Stand in the Gap

This amazing video illustrates the significance of the tearing of the temple curtain when Jesus died. The veil is torn, the barrier down and nothing can separate us now.

“Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” Mark 15:37-38

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Three crosses photo from Inspiks Flickr group

Though fully God, Jesus took on the same humanity as you and I in order to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. (Hebrews 2:17) He felt all the same emotions we do and even was faced with temptation. But on Good Friday, He faced worse suffering and pain than we can imagine. And Jesus knew full well what He was facing. (Mark 14:34 Luke 22:44)

Jesus endured extreme physical torture. He was spit on, whipped, nailed to a cross, lifted up for all to see and then speared. (Isaiah 52:14 Mark 15:17 John 19:1 John 19:18 John 19:34) He endured humiliation and taunting. (Matthew 27:40 John 19:3)

But the worst suffering of all for Jesus must have been spiritual. A man who was without sin, yet on that day bore the weight of the sins of the entire world upon Himself. Separated completely from God the Father as He died a criminal’s death upon that Cross. (2 Corinthians 5:21 1 John 2:2 1 Peter 2:24) It was our sin that caused Jesus to cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). (continue reading…)

“Then Jesus shouted out again, and He released His spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened.” Matthew 27:50-51

The tearing of the Temple Veil from top to bottom was no small feat. (continue reading…)

‘So Jesus and His disciples got up and went with him. Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind Him. She touched the fringe of His robe, for she thought, “If I can just touch His robe, I will be healed.” Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.’ Matthew 9:19-22 (continue reading…)

Matthew 14:25-31 tells the story of Jesus walking on the water and encouraging Peter to do the same. Notice that Peter is doing fine as long as he concentrates on walking toward Jesus. It is only when his attention is drawn to the raging sea around him that he begins to sink. (continue reading…)

“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through Him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and His prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed Him to a cross and killed Him. But God released Him from the horrors of death and raised Him back to life, for death could not keep Him in its grip.” Acts 2:22-24

Photo courtesy of Inspiks Flickr Group.