Luke 23:45 – “for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes two major events that occurred during the crucifixion of Jesus. First, the sun stopped shining, signifying a period of supernatural darkness that symbolized divine judgment and mourning. Second, the curtain in the temple was torn in two, a significant and symbolic act that represented the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.

The tearing of the temple curtain was a dramatic and deeply meaningful event. The curtain, also known as the veil, separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies) in the temple. The Most Holy Place was where God’s presence dwelled, and only the high priest could enter it, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2-34). By tearing this curtain, God was making a powerful statement: through Jesus’ death, the separation between God and humanity had been removed, and direct access to God was now available to all who believe.

Historical Context

The Jewish temple in Jerusalem was the center of religious life and worship. The temple contained a system of courts, rooms, and sacred spaces, with the Most Holy Place being the innermost sanctuary. The curtain that separated the Most Holy Place was a heavy, ornate veil, symbolizing the holiness of God and the separation caused by human sin.

The tearing of the curtain at the moment of Jesus’ death would have shocked and amazed those in the temple. The temple represented the old covenant, which required animal sacrifices and priestly mediation to atone for sin. The tearing of the curtain signified the end of that system and the establishment of a new covenant through Jesus’ sacrifice.

The darkness that covered the land during Jesus’ crucifixion was not a normal eclipse but a supernatural event. It mirrored Old Testament descriptions of God’s judgment and His presence during significant events. For example, during the exodus from Egypt, God brought darkness over the land as one of the plagues (Exodus 10:21-23). The darkness at Jesus’ death symbolized the weight of judgment that Jesus bore on behalf of sinners.

Theological Implications

This verse carries profound theological significance, emphasizing key aspects of salvation and the new relationship between God and humanity:

1. The End of Separation: The tearing of the curtain signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Under the old covenant, people had limited access to God, and only the high priest could enter His presence. Through Jesus’ death, believers now have direct access to God without the need for an earthly mediator (Hebrews 10:19-22).
2. The Fulfillment of the Law: The tearing of the curtain signals the fulfillment of the old covenant and the beginning of the new covenant. The sacrificial system, which pointed to the need for atonement, was fulfilled in Jesus’ perfect sacrifice (Matthew 5:17).
3. The Finality of Jesus’ Sacrifice: The curtain was torn at the moment of Jesus’ death, showing that His sacrifice was complete and sufficient. No further sacrifices for sin are needed because Jesus’ death paid the full price (Hebrews 10:10-12).
4. Divine Judgment and Mercy: The darkness and the tearing of the curtain highlight both judgment and mercy. While Jesus bears the judgment for sin, His sacrifice opens the way for sinners to be forgiven and reconciled to God.

Literary Analysis

Luke’s description of the tearing of the curtain is brief but powerful. The placement of this event right after the mention of the darkness emphasizes its dramatic and supernatural nature. The tearing of the curtain is not just a physical event—it is a spiritual act with far-reaching implications.

The phrase “the curtain of the temple was torn in two” is significant because it indicates that the tearing was complete and decisive. Matthew 27:51 adds that the curtain was torn “from top to bottom,” suggesting that this act was initiated by God, not by human hands. The imagery of the veil being torn ties into themes of access, reconciliation, and the fulfillment of prophecy.

The reference to the sun stopping its shining and the temple curtain being torn connects to Old Testament themes of judgment and the presence of God. Darkness often signifies God’s judgment (Amos 8:9-10), and the temple represents His dwelling place among His people. By combining these elements, Luke emphasizes the cosmic and spiritual significance of Jesus’ death.

Biblical Cross-References

• Hebrews 10:19-22 – Through Jesus’ blood, believers have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place, because the curtain has been removed.
• Matthew 27:51 – The curtain was torn from top to bottom, signifying that this was God’s doing.
• Exodus 26:31-33 – The instructions for making the curtain, which separated the Most Holy Place.
• Mark 15:38 – The parallel account of the curtain being torn at Jesus’ death.
• Amos 8:9-10 – A prophecy about darkness covering the land as a sign of mourning and judgment.
• Isaiah 53:5 – Jesus was pierced for our transgressions, and His suffering brought us peace.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the incredible access they now have to God through Jesus. The tearing of the curtain means that believers no longer need a priest or a sacrificial system to come before God. They can approach Him directly, with confidence, because Jesus has made the way open.

This verse also calls Christians to live in gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus. His death was not just an act of love—it was the fulfillment of God’s plan to restore a broken relationship with humanity. Because of Jesus, believers are no longer separated from God by their sin.

Additionally, this verse challenges Christians to reflect on the seriousness of sin and the incredible cost of forgiveness. The darkness and the tearing of the curtain are reminders of the judgment that sin deserves and the grace that Jesus offers.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His willingness to remove the barrier of sin through the sacrifice of His Son. The tearing of the curtain is a visual demonstration of God’s desire for a close, personal relationship with His people. No longer is access to God restricted—through Jesus, anyone can approach Him in faith.

God’s love is also evident in the fact that He initiated this act. The curtain was torn from top to bottom, symbolizing that salvation is God’s work, not human effort. His love bridges the gap between His holiness and human sinfulness, making reconciliation possible.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the mediator between God and humanity. His death removed the need for an earthly priest or mediator because He became the ultimate High Priest who offers eternal access to God (Hebrews 7:25). The tearing of the curtain is a direct result of His sacrifice, which fulfilled the requirements of the law and provided forgiveness for sin.

Jesus’ death also connects to the broader theme of deliverance. Just as God delivered the Israelites from Egypt during the first Passover, Jesus delivers believers from the bondage of sin and death through His sacrifice. The tearing of the curtain symbolizes the new exodus—a spiritual deliverance from separation to fellowship with God.

• 1 Timothy 2:5 – Jesus is the one mediator between God and humanity.
• John 14:6 – Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him.
• Hebrews 4:14-16 – Believers can approach the throne of grace with confidence because of Jesus’ role as the High Priest.
• Colossians 1:19-22 – Through Jesus’ death, believers are reconciled to God and presented holy and blameless before Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does the tearing of the temple curtain teach you about the access believers now have to God?
2. How does this verse help you understand the significance of Jesus’ death in ending the old covenant and establishing a new one?
3. What does the combination of darkness and the tearing of the curtain reveal about both God’s judgment and mercy?
4. How can you live in a way that reflects gratitude for the access to God that Jesus has provided?
5. How does the removal of the barrier between God and humanity encourage you in your prayer life and relationship with God?