Today is Easter Saturday — the day between when Christ died on the cross and He rose again.
In our video today, though, I start back on Good Friday and pick up where we left off — at the moment right after Jesus cried out, “It is finished!” and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit (John 19:30).
The Veil was Torn
At the very moment that Jesus died, the veil that separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple ripped in two from top to bottom.
The veil separated man from the earthly dwelling place of God’s holy presence. It kept man safe because sinful man cannot stand in the presence of a holy God. Not safely. Our sins separate us from Him.
The only one who could go in was the high priest, and he could only go in once a year — on the Day of Atonement. And he’d better not enter without the blood of the lamb.
The rest of the year, daily sacrifices were given to God to satisfy for the moment God’s rightful wrath for sin. But the blood of lambs and goats couldn’t cover all sin for all time. They pointed to the One who could — Jesus.
When Jesus paid the perfect price of His sinless life for our sins, all debt was paid for all time. He opened the way — the only way — to God. The veil was no longer needed. The temple was no longer needed. The Jewish religious system was fulfilled in Christ and no longer needed.
So God tore the veil.
The veil was around 60 feet tall and may have been around 4-inches thick. No man could rip it. Nor would they have dared.
Jesus was Buried
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary watched as the rich man Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus buried Jesus in Joseph’s own tomb.
And then they rested because it was the Sabbath — the day of rest for the Jews.
Where were the disciples?
They were hiding in fear and anguish. Their hearts were not at rest.
Jesus was gone. And with him all their hopes and dreams. Confusion and despair no doubt washed over them.
If they had believed and remembered what Jesus told them, what the prophets pointed to, and what Jesus taught them at Lazarus’ grave, they would’ve been preparing for a Resurrection Viewing Party.
Oh, for faith to believe Jesus.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
~ John 11:25-26
Do you believe?
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
~ John 14:6
If you missed any of the other videos, here they are:
Palm Sunday: Jesus, Our Passover Lamb, & His Triumphal Entry
Easter Monday: Jesus Worshipped, Jesus Betrayed. Will You Trust Him?
Easter Tuesday ~ Last Supper Warnings: Believe and Remember
Easter Wednesday: God is in Control. Always.
Easter Thursday: Truth Stands Strong While Lies Crumple and Destroy
