Torn!

In Matthew chapters 26 and 27 we find three occasions, on that solemn day of the crucifixion, when something was torn.

In 26:65 we read that “the high priest rent his clothes”. It was an act of hypocrisy, to suggest that he was offended with the Lord's declaration. With knowing it, however, Caiaphas was also indicating, symbolically, that his office of high priest was ended. We have no need of a human sacerdotal system — we have the Son of God Himself (Heb. 7:26-28).


Some hours later, we read that “the veil of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” (27:51). This event (accompanied by the rending of the rocks and the graves) was a divine indication that God had accepted the Lord's sacrifice on the cross. It wasn't men who tore the veil: it was rent “from the top”, by God's hand, signifying that the way into the holiest was now open (see Heb. 9:6-14).

And between these two events, we read these touching words: “When he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified” (27:26). We are reminded of the words of the Psalmist about Israel, which are applicable to the Lord on this occasion: “The plowers plowed upon My back; they made long their furrows” (Psalm 129:3). The roman scourge tore the back of my Saviour, so that today I could rest in the knowledge of being “accepted in the Beloved.”

When we gather tomorrow, the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), with other believers to remember Him in the Breaking of Bread, way we be reminded of the abolishment of the sacerdotal system, of free access to the sanctuary,  and of the deep agony of the Saviour — the awful price of our redemption.

Oh Blessed Lord, what hast Thou done!
How vast a ransom paid!
God's only well-beloved Son
Upon the altar laid!
(Believer's Hymn Book, 173)


© W. J. Watterson