The Torn Veil

Mark 15:38 – And the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.

The death of Jesus was accompanied by an exceptionally significant and remarkably unusual occurrence; the veil which cordoned off the area of the temple known as the Holy of Holies, was torn in two. According to historians, that veil or curtain, was approximately sixty feet wide, forty feet high, and four inches thick. This was an extremely heavy and strong fabric. It would not be possible for any man to tear this veil; only God, Himself, could have torn it. It is also interesting to note that it was torn from the top to the bottom, which seems to establish that this was, in fact, an act of God. Someone has once said that if change does not come from the top down by revelation, it will come from the bottom up by revolution. In this case, God Himself, was initiating a dramatic change, from the top down.

The temple was always considered hallowed to the Jew, but the Holy of Holies was the place of utmost sacredness. There was such a holy fear and deep reverence about it that the average person would not dare to ask any questions about its’ mystery. Why was there a veil to begin with? What lies beyond the veil? Many priests ministered in the holy place, but only one priest was granted access to the Holy of Holies and that was the High Priest, and He was only permitted behind that thick curtain once a year on the Day of Atonement. Even though he was the High Priest and carried a lot of authority, on that day his authority would not be what protected him; his only safeguard would be his humility, and so he ventured in with trepidation and great precaution.

The veil was torn. A tear in any fabric is difficult, if not impossible, to mend. God was making a statement about the veil; He did not want man to step in and try to fix it. No! For God knows that when man attempts to fix things, particularly spiritual things beyond his understanding, he always makes matters worse. Religion is man’s attempt to fix things, mend things, and make them right. Religion wants to sew the veil and get back to the way things were. God, however, wanted a lasting change and He tore the veil for that reason.

That veil separated men from God’s presence, it put distance between them. It shrouded man’s understanding of God, thus creating a distorted view of the True and Living God. When the veil was torn it symbolized the freedom for all people to draw near and come close to God. It is as if God was saying, ‘Come, do not be afraid to approach my presence. You do not have to be anyone special, you do not need a list of credentials, or an impeccable lifestyle. All can come. All are invited. All are welcome.’

The other exciting thing that the torn veil illustrates is that not only can men now freely come to God, but God Himself moved out from behind the heavy curtain. He would no longer be veiled in mystery because of His choice to allow Himself to be seen in a new light. He would now be mobile and not limited to a certain place or city. Religion always insists that specific places are more sacred than others and so we must journey to those places to benefit. However, in God’s mind, it is not about the sanctified places as much as it is the sacred faces. Our gracious Father loves and values people, He longs for relationship.

He tore the veil because that veil only served a purpose until Jesus died. His death marked the beginning of a new era for mankind. It inaugurated a new relationship between God and man; indeed, Jesus’ death initiated a completely new creation. There would now be no separation, no barrier, nor exclusion.  It is as if our Father is saying, ‘It matters not where you have been, nor where you are right now. I am calling out for you. Like a love-struck man pursuing the woman of his dreams, I am pursuing you. I will not stop, my love for you is relentless. Don’t run from me. Slow down, stop, and listen. There is only one other veil that needs to be torn, and that is the veil in your mind that stops the true light from entering. I have torn the veil of the old way of doing things, now you must tear the veil of lies that have kept you from me. Rip the veil of fears that have blocked me out. Simply whisper the name of Jesus and the inner veil will be destroyed. The light and warmth of my love and grace will penetrate your heart and you will see how valuable and precious you are to me. Together we will walk, full of hope, into a brand-new and fulfilling future.’