May 23, 2017: The Curtain of the Temple

Today’s Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 20-21, Psalm 116, Mark 15:33-41, Galatians 5:1-12 Mark 15:33-41: Every part of this final ultimate moment is filled with significance. The darkness all over the land signifies the momentous event about to take place—the disturbance in the heavens, the wrath of God being displayed against the sin of man, and the atoning sacrifice that Christ is making. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” (15:34) indicates the separation from God that, in the mystery of eternity, Christ is experiencing as he takes the suffering and sin of humanity upon himself and suffers the wrath of God. God’s “forsaking” of Jesus happens as he turns his approval away from him as he takes our sin. He himself became sin that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As Jesus died, the curtain of the temple is torn in two (15:38). The curtain that divided the Holy of Holies from the rest of the people was ripped apart, and from top to bottom so that, as it were, God himself tore the temple in two—opening the way to God through the blood of Jesus. The women were watching from a distance (15:40)—that we might know that this death is witnessed by some of those closest to him. And they saw where he was laid (15:47). The scene is worth reflecting on again and again. What love is this! What sacrifice! What glory—that God himself in Christ should give himself at such great cost that worms, sinners, such as you and I, might enter into a relationship of life and joy with God forever. To receive God Centered Bible devotionals directly in your inbox, sign up here.]]>