Mark 15:37-39 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
There are many significant events that occurred during the 6 hours of Jesus' crucifixion. But the tearing of the temple curtain is certainly one of the most momentous. Notice the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom. God did this to make sure everyone got the point. This was not a mere coincidence. This was God's statement that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, just a short distance from this sight, was the sacrifice that would end all temple sacrifices. There is now going to be a new way to approach God. A way that is open to everyone.
Up to this point religion was a second hand experience. Only the high priest could go into the presence of God behind this curtain. This curtain was hung to keep people out. A warning to sinful humanity, that when it comes to a relationship with God, keep your distance.
But then one dark Friday afternoon, at the exact moment Jesus died, this curtain was torn. And look at the first person to enter into this new relationship with God, a Centurion, a brutal man, who was an expert at killing people. Yet something penetrated his heart that Friday and he becomes the first person to confess Jesus Christ.
Here is the hope with the temple curtain being opened. If a professional killer can get in, all of us can get in.
The gospel doesn't care who you are, what you have done, you can be forgiven. You can have a relationship with God.
There is nothing blocking you getting closer to Him. All of the obstacles have been removed. So remove the distractions from your life today and draw closer to our beautiful Savior. The way is open.
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