There are multiple accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus in Scripture. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all take time in their gospels to recount the death and resurrection of Jesus. Little wonder – it’s only the most important story in salvation history! With April upon us and Easter right around the corner, it has me thinking of this verse from Matthew:

At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51, NLT).

Picture Jesus, hanging on the cross. His death is near. Luke’s gospel tells us there was darkness over the whole land for about three hours. Jesus breathes His last, giving up His spirit, as the Word puts it. Place yourself in the temple, the center of Jewish religion. A great curtain, close to 60 feet tall and at least 4 inches thick[1] hangs between the holy place and the most holy place, where God’s presence had rested earlier in Israel’s history. As per the law, the high priest could only enter once a year to make atonement for sins (Lev 16:34). Sinful humanity and God were estranged. God had set up a system so that His people could be near to Him, yet there was still a barrier.

Then in that moment, the curtain was torn, revealing the inner place. I chose Matthew’s account because of his note: “from top to bottom.” If a human being were to tear this curtain (which would have been extremely difficult given its size) they would have had to start from the bottom and work upwards. But it was torn starting at the top down. Why is that important? Because it shows us that it was God who did the tearing. The barrier between humanity and God was down. The curtain was torn, the most holy place was opened. The gap had been bridged.

Sometimes the temptation with Easter is to rush through it as fast as we can. How many times have we celebrated the exact same event? “We know this story,” we say. Can I encourage you to take your time this year? Jesus’ sacrifice changed everything. Sometimes when we stop and let the Holy Spirit speak, we are hit in fresh ways with how awesome our God is. Christ’s sacrifice made a way back to relationship with God. No barriers. The temple curtain – separating humanity and God – was torn. Not from bottom to top, but from top to bottom. God did this, declaring that justice had been satisfied, and the debt was paid. All who believe Jesus as Lord and Savior are saved. Take time this Easter to praise God for ripping that curtain in two and paying our debt so that we might have new life and eternal hope in Christ.