Day 8: Torn Curtain

Read

Matthew 27:45-56

Set the Scene

The high priest alone was granted access into the Holy of Holies in the temple once per year to make a blood sacrifice to atone for the people’s sins. An exceptionally heavy and thick 60 foot tall veil separated the Holy of Holies and clothed God, shielding Him from man’s sight. In that day, when a loved one died, you would tear your clothes as a public display of mourning and grief. After Jesus took his last breath on earth, relinquishing His spirit, suddenly and inexplicably the veil that clothed God in the temple was torn from top to bottom - from heaven to earth. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. No man could reach to the top of the veil, nor had the strength to tear it. God tore the veil. He tore His clothing symbolizing His grief and deep sorrow in the death of His one and only Son. Jesus’ blood sacrifice removes the barrier between us and God forever. Because Jesus willingly laid down His life and poured out His blood on the cross, we have direct access to God the Father.

Reflection Questions

1. The tearing of the veil marked the end of the old covenant and the beginning of the new covenant in Christ Jesus. How is this evident in our lives today?

2. What is the significance of the veil being torn from top to bottom?

3. How does having direct access to God change our lives?

4. How does the veil being torn, the earth shaking, rocks splitting apart, and tombs opening display the power of Jesus, even in death?

For Preschoolers: "The Curtain Was Torn!" (Hands-On Activity)

📖 Read Matthew 27:50-51 in simple words: When Jesus died, the big curtain in the temple tore in two from top to bottom. This shows that Jesus made a way for us to be close to God.

🎨 Activity:

Curtain Tear Craft – Take a piece of paper or fabric and tear it in half (with your child’s help). Talk about how the torn curtain means we can be close to God because of Jesus.

God Is Close Craft – Draw a picture of a heart and say, “God is always close to us!” Color it together.

Talk About It: The curtain was torn, and now we can talk to God anytime! Jesus made a way for us to be near to God.

🙏 Pray Together: Thank you, God, for making a way for us to talk to you because of Jesus.

For Elementary Kids: "The Curtain Was Torn, and So Was the Separation"

📖 Read Matthew 27:50-51: Discuss how the curtain in the temple tore when Jesus died, and how this symbolizes that Jesus removed the barrier between us and God.

🎨 Activity:

Torn Curtain Challenge – Use paper or fabric and tear it in two. Talk about how the curtain separated people from God, but when Jesus died, He made a way for us to be close to God forever!

Write & Reflect – Write on a piece of paper: “The curtain was torn. We can be close to God.” Decorate it and place it where you can see it often. Write down ways that help you feel close to God (reading his word, singing worship songs, etc.). 

Ask: Why do you think the curtain tearing was so important? How does knowing we can be close to God through Jesus change how we live?

✨ Family Reflection Question:

The curtain was torn when Jesus died. How does that remind us that we can talk to God anytime, anywhere?