Mark 15:38 – “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes an extraordinary event that occurred the moment Jesus died—the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The temple curtain, or veil, was a thick and heavy fabric that separated the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the temple where God’s presence dwelled, from the rest of the temple. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people.
The tearing of the curtain was not just a random event. It symbolized that through Jesus’ death, the barrier between God and humanity had been removed. No longer would people need priests or sacrifices to access God’s presence. Jesus’ sacrifice made it possible for believers to approach God directly.
The fact that the curtain was torn “from top to bottom” emphasizes that this was an act of God, not something done by human hands. It signifies that salvation and access to God are His work, not something humans could achieve on their own.
Historical Context
In the Jewish temple, the curtain was a central feature of the temple’s design. It was made of fine materials, including blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and was embroidered with cherubim (Exodus 26:31-33). Its purpose was to separate the sinful people from the holy presence of God. The presence of the curtain demonstrated the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement before approaching God.
The tearing of the curtain would have been a shocking event for the priests and anyone in the temple at the time. It signaled that the temple system, with its sacrifices and rituals, was no longer necessary. Jesus’ death fulfilled the requirements of the law and established a new covenant, in which access to God was available through faith in Him.
Theological Implications
The tearing of the curtain is a powerful symbol of the new relationship between God and humanity that Jesus’ death established. Under the old covenant, access to God was limited and required priests, sacrifices, and rituals. But through Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, the way to God was opened to all who believe in Him. Hebrews 10:19-20 says, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.”
This event also demonstrates the end of the old system of sacrifices. The temple sacrifices were temporary and symbolic, pointing forward to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. When Jesus died, He fulfilled the purpose of the sacrificial system, making it obsolete. Hebrews 9:12 explains that Jesus entered the Most Holy Place “once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
Furthermore, the tearing of the curtain reveals the heart of the gospel—God is not distant or inaccessible. Through Jesus, God invites all people into a personal relationship with Him.
Literary Analysis
Mark’s inclusion of the tearing of the curtain is significant because it highlights the spiritual meaning of Jesus’ death. The event is placed immediately after Jesus’ loud cry and final breath, emphasizing that His death directly caused the tearing of the curtain. The detail that the curtain was torn “from top to bottom” suggests divine intervention, showing that God Himself was removing the barrier between Him and humanity.
Mark’s Gospel often uses symbolic actions to convey theological truths, and this moment is one of the most powerful examples. The tearing of the curtain is not described in elaborate detail, but its meaning is profound. Mark presents it as a sign that something fundamental had changed—the old covenant was over, and a new way of relating to God had been established.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 26:31-33 – The construction of the temple curtain, designed to separate the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple.
- Hebrews 10:19-20 – “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.”
- Hebrews 9:12 – Jesus entered the Most Holy Place “once for all by his own blood.”
- Matthew 27:51 – A parallel account of the curtain being torn when Jesus died.
- 2 Corinthians 3:16 – “Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, this verse is a reminder of the incredible access they have to God through Jesus Christ. No longer do believers need a priest or sacrifice to approach God. Through Jesus, they can come to Him directly in prayer, worship, and daily life. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
This verse also challenges believers to live in gratitude and freedom, knowing that Jesus’ sacrifice has removed the barrier of sin. Because of His work on the cross, they are no longer separated from God but are welcomed into His presence as His children.
Additionally, the tearing of the curtain calls believers to share the good news with others. The way to God is open, and Christians are called to invite others into that relationship, proclaiming the message of salvation through Jesus.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is displayed through the tearing of the curtain because it shows His desire to be in a relationship with humanity. The curtain, which once symbolized separation, was removed by God Himself, demonstrating that His love is greater than sin and separation. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
The fact that God made a way for people to approach Him freely shows His grace and mercy. He did not wait for humanity to fix their sin problem—He took the initiative by sending His Son to die and remove the barrier. His love is personal, sacrificial, and redemptive, inviting all people to come to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is directly connected to Jesus’ role as the ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrifice. In the Old Testament, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. But Jesus, as the perfect High Priest, entered the presence of God with His own blood, providing eternal forgiveness (Hebrews 9:11-12).
The torn curtain also symbolizes Jesus’ body being torn on the cross. Hebrews 10:20 says that believers have access to God “through the curtain, that is, his body.” Just as the curtain was torn to allow access to the Holy of Holies, Jesus’ broken body opened the way for believers to enter God’s presence.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why was the tearing of the temple curtain significant, and what does it symbolize?
- How does knowing that the barrier between you and God has been removed impact your relationship with Him?
- What does this verse teach you about the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant established by Jesus?
- In what ways can you live with greater confidence and gratitude, knowing that you have direct access to God through Jesus?
- How can you share the message of God’s open invitation with others who may feel distant from Him?