A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Day 30

Matthew 27:51-53

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

Think of the numerous miracles Jesus performed in His life (just to name a few….turning water into wine, healing the blind and lame, casting out evil spirits, raising the dead, walking on water, etc.). Knowing the power of our Savior, we should not be surprised by miracles that accompanied His death as well. In our verses today we focus on quite a spectacular scene. The curtain of the temple, which separated the Holy of Holies from the worshipers, was torn into two by an invisible power. The earth started shaking and the rocks cried out, even many of the dead were raised to life. I am picturing the reactions of those who were still there with Jesus. Surely, they were wide-eyed and open-mouthed, maybe screaming or crying as they watched and tried to process all of these happenings. There was a lot going on!

One thing that stood out to me was the significance of the curtain. As I researched the temple curtain, I learned that the splitting of the curtain from top to bottom was no small thing. The curtain of the temple was a very heavy piece of fabric (approximately 4 inches thick and 45-60 feet long). It was created to cover the Most Holy Place – to separate all men, even the priests, from the presence of God. Only annually could the high priest be permitted to enter behind it on the Day of Atonement. The significance was clear, man was separated from God because of sin and could only approach Him through blood presented by the priest who also had to offer incense that he himself might obtain mercy and not die.

Matthew Henry wrote, “He died, to bring us to God, and, in order to accomplish this, to tear that curtain of guilt and wrath which interposed between us and him. We have free access through Christ to the throne of grace, or mercy seat now, and to the throne of glory hereafter. When Christ had overcome the sharpness of death, he opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Nothing can obstruct or discourage our access to heaven.”

The tearing of the curtain was super natural and pointed to the fact that Jesus’ death provided us the right to come into the Holy of Holies and have a relationship with God (even though we are broken and sinful). His flesh was torn so all could enter that innermost sanctuary.

So, let’s think about the temple curtain today….do you see the miraculously ripped curtain that you can step through for an intimate relationship with God; or is there a full curtain that you are hiding behind that prevents you from closeness and communion with Him? Do you have any other miracles going on in your life that you want to share?

Dear Jesus,

We praise You and give thanks that we get to journey with You through this season of Lent. Draw us closer to Your heart, that we might know You better. After we daily reflect on your selflessness and life-giving Word, give us wisdom to be Your hands and feet in the world just as You intend. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take Your good news to the world. We love You and are honored to serve you Lord, our sweet Savior. Amen.

Week 6 Act of Kindness

“I was in prison and you came to visit me” Matthew 25:36c

This week, help someone who can’t help themselves or has gotten themselves into trouble; or volunteer for a prison ministry organization (e.g., Kairos or Crossroads).