Mark 15:38 - “The curtain hanging in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”

Jesus’ purpose was to be the sin sacrifice for the world’s entire population, and not just for Jews. When He breathed His last and the curtain which separated God’s residence from man (the Holy of holies) was torn completely in two, from top to bottom, an event occurred that is rich in symbolism. God gave specific instructions about how the veil was to be made. Depending on which sources one might find, we read that it was anywhere from four to twelve inches thick, making it extremely heavy, and decorated elaborately with embroidery. It had to be repaired and cleaned without its ever being opened, since only the high priest was allowed to enter into that space just one day a year, on the Day of Atonement, which significantly was the day he offered the sacrifice to expiate the sin of the people of Israel. The fact that it tore that much showed God’s power was at work. Also, the direction in which the curtain was torn, from top to bottom, indicates that God Himself opened a pathway in which people could reach Him directly, without the intermediary of the priest, at whatever time they might choose. Jesus then became the blood sacrifice for our personal Day of Atonement, when we choose to ask God for forgiveness of sin.

We have our own personal curtain over our heart. It stands whole and closed, or it has been ripped to shreds and lies open to the Lord. It can’t be both ways. Is it time to rip your curtain and open yourself to the Lord’s gracious love and forgiveness?