The curtain was torn
Day 301, Sunday, June 8
Mark Chapters 15 – 16
In the drama of the crucifixion Mark and the other gospel writers paint a graphic and horrifying picture of what took place in the hours leading up to it, and the time on the cross.
They tell us about the resurrection and the appearances after the resurrection.
The account of the death itself, by contrast, is stark.
Mark writes, “With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”
It’s easy to pass over the tearing of the curtain—it seems to interrupt the narrative of the crucifixion with something that happens across town.
But the tearing of the curtain is key to understanding the significance of the crucifixion. This was the curtain that set off the holy place where only the high priest could enter—and only at certain times.
This was the barrier between God and humanity and, at the moment Jesus gave up his life, that barrier was ripped open.
It’s also significant that it was torn not from bottom to top, but from top to bottom. It was God, not humanity, who opened the door.

Sunday meditation

Proverbs 30:5-6
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”

Prayer focus
I surrender all.

-Rev. Mark Fleming