Scripture:
Luke 23:44-46
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
See also, Matthew 27:51-53 and Mark 15:38-40
The Veil was Torn
The tearing of the temple veil was so important that it appears in three of the gospels. Yet, how often do we just gloss over it in the crucifixion story. Indeed, the tearing of the veil at the time of the crucifixion was a miracle of God. It opened the way into the Holy of Holies [an area of the temple known of the earthly dwelling place of God which was not open to man].
This miracle symbolized that Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross was an atonement of all of our sins and broke down the barriers between God and man. It established a new covenant.
In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, veils are again used to describe the barrier between the old and new covenant between God and man. In this passage, the veil is likened to one worn to cover the eyes preventing sight.
Once the veil is lifted, we can see. Paul explains that “only in Christ is it [the veil] taken away.” 2 Corinthians 3:14. In verse 16, he goes on to say that “whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away…and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Because of Christ’s sacrifice we are free from sin—there is no barrier to God or eternal life.
Philips Craig and Dean explain this so beautifully in “This is How it Feels to Be Free.” They write:
There is a wall that has been standing since the day that Adam fell; Sin is where it started and Sin is why it held.
But in a cross I found a doorway
And a hand that held a key
And when the chains fell at my feet
For the first time I could see;
This is how it feels to be free
This is what it means to know that I am forgiven.
Are you willing to take away the veil and experience the freedom of forgiveness?
Reflection Written by Dawn Jennings
Prayer:
Heavenly father, thank you for sending your Son to take away our sins and the veil that separated us from you. Help us to embrace your love and forgiveness and know the freedom that comes with your love.
In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.
Please take a moment to consider what God is speaking to you through the scripture passage and the devotional reflection.
Then, take some time for prayer—pray for the Easter Egg Hunt gathering today! We hope and pray that the young family and children learn about the true meaning of Easter through this event!
You can also listen to the music provided below as a backdrop
for your time of prayer.
This is What it Means to be Free by Phillips, Craig and Dean