Scripture: Matthew 27:50 (NIV) – “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.”
Devotion:
As we contemplate the events of Good Friday, we are drawn to the climactic moment when Jesus, after enduring hours of agony on the cross, cried out in a loud voice and surrendered his spirit. Matthew 27:50 captures the solemnity and significance of this moment, inviting us to reflect on its profound implications for our lives.
In Jesus’ cry, we witness the completion of his earthly mission. With these words, he willingly offered up his life as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins. His cry echoes through the ages, a proclamation of victory over sin and death, and a declaration of love beyond measure.
But it is not only Jesus’ cry that demands our attention on this Good Friday. Immediately following his surrendering of his spirit, Matthew records another moment of great significance: “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51a, NIV).
This tearing of the temple curtain holds profound symbolic meaning. In the Jewish temple, the curtain served as a barrier separating the Holy of Holies, where the presence of God dwelt, 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.
But with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, the barrier between God and humanity was torn asunder. The veil was not torn from bottom to top, indicating a human action, but from top to bottom, signifying a divine act. Through Jesus’ death, access to the presence of God was made available to all who believe in him. The way to God was opened once and for all.
As we meditate on Matthew 27:50 this Good Friday, let us remember the significance of Jesus’ cry and the tearing of the temple curtain. Let us ponder the depth of God’s love demonstrated through the sacrifice of his Son. And let us embrace with gratitude the access we have been given to the presence of God through Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, on this Good Friday, we thank you for the incomparable gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for his willing sacrifice on the cross, which tore down the barrier between us and your presence. Help us to fully grasp the depth of your love and the significance of Jesus’ cry and the torn temple curtain. May we never take for granted the access we have been given to you through Jesus’ death and resurrection. In his name, we pray. Amen.
