“The sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.” (Luke 23:45)
When Jesus’ suffering was at its most intense, the whole earth became dark. For three hours, the sun hid its face — an event associated by several prophets with God’s judgment and intervention in the world (see, for example, Joel 2:10). Jesus bore this judgment to the full. This extraordinary sign could not go unnoticed by anyone!
In the temple something extraordinary happened as well. The curtain was torn in two. This curtain separated the holiest part of the temple from the rest. It was, so to speak, the dividing line between God and man. Behind this curtain God’s glory dwelt; no man could enter there (apart from the high priest on special occasions). But when Jesus died, the access to God was opened. The book of Hebrews explains this: through the blood of Jesus we may now enter the holy places with confidence, by a new way that Jesus has opened for us (Hebrews 10:19-20).
Jesus’ death marks a turning point in human history. He gives us the opportunity to restore our relationship with God and be in His presence. These impressive signs show us a glimpse of that.
Does Jesus’ suffering and death also mark a turning point in your life? What was different after you came to faith in Him?
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