Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.
-Matthew 27:50-53 (NLT)

As Jesus dies from his crucifixion, the Gospel of Matthew records the occurrence of three miraculous phenomenons. First, the Temple curtain was torn in two. Next, there was a major earthquake. Lastly, dead people came back to life.

I think the latter two are easier for us to wrap our modern-day mind around. I don’t care what culture you are living in, if a huge earthquake hits the moment someone dies and suddenly you’re seeing deceased people walking around town, then you would know for a fact that something colossal had taken place. But a curtain being torn in two? It’s an inexplicable event for sure… But why is that a big deal?

To fully understand the significance of the curtain, you have to understand the architecture of the Temple. The building, which housed the presence of God, was divided into three main areas: the courts, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. Also, the further you went in, the more exclusive the access became. The courts were for the average Jews, the Holy Place was for priests only, and the Most Holy Place could only be entered by the high priest once a year, on the Day of Atonement. And separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place was a curtain.

But this wasn’t just any curtain. This extravagant cloth was 60 feet tall by 30 feet wide and thought to be around 4 inches thick! It is said that it weighed so much that it took 300 men to carry it!

So when Jesus gives up his spirit and the curtain of the Temple is split, it was way more than a physical, supernatural occurrence. This was a symbolic event showing that the separation between God and man was gone. It didn’t matter whether you were a Jew, a priest or the high priest… The barrier was permanently eliminated for all.

Regardless of who you are or what you’ve done, it is imperative that you know that nothing is standing between you and God. Jesus Christ, our high priest, entered the Most Holy Place, atoned for our sins once and for all, and then ripped the curtain in two.

The barricade is destroyed. The roadblock is removed. Access to God is eternally available.

Thank you, Jesus.