How can understanding Mark 15:38 deepen our appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice? \The Verse in Focus\ “And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Mark 15:38) \Setting the Scene\ • The veil: a heavy, elaborately woven curtain (Exodus 26:31-33) separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place—symbolizing God’s unapproachable holiness. • Only the high priest could pass it, and only once a year, with sacrificial blood (Leviticus 16). • At Jesus’ death, that centuries-old barrier split—“from top to bottom,” unmistakably God’s doing, not man’s. \What the Torn Veil Shows Us About the Cross\ • God’s direct action – The tear began “top to bottom,” stressing that heaven initiated the change (Matthew 27:51). • Finished atonement – Jesus cried, “It is finished” (John 19:30), then the curtain tore; the timing links His blood to the opening of access (Hebrews 9:11-12). • Abolished barriers – The old covenant sacrificial system ended; Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice brings a new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-20). • Immediate access – Believers “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). • Reconciled relationship – “Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13-18). \How This Deepens Our Appreciation of Jesus’ Sacrifice\ 1. Magnitude of His love • The torn veil reminds us that God Himself removed what separated us; nothing else could. 2. Costliness of redemption • What centuries of animal blood couldn’t achieve, Christ accomplished in one afternoon. 3. Personal invitation • Every believer—not just priests—may enter God’s presence confidently; prayer and worship become intimate privileges, not distant rituals. 4. Security of salvation • Because God tore the veil, no human effort stitches it back; our acceptance rests on Christ alone (Romans 8:1). 5. New identity • We become a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), equipped to serve others and proclaim His excellencies. 6. Continual communion • The temple veil never re-hung; likewise, fellowship with God is permanently open to all who trust His Son. \Responding Practically\ • Enter boldly—cultivate daily, reverent access to the Father, aware it was purchased by Christ’s blood. • Live gratefully—let worship flow from a heart that sees the curtain lying in shreds. • Serve lovingly—extend the welcome you’ve received, pointing others to the open way. |
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