“44 It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon 45 because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.” - Luke 23:44-45
For context, this is just before Jesus cries out “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” and dies.
What exactly does “the veil of the temple was torn down the middle” mean? I assume it shows the Jews alone are no longer God’s chosen people (for lack of a better way of putting it), hence the veil of the temple being torn down; but if not this, I’d like to know what it actually means. Thanks!
Thanks for the question! Fascinating connections I hadn’t noticed before.
Eph. 2;14-15 - 14 For he is our peace,
who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances;
for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
((Could this also be referring to removing the “enmity” as referenced in Genesis?
Heb. 10:19-20 - 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us,
through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Hebrews 9:1 - Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
6 Now when these things were thus ordained, **the priests went always into the first **tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
7 **But into the second went the high priest **alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves,
but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.