Word@Work 204 - Mark 15:38-39
Published: Mon, 09/08/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 15:38-39 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" (NIV)
The final moment, when life tore out of the body of Jesus, was mirrored in the temple curtain. This heavy fabric obstruction was placed between the 'holy' and 'most holy' places of the temple. Only the high priest could pass that curtain; and then only once a year accompanied by sacrificial blood - to make atonement for the sins of the nation. Behind that curtain was the space for God's presence. And so the people learned that God was inaccessible to ordinary people, and the curtain was to keep them out.
So the top to bottom tear, that exposed the holiest place of God to all, was a Divine sign that the death of Christ had made an open way into God's presence. In Mark's mind there was a significant link between that sign and the centurion's assessment of Jesus. Unlike many of the characters in the gospel (and indeed the disciples themselves) that man had his own private curtain ripped open. His observation of Jesus, the measured composure of his death and the determined dismissal of his spirit - all these led the hardened soldier to see that Jesus was the Son of God.
The eyes of most of our friends are tightly battened down lest they might see, hear and understand (cf Is 6:10). But some will dare to look long enough at the crucified Jesus, and the light will come on. Alas, much of our so called 'evangelistism', if talking about churches or denominations, is unlikely to do anything more than encourage a further screwing up of the eyelids. But once we talk about Jesus, and in particular His death, God starts to tear the barrier (cf 1 Corinthians 2:2). So if you want your family or colleagues to know who Jesus is, start by discussing His death. It will make for some enlightening discussions!
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank you taking the barrier away from my spiritual eyes so that I can see who you are. Help me to dare to talk about Jesus on the cross, so that my friends might start to see who He is, for themselves. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
The final moment, when life tore out of the body of Jesus, was mirrored in the temple curtain. This heavy fabric obstruction was placed between the 'holy' and 'most holy' places of the temple. Only the high priest could pass that curtain; and then only once a year accompanied by sacrificial blood - to make atonement for the sins of the nation. Behind that curtain was the space for God's presence. And so the people learned that God was inaccessible to ordinary people, and the curtain was to keep them out.
So the top to bottom tear, that exposed the holiest place of God to all, was a Divine sign that the death of Christ had made an open way into God's presence. In Mark's mind there was a significant link between that sign and the centurion's assessment of Jesus. Unlike many of the characters in the gospel (and indeed the disciples themselves) that man had his own private curtain ripped open. His observation of Jesus, the measured composure of his death and the determined dismissal of his spirit - all these led the hardened soldier to see that Jesus was the Son of God.
The eyes of most of our friends are tightly battened down lest they might see, hear and understand (cf Is 6:10). But some will dare to look long enough at the crucified Jesus, and the light will come on. Alas, much of our so called 'evangelistism', if talking about churches or denominations, is unlikely to do anything more than encourage a further screwing up of the eyelids. But once we talk about Jesus, and in particular His death, God starts to tear the barrier (cf 1 Corinthians 2:2). So if you want your family or colleagues to know who Jesus is, start by discussing His death. It will make for some enlightening discussions!
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank you taking the barrier away from my spiritual eyes so that I can see who you are. Help me to dare to talk about Jesus on the cross, so that my friends might start to see who He is, for themselves. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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