The Curtain

Jordan McKinney

With it being Holy Week, I thought I should touch on the Easter story just a little bit. I think we underestimate the importance of one part of the Easter story to our own detriment. The Easter story is familiar to most: Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and three days later He rose again from the dead so that we might have the forgiveness of our sins, and to bring us back into right relationship with God. Then we will rise again like Jesus to dwell with Him forever in Heaven. 

But the part of the story that I think we forget to focus on is found in Matthew 27:50-51: “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.”  

The curtain was the physical representation of the barrier that stood between God and humankind. We first see it in the book of Exodus, when God is giving directions for the construction of the temple so the people could make sacrifices for the forgiveness of their sin. Most of the sacrifices were done by the priest in what was called the Holy Place. But there was a place deeper inside the temple separated by this curtain that only the high priest could go into that was called the Most Holy Place. “And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy.” (Exodus 26:33)  

The duty of the high priest was both a sacred and a dangerous one. This is where God’s presence resided among His people. If the high priest did not follow detailed instructions before he entered the Most Holy Place, he would die. For the longest time we couldn’t access the presence of God except for once a year, and when we could we had to have a mediator to go on our behalf.  

But now that the curtain is torn because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we have full access to the presence of God. Like the author of Hebrews wrote, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus.” (Hebrews 10:19) I know in my own life I have neglected how important and special that access is. I have taken it for granted and really missed out on how special that connection is.  

I continually find myself doing things on my own, in my own power. I find myself overburdened and stressed out. I miss out on what God has for me because I miss being in His presence. He has so much more for me and so much more for you. We have full access to the giver of peace, restoration, grace, mercy, strength, and so much more than we could possibly imagine.  

So, this Holy Week, remember that you have full access to your creator. He is waiting for you and me to come and meet Him. Nothing can separate you from God again!