Sermon: The Veil
Bible Passage: Matt 27:51a
“Behold! The veil of the Temple (of the Holy of Holies) was torn into two from top to bottom”
1. The expression “behold” introduces something spectacular—it often introduces a divine revelation or communication
2. The veil here is identified as “the veil of the Holy of Holies
3. Symbolisms of the veil of the Holy of Holies
a. The veil pointed to barrier between the holy place and the Holy of Holies
b. The veil pointed to God’s separation from common man
c. The barrier and separation was caused by “sin”
d. The veil pointed that common man did not have access to God’s presence
e. The veil pointed to a need for a mediator, i.e., the high priest
4. “the veil of the Temple was torn” (was ripped open)—passive voice!
a. It’s a divine passive (translation)
b. In other words, God is the doer of the tearing of the veil
c. Translation: “the veil of the Temple was torn by God”
5. The word “tear” has a revelatory device
6. “From top to bottom” signifies
a. That God took the initiative of tearing the veil
b. Jesus’ death (the death of the Second Person of the Trinity) satisfied God to take the initiative to remove the thing that kept common man from His presence
c. It is one of the greatest milestones in the salvation history! (cf. Col 2:14)
7. The implication
a. Through Jesus’ death, God has opened a way for common man to His presence
b. The completion of Atonement and no more sacrifice is needed—Jesus, the Second Person of the Trinity is the perpetual atonement sacrifice
c. The Temple and human priestly systems are no more necessary—Jesus has become the perpetual High Priest
d. The tearing of veil introduces the priesthood of all believers (1 Pet 2:9)
e. The renting of the veil points to the end of its function
f. The torn veil reveals hidden things that Jesus is indeed the Son of God (verse 54—the centurion and those who were with him became believers through their confession
Take Away:
1. Confess Jesus as “the Son of God” and be born again
2. Get healed from your sinners’ syndrome