and His glorious resurrection this Easter season, let's take a look at the last moments of Jesus's life before He breathed His last breath on the cross.   

Matthew 27:50-51a "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom;" 

The temple in Jerusalem contained a 60ish foot tall and four-inch-thick veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the outer court.  The priests would often enter into the outer court to perform their priestly duties, but only one appointed man, the High Priest was permitted to enter into the Holy of Holies one time a year with the blood of a sacrificed animal to make atonement for the sins of the Israelites.  

The most spectacular thing for me about our celebration of Easter is the realization that Jesus came as our High Priest as Hebrews 9:12 states: "Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption".  Not only did Jesus go in, but He OBTAINED our redemption once and for all! The price was paid. With His body, He broke through the veil that separated us from God, and as He did, the veil that hung in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, from God down to mankind. Wow!  Let the truth of this sink down deep into your hearts for a moment.  

Hebrews 10:19-20 says: “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." Jesus made a new and living way for us through His blood to fellowship with God. Prior to Jesus coming, if anyone approached the Holy of Holies in an unworthy manner they would die, but now, as Hebrews 10:22 says, we are invited to "draw near" ... so we may live. He is waiting....