“And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”
– Mark 15:37-38
Main Thought: In this account of Jesus’ crucifixion, we find Him in the last moments of His death on the cross. He had already uttered His seven sayings upon the cross, including His great statement “It is finished” indicating that the payment to God the Father was now paid and the Father was satisfied. Upon taking his last breath, we are told that the curtain in the temple, the curtain which separated men from the Holy of Holies, was torn from top to bottom. There are several significant things to note in these two verses. First, in the taking of his last breath on the cross, we see the authority and condescension of Christ in giving up his physical life. In John 10:17-18 he said “I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” Jesus by his own authority and for the purpose of our redemption, laid down His life. Second, we see in the tearing of the curtain that it is God himself who tore the curtain. It is evident that God tore the curtain, for it was an inches thick curtain that could not be torn except by a team of horses, and it was torn from the top, not from the bottom, indicating that God did this, not man. Thirdly, God’s tearing of the curtain indicated that He was satisfied with the payment made for our sins by the Son and that nothing now separated us from coming into His presence in the Holy of Holies in heaven. In Hebrews 10:19-20 we are told, “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.” We are able, we have a blood-bought privilege now to enter into the presence of God because of the blood shed by Christ and are no longer separated from the presence of a holy God. May we ponder upon these truths, and rejoice that our Savior was willing, and by His own authority, laid down His life to pay for our sins, to pay for our redemption, and give us a right standing with God the Father and the privilege of coming into His holy presence. May we bow our hearts and submit ourselves to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for such great love and condescension.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Isaiah 41:17-18
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” – Isaiah 41:17-18
Psalm 29:2
“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.” – Psalm 29:2
Hebrews 10:14
“For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” – Hebrews 10:14
Isaiah 25:8-9
“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of the people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” – Isaiah 25:8-9
2 Corinthians 1:22
“… and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” – 2 Corinthians 1:22
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Romans 16:20a
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” – Romans 16:20a
Psalm 30:4-5
“Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” – Psalm 30:4-5
Psalm 4:7
“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.” – Psalm 4:7
1 Peter 1:13
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:13