Day 35 :: Bold I Approach
“But Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit. Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom…”
Matthew 27:50-51(50-53)
For the past few weeks we’ve been preparing for our driver theory test and our minds have been swirling around traffic laws and road signs. So, it’s probably no surprise that when I read about this mysterious curtain, my mind pictures a giant traffic light. It’s like a big red light that says “Stop! It is not safe to approach!” Whenever we’re in a hurry it seems the red lights last forever. God’s people had been living with this red light for literally thousands of years.
What was behind this curtain? Why was it such a big deal? In the Old Testament, God set up a specific place and system of worship. The details may seem a bit strange or unnecessary to us, but they all have a purpose in pointing to a bigger story of Jesus and redemption. Within the tabernacle was a Holy Place where only the priests could go. Behind that was the Most Holy Place which was God’s dwelling place on earth. In it was the mercy seat which symbolized God’s throne. But it was not safe for sinful people to be in God’s presence. So, a curtain was hung.
The Israelites knew what it meant to be separated from a holy God. I think I easily forget that I do not belong in the presence of a holy God. But they lived with constant visual reminders of their sin and its consequences. A gate around the tabernacle. A curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. All warning signs that they’re approaching a red light. Then this giant curtain (18m high) with cherubim embroidered on it, to guard the entrance to the Most Holy Place. Not even the priests could enter here.
Only the High Priest could enter behind this curtain into the presence of God. And only after going through a series of washings, purifications, and wearing special clothes. Jewish custom also tells us that he wore a rope around his waist, so that if he were to be struck dead in God’s presence the other priests could pull him out. Only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (or Yom Yippur), could the High Priest enter behind the curtain. Then upon the mercy seat he made a sacrifice for his sins, and for the sins of all of Israel. None of the other offerings and sacrifices meant anything without this one.
Today we can look back and can see that all of this points to Jesus. He is the blood sacrifice that was offered on the mercy seat.
“He entered the most holy place once for all time, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.”
Hebrews 9:12
But He is more than the sacrifice; He is also the High Priest. He was the only one worthy of entering behind the curtain.
“For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God, on our behalf.”
Hebrews 9:24 (ESV)
Everything the Israelites knew was only a picture. The sacrifices, the temple, the High Priests- all just earthly photocopies of Jesus. And now that Great High Priest enters the Real Most Holy Place- God’s throne room in heaven- to offer a once-for-all sacrifice for our sin. Only Jesus was worthy to stand in God’s presence.
“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 27:50-51
When Jesus came to Earth to live among us, the amber light appeared on the traffic light, letting us know that things were getting ready to change. As He suffered on the cross, we watch in anticipation waiting… any second now…
And at the moment of Christ’s death, when the sacrifice had been fully paid once and for all, God tore away the curtain from top to bottom. The light has turned green. A torn curtain in the temple revealed the mercy seat, open for all to see. A torn Jesus granted us access to a Holy God. The separation is no more. It is safe to come.
“Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16
God’s holiness is unchanged. I would still be struck dead if I were to come face to face with His glory. But we can now enter that throne room because Christ now gives us access to the Most Holy Place. Forgiveness of my sins was more than I deserved, yet He has given so much more by inviting me to have a relationship with Him. And what’s more, my High Priest stands giving me access to the Father’s throne where I can make requests. I can come to the mercy seat and ask for help. Any time I want. The light is always green.
Passages to read: Matthew 27:50-53, Hebrews 9, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45b-46
A thought to remember: A torn curtain represents a torn body, which gives us access to a Holy God.
A question to ask: Am I running to God in prayer, or sitting stalled at a green light?
A song to sing: Boldly I Approach