When I read about Jesus’ crucifixion in Matthew 27, there is a verse that stands out to me.

Matthew 27:51 reads, “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split…” 

As a kid, I thought that the temple curtains were much like the ones I had at home – thin, flowy and dreamy.

But this temple curtain was practically unshakeable. It was approximately 18m long, 9m tall and 10cm wide. How could it be completely torn… and what does it mean for us?

1. Jesus presents the only way to God 

The temple veil was actually a thick curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, where God was present. Only the high priest could enter once a year to make atonement. 

Before Jesus, we could not freely come into the presence of God. We weren’t holy or righteous enough to enter His presence. Our sin prevented us from seeing Him face-to-face.

When Jesus took His final breath and died for our sins, this temple veil was literally torn completely into two. Not partially, but fully torn.

What that meant is that the great divide between us and God had been broken – humanity could now approach God because of Jesus who makes us righteous in Him as our Great High Priest. 

The veil (Jesus) to the Holy of Holies (Father God) was sundered so man could enter into God’s presence. Jesus is the one and only way to God for only His death could perfectly pave the way like this.

If you’re wondering how to get to heaven, or whether there’s hope for you — look no further. The one true hope lies in Jesus.                                                                                                           

2. Jesus’ perfect sacrifice is enough 

Atonement through the form of animal sacrifices was just not enough, but Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is.

Because He was the perfect and sinless sacrifice, only He could deal with sin once and for all and completely remove the barrier between us – Jew or Gentile – and God.

When Jesus declared “It is finished,” He wasn’t just speaking about His suffering. The old system of making animal sacrifices had come to an end because Jesus’ sacrifice was once-and-for-all. It was enough.

It perfectly covered over our sin and washed us clean. And so there’s no need to prove ourselves to try and earn our way to heaven. Jesus’ sacrifice completed the work of salvation, and it’s already yours through faith in Him as our Saviour.

Having been a student my whole life, I’m pretty much conditioned to the idea that my reward corresponds to the level of effort that I put in.

It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race. What’s the next grade I can get? What’s the next competition I can join to make my portfolio better? What more can I do?

But I remind myself that Jesus’ sacrifice is already perfect and complete. There is no amount of striving that will help me to get any closer to God or earn His love.

Our old life and old methods are to be put to death. In Him, there is something new and something better.

3. Jesus provides us confidence to approach God 

Because the veil was torn, we now have direct access to God. We can approach our sinless God with confidence and boldness (Hebrews 10:19-20).

Today, God invites us to lay down our burdens, emotions, thanksgiving and requests before Him honestly and intimately.

Moving into a new season of my life, I am faced with many uncertainties. Every other day I am faced with a new decision. What’s next in school? What’s one thing I can do now to better prepare myself for my future?

In the face of the unknown, I find myself comforted by the fact that Jesus is my friend. I can pray specifically (Philippians 4:6-7), and bring everything to Him without having to hide. 

How have you really been praying? Do you think of God as some distant divine being? He knows everything about you, and still loves you unconditionally. He has already chosen you.

So, don’t hide behind a cloak anymore. Go to Him in full faith and confidence!

The ministry of reconciliation

Jesus has reconciled us to God (2 Corinthians 5:18).

We are fully known and loved by Him. We don’t have to be scared of Jesus or think that we are too insignificant for Him. He loves us. 

And as people who have received that kind of grace and mercy, are we willing to extend it too? Is there someone in your life that we need to reconcile with?

When that veil tore, everything changed. We can now come to know Him and be known by Him. As we have experienced this love and reconciliation, let’s share it with someone else this Good Friday.