It’s been accomplished!
Business as usual, that is, until 12:00 noon, when it got suddenly dark. That afternoon, a violent earthquake shook the ground. Then, dramatically, the massive curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was ripped in two by an unseen Hand, from top to bottom.
Let’s look back at the hours and history leading to this very moment.
Jesus was before Caiaphas the high priest and said…
“But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Caiaphas tore his robes and called it blasphemy, condemning Jesus to death. (Matthew 26:64-65)
This was a big deal!
If you refer to Exodus 28:31-32 and Leviticus 21:10-12 you will see that God gave Moses the command on how to make a seamless tunic for the high priest to wear and the instructions that the tunic should not be torn. Doing so would symbolize the end of his priesthood.
So when Caiaphas tore his robe! What a symbol that the man, who for years was responsible for presenting our sacrifice to atone for our sins was no longer suitable to do so.
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.”
John 19:23-24 ESV
So to bring it all together… The high priest that was set apart as Holy to atone for our sins. Tore his tunic. Symbolizing the end of his priesthood.
Do not miss this!
Jesus, His garment intact.
Caiaphas, his tunic torn…ending his priesthood
While the Roman soldiers gambled for the tunic of Jesus, that was woven together just as God had instructed Moses. Seamlessly woven one piece from top to bottom. It remained intact. Some believe that this very tunic is on display in Germany. Our new High Priest who came to sacrifice Himself for our sins his blood was spilled for us, His sacrifice is our atonement.
Back to the temple. The curtain that separated them from the dwelling place of God was torn. The place we were not suitable to enter, the place set apart for the Holy priesthood
(1 Kings 6:19-20)
And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. Matthew 27:51 ESV
The curtain torn…there is now no separation between us and God.
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16
Thank you Jesus for what you have endured to set us free from our sin. We don’t deserve it, yet you love us so much you died for us. Lord God, thank you for allowing us to come to you directly through your Son. May we live every day in the love that transpired on that cross. Let your love for us shine through us and into the world to make you known. Thank you! In Jesus name I pray.
Mary
Mary Bender and her husband Norman live in Greencastle, PA. They have three energetic boys, and one adorable little girl. Mary counts herself as being truly blessed to be saved by Christ, who equips her to be a stay at home mom to her four “littles.” In addition to being a wife and mother, Mary uses her God-given gifts to serve in women’s ministry at her church, LCBC, and as a life group leader. Mary also uses her passion for women’s ministry for serving on the board of directors for “The Connection.” It is Mary’s desire to serve and encourage women to have genuine faith while building a home and raising her children.
