Mark 15:38

Context

Mark 15:38 describes a profound event that occurred simultaneously with Jesus Christ's death on the cross. The "veil of the temple" refers to the massive, thick curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies within the Jerusalem Temple. The Holy of Holies was considered the most sacred space, symbolizing God's immediate presence, and only the High Priest was permitted to enter it, and then only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. This veil visually represented the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, signifying that humanity was barred from direct access to God's presence due to sin.

Key Themes and Messages

• Direct Access to God: The most significant implication of the veil tearing is that the way to God, previously restricted and mediated by priests and rituals, was now open to all believers. Jesus' sacrifice removed the barrier of sin, providing direct access to the Father.
• Fulfillment of the Old Covenant: The tearing of the veil signified the end of the Old Covenant sacrificial system. Jesus, by offering Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice, fulfilled the law and prophets, rendering the temple rituals obsolete. His cry, "It is finished," (John 19:30) underscored the completion of His atoning work.
• Divine Action: The detail "from the top to the bottom" is crucial. This emphasizes that the tearing was not a human act, nor was it accidental. It was a supernatural, divine act, initiated by God Himself, demonstrating His acceptance of Christ's sacrifice and His intention to usher in a new era of relationship with humanity. This event is also recorded in Matthew 27:51 and Luke 23:45.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "rent" is schizō (σχίζω), meaning "to split, tear, cleave asunder." This implies a violent, decisive, and irreversible tearing, not a gentle fraying. The phrase "in twain" simply means "into two parts." The specific direction, "from the top to the bottom," powerfully conveys that this was an act of God, not of man, as a human tearing it from the bottom up would be far more likely if attempting to gain illicit access. This detail underscores the sovereignty and power of God in this event, signifying that the barrier was removed by divine decree, not human effort.

Practical Application

For believers today, the tearing of the temple veil holds immense practical significance:

• Boldness to Approach God: We no longer need human intermediaries or complex rituals to approach God. Through faith in Christ, we have bold access to His throne of grace. This should encourage us to pray directly, worship freely, and live in intimate fellowship with Him.
• Confidence in Christ's Work: The torn veil is a powerful reminder that Jesus' sacrifice was complete and sufficient. There is nothing we need to add to it. Our salvation is secure because of His finished work on the cross.
• Living Under the New Covenant: We are called to live not under the old law, but under the grace of the new covenant, where God's Spirit dwells within us, guiding and empowering us to live a life pleasing to Him.