Station 12

The twelfth Station is towards the left on the platform. A Greek Orthodox “Chapel of the Crucifixion” marks the place where Jesus was crucified on the cross. A crack in the rock underneath the altar marks the spot where Jesus’ cross-stood.

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. When the centurion and those who were with Him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:45-54)

“At that moment the curtain of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”

In a Jewish context this was a powerful message. A Jewish father, hearing the news of his son’s death, would tear his garment in grief. God the Father tore the temple curtain from top to bottom - so that the whole world would know what it cost His heart to see His own son die on that cross.

Reflection

By tearing down the temple curtain, which concealed the view into the Holy of Holies, now God allows all mankind to look behind the veil - Jesus’ death reveals the heart of the Father. That great love for His Son has also become the Father’s love for each one of us. From God’s perspective there is no more hiding - the temple curtain has been torn and we can enter in and meet Him face to face.

Prayer

Lord, I see your love for me and I want to enter into the Holy of Holies. I know you will receive me because of the sacrifice of Jesus. Thank you, Lord.