Matthew 27:50-51 is about the moment Jesus died on the cross symbolizing the breaking of the barrier between humanity and God, demonstrated through the temple veil tearing in two from top to bottom.
50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 27:50-51
The scene described in Matthew 27:50-51 takes place at Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified. The sky is darkened, and there is an eerie silence that falls over the crowd as Jesus takes his final breath. The ground shakes, and the curtain of the temple is torn in two from top to bottom. The Roman centurion and the soldiers who were guarding Jesus are filled with awe and fear at the events unfolding before them.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is standing nearby, her heart heavy with grief as she watches her son die on the cross. Mary Magdalene and a few other women who had been following Jesus are also present, weeping and mourning the loss of their beloved teacher. The disciples, including John and Peter, are there as well, their faces etched with sorrow and disbelief at the sight before them.
The scene is one of profound emotion and significance, as the Son of God sacrifices himself for the sins of humanity. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of finality and mystery, as those present grapple with the enormity of what has just taken place. The torn curtain symbolizes the breaking down of barriers between God and humanity, ushering in a new era of grace and redemption.
What is Matthew 27:50-51 about?
Imagine standing outside a grand, thick curtain that separates you from something mysterious and sacred. Now, picture that curtain suddenly ripping from top to bottom, revealing the hidden treasures inside. This exact symbolism happened when Jesus died, and the temple curtain tore in two.
This momentous event signified the breaking down of barriers between God and humanity. The tearing of the curtain symbolized that through Jesus’s sacrifice, we now have direct access to God. No longer are we separated by rituals or intermediaries; we can approach God with confidence and faith.
So, as you reflect on this powerful image of the torn curtain, consider the profound impact of Christ’s sacrifice in your own life. How does this revelation of access to God through Christ inspire you to deepen your relationship with Him? How can you embrace this newfound connection and draw closer to God through prayer, worship, and service to others?
Understanding what Matthew 27:50-51 really means
In the poignant moment of Jesus’ crucifixion, as He hung on the cross, Matthew 27:50-51 describes a powerful scene. Jesus, in His final moments, cried out with a loud voice, signifying the intensity and significance of His sacrifice. This moment holds immense importance in Christian theology as it marks the climax of Jesus’ earthly mission, culminating in His voluntary sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.
The phrase “yielded up his spirit” in the verse highlights the voluntary nature of Jesus’ sacrifice. It signifies His obedience to the Father’s will and the completion of His mission to offer salvation to all. Jesus, in His act of surrender, demonstrated the depth of His love and the extent of His sacrifice for mankind.
Another striking image in the passage is the tearing of the temple curtain from top to bottom. This event symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. The tearing of the curtain signifies the access believers now have to God through Jesus’ sacrifice, emphasizing the personal relationship that can be established with the Creator.
Several related biblical passages, such as Hebrews 10:19-20 and Ephesians 2:14-18, further elaborate on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice in breaking down barriers and granting access to God. Mark 15:37-38 and Luke 23:45-46 provide parallel accounts of the temple curtain tearing, reinforcing the profound impact of this event in bridging the gap between God and humanity.
The relevance of this moment to people today lies in the direct access to God that Jesus’ sacrifice provides. Believers are invited into a personal relationship with God, free from the constraints of religious rituals or intermediaries. Jesus’ sacrifice remains a cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering hope, redemption, and the assurance of God’s unfailing love.
To illustrate the profound impact of Jesus’ sacrifice, consider a scenario where a person who has always felt unworthy to approach a king is suddenly welcomed in by the king himself, removing all barriers. This act of acceptance and love mirrors what Jesus accomplished for humanity through His sacrifice, granting access to God and affirming His unconditional love for all.
In conclusion, reflecting on the love and sacrifice displayed by Jesus on the cross prompts us to embrace the direct relationship with God that His death made possible. Let us ponder the depth of His sacrifice and the boundless grace extended to us, inviting us into a personal and intimate communion with the Creator of the universe.
How does Jesus’ death on the cross affect me?
Jesus’ death on the cross has a profound impact on every individual. Through His sacrifice, we are offered forgiveness for our sins and reconciliation with God. Jesus took upon Himself the penalty for our wrongdoing, offering us the gift of salvation. This act of sacrificial love demonstrates God’s mercy and grace towards us, allowing us to have a restored relationship with Him.
Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we have the opportunity to be redeemed and to experience eternal life. His sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of God’s incredible love for us and the lengths to which He went to offer us salvation. We can receive the forgiveness of our sins and the promise of life with Him for eternity by accepting Jesus’ sacrifice and believing in Him. The cross is a symbol of hope, redemption, and the ultimate expression of God’s love for each and every one of us.
Application
Reflecting on that life-shattering moment when the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom, Jesus broke down all barriers for us. Just like tearing down walls in a work project or bridging gaps within your family, this act calls for action. How will you seize this open path and draw closer to God today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.