Phil. 2:5-11 tells us that Christ humbled
himself, even to death on a cross. The
passage turns on the word “wherefore” in verse eight. The cross ends His humiliation; today’s reading records the beginning of His exaltation.
The veil of the temple was torn from top to
bottom. This is profound. Worship under the law had strict boundaries. In the plan for the tabernacle and temple
there was a tremendously thick veil separating the Holy of Holies from all but
the high priest, who alone could enter on Yom Kippur to make atonement for Israel. Behind
that veil was the Ark of the Covenant with its golden mercy seat. It was the place
where The Presence, the Glory of God
was to be with Israel.
To this day Jews understand the importance of
this place. Near the Western Wall the
Rabbinical tunnels give access to what they believe is nearest to that holiest place. The tearing of the veil indicates that after
Christ’s atoning sacrifice access to God has been granted to every believer
(Heb. 10:19-23; Eph. 2:18). We not only have access; we are commanded to enter
His presence (Heb. 4:14ff).
Such an important event was accompanied by
powerful signs: a rock-splitting earthquake, the opening of the graves of many saints,
and their appearance in Jerusalem. This seems strange to some but must be taken as
a literal account. Jesus’ parable (Luke 16:19-31)
indicates these saints were in Hades,
a place of rest. They waited the time
when the sacrifice of God’s Lamb would redeem them so they could be ushered
into God’s presence. In other words,
even in death they had a “boundary” that depended on the Redeemer for
removal. This event was a sign that this
redemption had been accomplished. As
with other resurrections (e.g. Lazarus) it is likely their bodies returned to
the grave to wait the final day of resurrection, although Scripture is silent
on the matter.
Jesus’ death had an impact on the centurion at
the cross. Likely he was aware of the
claims of Christ, perhaps hearing it from those who stood around the
cross. Even the way Christ died
indicated He was someone special.
Tradition confirms that this centurion became a believer, no longer
separated from God.
Lastly we are told of the women who remained at
the cross, not in deep agony but solemnly watching. By now Jesus’ mother likely had been taken by
John. Those remaining included Mary
Magdalene from whom seven demons were cast; Mary the mother of two sons,
including one of the Twelve (James the Lesser is thought to be James the son of
Alphaeus); and Salome, the mother of James and John. Their presence prepares us for the amazing
event three days later.
The rending of the veil, by God (top to
bottom), began the tremendous change in men’s relationship with God. God is truly accessible, in this life and in
the one to come. This was His desire
from the beginning when He enjoyed fellowship with Adam & Eve in the
garden. Are you in a personal relationship
with God through faith in Christ? Do you
enjoy that fellowship NOW?
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