We read that when Jesus died the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. This curtain separated the Holy Place, where only the priests were allowed, from the Most Holy Place, which symbolized God's dwelling place. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people. Therefore, the meaning of the tearing of the curtain, according to the People's Bible for Mark, was:
"With that God indicated that the Old Testament offerings that pointed forward to Christ had served their purpose. The Son of God had entered the Most Holy Place in heaven and had presented to his Father the complete ransom price. The way to God was now open for all. No longer was there a need for the high priest to enter the Most Holy Place of the earthly temple in Jerusalem once a year with the blood of atonement."
It's notable that 3 p.m., when the temple was torn, would have been the time of the evening sacrifice so there would have been many witnesses.
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