Real Hope: The Passion - Week 3Shembull

Jesus Died

During the lockdown, I decided to try my hand at sewing. Mum had bought me a sewing machine, so I headed to Spotlight and bought some material. I can’t explain the satisfaction I felt watching the staff member make a small cut at one end of that material and then take each side in their hands and tear the material, separating one piece from the rest. In the grief of the crucifixion, I imagine God feeling a deep satisfaction in tearing the curtain in this way. The temple curtain separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple. The Ark of the Covenant was set behind the curtain, and only the Most High Priest could safely go behind the curtain, and only once a year, into the presence of God. Anyone else who tried, it was told, would immediately die. At over 18 m high, 9 m wide, and 10 cm in thickness, it’s recorded to have taken 300 priests to maneuver the curtain. As Jesus died, this curtain tore – from top to bottom. In that one action, God Himself removed the barrier. He was no longer contained behind a curtain where one person could visit once a year but was released, accessible to all humankind forever. For me, a torn curtain would be a far greater symbol to wear around my neck than a cross.

Crucifixion was common in its time, but Jesus’ crucifixion was like no other. Those hours on the cross changed everything. Through Jesus’ death, we find ourselves in the presence of God Himself, now and always. Knowing that God is with you, how do you live your life differently? (E.g., would you make that phone call? Give more generously? Forgive more freely?)

Written by SUSIE HOLT