THE RESTORATION
J.S. Taylor
Today's Scripture: “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” Matthew 27:50-51a, ESV
Theme: Jesus removed the barricade and bridged the gap between man and God so that we have direct access to God.
THE VEIL
According to Biblical scholars, the “temple veil” which Matthew and the other Gospel writers refer to (see Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45) was the inner veil in the Temple, separating the Holy of Holies. This curtain served as a physical and visual barrier, protecting the priests from the Almighty, but lethal presence of God and reinforcing the separation between God and humankind by sin (Isaiah 59:1-2). As described in the Old Testament (Exodus 26:31), this veil was made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman. While not known for certain, it is estimated that in the Temple built by Herod in Jesus’ time, this curtain was approximately 60 feet high and four inches thick. Only the High Priest was permitted to pass beyond this veil once each year (Exodus 30:10) to enter into God’s presence for all of Israel, there to make atonement for their sins (Leviticus 16).
But what had happened to separate man from God that made this veil in the temple both necessary and significant?
EAST OF EDEN
“After He drove the man out, He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life” (Genesis 3:24, NIV).
Genesis tells us that God made man in His own image (Genesis 1:26). And He made all the wonders of creation (Psalms 115:16) and he made us to rule over the earth. We are a sovereign God’s delight. He intended for us to have a direct relationship with Him and experience His riches forever. As Pastor Tyler Staton so eloquently states it: “God made us as selfless intercessors to rule reflective of the great love of the trinitarian nature of God.”
But something went horribly wrong: man believed a deception by the evil one; man rebelled; and we forfeited our God-given role and privileges. A great divide - a breach - occurred in the “infinite relationship with God.” Communication was lost. Our connection with God was fractured. And so, we found ourselves out of the garden - East of Eden.
HEAVEN COME TO EARTH
Yet, because of God’s infinite love for us He was determined to repair the chasm of separation with man. “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10, NIV).
God made a covenant with Abraham – a promise that this great “veil of divide” would be repaired through His chosen people. Through this race, He would offer His Son as a substitutionary sacrifice, a ransom for many. He would win our privileges and rule back.
As God promised, Jesus, God’s Son, entered the world as a descendant of Abraham in the lineage of King David, and came “proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’” (Mark 1:14b-15, NIV). This is the Gospel.
TORN IN TWO
Jesus lived a perfect life but suffered an excruciating death. As Henri Nouwen has put it: “Jesus lived his life with the trust that God’s love is stronger than death and that death, therefore, does not have the last word.”
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30, NIV).
Christ’s death was a sacrifice that bridged the gap for us: the old covenant had ended. The veil was rent from top to bottom, symbolizing that the barrier between man and God had been removed. The relationship could now be restored. We can now approach God with confidence. But the story doesn’t end there.
THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK
The Gospel writers tell us that “On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb” (Luke 24:1, NIV) where they discovered an empty tomb. “...but the men [angels] said to them: “Why do you look for living among the dead? He is not here! He has risen!” (Luke 24:5b-6a, NIV).
Jesus had risen – He had conquered death. Death did not have the last word. The Kingdom of God had arrived.
Make It Personal: John Mark Comer describes faith as “confidence grounded in reality. It’s not a belief in something for which there is no evidence.” My faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ has only grown stronger over time, as I have experienced the grace of God. I am convinced that the evidence is clear, compelling, and overwhelming. God has sought reconciliation to bridge the gap for someone (if I am honest) with a sinful life far worse than I ever wanted to admit but providing life far better than I could ever imagine. Because of that, I can experience a restored relationship with God and glorify and enjoy Him forever.
Pray: “Our Father, I am filled with praise for Your infinite mercies towards us and for the restored relationship You have provided us, even though we don’t deserve it. I am continually humbled and thankful that You have removed the barriers through Your Son, Christ Jesus. I am thankful for Your blessings and provision. Please help me to remember the poor and those in need, that I may be of service to them. I pray for those who suffer and those who mourn, that Your comforts may be present for them. And I remember those who don’t know You – that You would draw them closer to You so that they may experience Your grace and forgiveness. Please give me the strength to be an ambassador of Your kingdom and a channel of Your peace and love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Read: Hebrews 4:14-16, 9:7; 2 Corinthians 4:13-15
Weekly Memory Verse: “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” Matthew 27:50-51a, ESV