Matthew 27:51-56
Just then the temple curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks were split apart. And tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had died were raised. (They came out of the tombs after his resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.) Now when the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and what took place, they were extremely terrified and said, “Truly this one was God’s Son!” Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and given him support were also there, watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
COMMENT & QUESTIONS
The Temple curtain separated the dwelling place of God from the place of humans. What do you think is symbolised in the curtain tearing in two?
Through Jesus and specifically His death on the cross, we can have access to God. Sin no longer stands between us and God. The tearing of the curtain is a great symbol that we have access to God now.
Romans 5:2 - Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God
Hebrews 4:16 - Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.
Eph 2:18 - so that through him [Jesus] we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
It could also be possible that the tearing of the curtain represents the end of the Law of Moses and the establishment of the New Covenant.
There were not many people who stood by Jesus until the very end. Who are the people mentioned here and can you remember where else they came up in the gospel account?
Mary Magdalene is mentioned by name for the first time here. The mother of the sons of Zebedee is mentioned when she approached Jesus back in chapter 20:20. Apparently many of these women had followed Jesus throughout His ministry and had supported Him financially (Luke 8:1-2)
Prayers
Give thanks that we don’t need the physical temple to access God – we can go to Him directly through Jesus Give thanks for those who stand by us in our hardest times