When we read the New Testament account of Yeshua (Jesus) dying on the cross, we learn about a great earthquake occurring and the veil of the Temple being torn from top to bottom. Have you ever wondered about the significance of that veil being torn in two? One of my friends, George Whitten from Worthy Ministries, recently shared some thoughts on this topic, and I am using some of his insights in this article.
The size of the enormous veil is not specified in the Gospels; however, other sources indicate that it was approximately 60 feet long and 30 feet wide, made of multiple woven layers, each about the thickness of a man’s hand. It was hung on a lintel—a crossbeam stone—measuring over 30 feet in length and weighing more than 30 tons. Thus, tearing this cloth was no simple task.
Jerome, a Church Father from the fourth century, wrote about the tearing of the veil, noting that not only was the veil torn, but a great earthquake also caused the lintel of the Temple to break in two. It seems that the breaking of the lintel led to the veil being torn in half from top to bottom, as the veil hung down from the lintel.
In Jewish culture, it is common for a father to mourn the loss of his son by tearing his garment. Could we suggest that the tearing of the Temple’s veil similarly expressed our Heavenly Father’s anguish over the death of Yeshua, His only begotten Son?
Through the death of the Son of God a way was prepared for us to have access to the Holy of Holies, that place on earth which was prepared for the abiding Presence of God’s Spirit, and, in earlier Temple times, actually contained His Glory. In the death of the Messiah Yeshua, every barrier and obstacle, even a 30 ton stone that needed to be broken – was removed, to make a way for us to have an intimate relationship with the Father!
Thus the importance of Hebrews 10:19-23 which says, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
The sound of ripping cloth, the tearing of a massive veil, echoes throughout history to this very day. The anguish of that mournful sound opened for us “a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh” (Hebrews 10:20). Now, we can approach our Heavenly Father at any time with boldness and confidence in His love and acceptance. As we embrace the sacrifice of Yeshua and come to Him with a clean heart in His righteousness, we can expect His constant intervention and blessings in our everyday lives—because the way has been permanently opened to us!
Thank you, Father, for Your death and resurrection!! Thank You for giving us a visual example of the tearing of the veil in the Temple, to help us understand our new entry way to You as our Father. No longer do we have to go through another person but instead we can go straight to You with a boldness and confidence, knowing of Your great love for us!! All praise to You!
If you would like continued prayer, feel free to email me at tonif77@gmail.com.
