“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).
Matthew recorded that at the moment of Jesus’ death, the temple curtain was torn “from top to bottom.” This detail mattered. The veil was enormous and thick, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, the symbol of God’s dwelling. By noting that it was torn from top to bottom, Matthew showed that this was God’s action, not man’s. Heaven initiated what humanity could never accomplish.
The tearing signified the end of the old covenant sacrificial system. The sacrifices that had been offered year after year were fulfilled in Christ’s once-for-all atonement. It also proclaimed new access to God through Jesus. As Hebrews later explained: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh” (Heb. 10:19–20). The torn curtain symbolized that Christ’s body would be given so that the barrier between holy God and sinful man would be removed. Finally, it signaled judgment on the temple establishment itself, revealing that the earthly system had reached its fulfillment in Him.
The torn curtain means that we are no longer kept at a distance. We are not spiritual outsiders waiting for permission to enter, we are God’s children welcomed in. Yet how often do we live as if the veil still hangs? We shrink back in prayer, rehearse our failures, or attempt to earn what has already been secured. Let us take full advantage of the access that Christ has purchased. Let us approach the Father boldly, confess freely, worship joyfully, and pray expectantly. The curtain of separation was torn, therefore “let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we praise You for tearing the curtain from top to bottom through the sacrifice of Your Son. Thank You for the new and living way opened to us. Forgive us when we act as though we are still separated from You. Teach us to draw near with confidence and gratitude, resting fully in Christ’s finished work. In Jesus’ name, amen.