I only learned this a few years ago, and it changed how I read the crucifixion.
Inside the Temple in Jerusalem, there was a huge curtain that closed off the Holy of Holies, the room where God's presence was said to dwell. Ancient Jewish writings describe it as being about a hand's width thick. Nobody could go behind it except the high priest, and only once a year, after offering sacrifices for himself first.
For centuries, that curtain said one thing: God is close, but you can't come in.
Then the Gospel of Matthew tells us that the moment Jesus died, that curtain tore in two, from the top to the bottom. From the top. Like it wasn't people who did it.
I think about that a lot. We spend so much of our lives feeling like we have to get ourselves cleaned up before we're allowed to come near God. We wait until we're stronger, calmer, less ashamed.
But the door was opened for us at the worst moment of the worst day. Not after we got it together. Before.
So if you've been standing outside lately, you can come in. Just as you are.
If this spoke to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and follow the page for a short reflection every day. ❤️
#Jesus #Faith #Bible #Gospel #Christian
