“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” – Romans 15:1-2
Mark 15:37-38
“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
Romans 15:1-2
Hosea 6:6
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” – Hosea 6:6
Hebrews 11:24-26
“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” – Hebrews 11:24-26
Revelation 22:20-21
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” – Revelation 22:20-21
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Isaiah 8:20
“To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” – Isaiah 8:20
2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7
1 Thessalonians 5:19
“Do not quench the Spirit.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Colossians 2:5
“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” – Colossians 2:5
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
