We were joined by a Langham Scholar who is currently studying in Scotland on April’s Langham Live event. Due to the sensitive nature of his work, we cannot share the full interview. However, we are delighted to repost the special Bible devotional our brother shared during the Easter season: The Veil was Torn.
The Veil was Torn Devotional
Matthew, in chapter twenty-seven, narrates the events of Jesus’ crucifixion, following Jesus, through His journey of sufferings. We see Jesus standing before Pilate in Jerusalem (v.11–26). Then He is taken to the Praetorium, the state house, where the soldiers mock and beat Him (v.27–31a). After that, He is led to Golgotha and crucified (v.31b–44). Darkness falls over the land (v.45), and Jesus cries out with the words of Psalm 22, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?. The crowd reacts (v.47–49), and finally, Jesus gives up His spirit (v.50).
Then, suddenly, the scene shifts to the temple. The curtain is torn in two, from top to bottom. At the same time, the earth shakes, and darkness surrounds everything. This is not just a detail. It is a divine event. As John Calvin writes, “In this way not only did the earth bear the testimony to its Creator, but it was even called as a witness against the hard-heartedness of a perverse nation.”
The curtain in the temple (The Veil) stands as a powerful symbol of separation, dividing the Most Holy Place (the holy of holies, where God’s presence dwelt) from the rest of the temple. Only the high priest was permitted to enter this sacred space, and even then, only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This physical barrier stood as a visible and constant reminder that sinful humanity is cut off from the holy presence of God. The design of the temple reinforced this message, intentionally restricting access to God’s presence and making it clear that sinners were not allowed to draw near.
But, just after Jesus gave up His spirit, at that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This torn veil marks a new moment, a turning point in human history, and especially in the history of God’s people. A new expression of God’s eternal covenant of love is revealed. And this moment is witnessed not only by people but by nature itself. The earth quaked. The rocks split. The whole creation responded.
In this moment, the people of God recognised a new depth in their relationship with Him. Their understanding of God’s story with humanity reached a deeper level. The Holy of Holies, the most sacred place, is now open. No one is excluded. We are all invited in. This torn veil bears many messages for the church. I believe two of the most significant messages speak directly to both the identity and the mission of the church.
First, now, by the grace of God in Jesus, we can truly say “Abba, Father.” We are no longer outsiders. There is no longer any barrier, no priestly hierarchy, no racial or social division. Rich or poor, man or woman, Jew or Gentile, anyone can come. The sinners who once thought they could never enter the holy place are now welcomed in.
And this entrance isn’t just a one-time event. As the Writer of Hebrews expresses this stating “He [Christ our high priest ] entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9: 12). Because of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, His life and death, the way is eternally open. Though our sin may still feel like a wall or a veil, Jesus has removed the barrier. God reached us when we could not reach Him.
Now, we live daily in this grace. We don’t just visit God’s presence, we live in it, we are being transformed by it every day. As Paul says, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate The Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit ( 2 Corinthians 3:18). The torn veil is not just a moment in history; it is a living reality. As Paul writes in Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”
Secondly, Today, we no longer have a physical temple, but God has made His people His temple. We are now the living temple of the Holy Spirit. As children of God, entering the Holy of Holies through Christ, we carry His presence into the world. We are called to reflect His love, proclaim His grace, and invite others to know Jesus, to enter into the presence of God themselves.
As I reflect on this in my own context, I deeply believe that the church in the Middle East has a vital role in God’s kingdom. She carries a responsibility toward this region in the story of redemption and salvation history. I know that many Christians have emigrated to Western countries over the past two decades, especially after the Arab Spring revolutions and in the face of ISIS, the Muslim Brotherhood, and other radical groups. Yes, they have every right to seek a better life, and many of them are faithful servants of God and strong voices in the West for the challenges facing minorities in the Middle East. But I also believe that millions of faithful Christians still remain, and they can serve as a message of hope to the Middle Eastern people.
In countries across the Arab world, God has preserved a strong witness. And I believe that even in the midst of darkness, the church can still shine the light of God’s glory. The church can still reflect His love, and proclaim the message of grace and peace through Jesus Christ. I believe the Holy Spirit is at work; creating, renewing, and empowering the church to carry the gospel to this region with the power of the resurrected Christ.
Amen
RG
For more articles and to register for next month’s event, please visit our Langham Live page.