Matthew 27:51
“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”
Matthew 27:51 (KJV) states: And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom, and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.
This verse is a part of the narrative surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It occurs immediately after Jesus breathed His last and just before the centurion’s declaration that Jesus was the Son of God (Matthew 27:50, 54).
The significance of Matthew 27:51 lies in the tearing of the veil in the temple. To understand the significance, we need to know a little about the temple and its structure. In the temple, there was a veil, a thick curtain, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies. This veil was a symbol of the separation between God and humanity due to sin.
The tearing of the veil has profound theological implications. Here are a few key points:
Access to God:The tearing of the veil signifies that through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, a new way of access to God has been opened. Previously, only the high priest was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, and that too only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The tearing of the veil indicates that now, through Jesus, all believers have direct access to God. This is confirmed in Hebrews 10:19-22, where it says that through Jesus’ sacrifice, we can boldly enter the Most Holy Place.
Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets:The tearing of the veil also represents the fulfillment of the Old Testament Law and the prophecies concerning the Messiah. The temple and its rituals were a shadow of the coming reality in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:1). The tearing of the veil signifies that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has fulfilled the requirements of the Law and inaugurated a new covenant.
Atonement and Reconciliation:The tearing of the veil symbolizes the atoning work of Jesus. Through His sacrificial death, He made a way for the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation between God and humanity. The tearing of the veil emphasizes the removal of the barrier of sin that separated people from God, enabling believers to have a personal relationship with Him.
Additionally, Matthew 27:51 mentions two other events: the earthquake and the splitting of rocks. These natural phenomena underscore the significant nature of Jesus’ death. The earthquake demonstrates the cosmic impact of Jesus’ crucifixion, and the splitting of rocks symbolizes the profound impact on creation itself.
In summary, Matthew 27:51 is a powerful verse that captures the momentous significance of Jesus’ sacrifice. The tearing of the veil represents the removal of the separation between God and humanity, allowing direct access to God through faith in Jesus Christ. It also signifies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, the atonement for sins, and the reconciliation between God and humanity.
