Mark 15:33-39 The Barrier Has Been Removed

The Barrier Has Been Removed

Mark 15:33–39

Introduction

Doors serve an important purpose. They either allow access or restrict it. Imagine arriving home only to realize you don’t have your key. You’re just outside, so close to comfort, yet locked out. Or think about work, where certain areas are “employees only,” and you don’t have the right clearance to enter. Maybe you’ve needed something from a store, only to find it closed. The frustration of being so close, yet unable to get what you need, is discouraging.

In the same way, there was once a barrier between humanity and God. Because of sin, we were locked out of His presence. But through Jesus, that barrier has been removed. His death on the cross gives us direct access to God.

Darkness and Judgment

As Jesus hung on the cross, something strange happened. In the middle of the day, from noon to three in the afternoon, darkness covered the land. Some might try to explain this as an eclipse, but this was no ordinary event. In the Bible, darkness often symbolizes God’s judgment (Exodus 10:21-23; Exodus 20:18-21). In Egypt, before God freed His people, He sent a plague of darkness that could be felt. Even at Mount Sinai, when God spoke to Israel, He was surrounded by thick darkness (Deuteronomy 4:11-12).

This was not just a random moment. It was a sign that God’s judgment had fallen—on Jesus. The Father was pouring out His wrath, not for anything Jesus had done, but for our sins. At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1). In that moment, Jesus experienced complete separation from the Father. Though He had always been in perfect unity with God, He now felt the full weight of abandonment.

Even in His agony, He still trusted in God’s Word. Like Job (Job 1:6-12), He knew suffering had a greater purpose. Jesus endured judgment so that we wouldn’t have to.

Seeking Signs Instead of Faith

The crowd at the cross misunderstood Jesus’ cry. Some thought He was calling for Elijah. Someone even ran to give Him sour wine, waiting to see if Elijah would come to save Him. But their reaction showed their unbelief.

This wasn’t the first time people demanded a sign to believe in Jesus. Earlier, the Pharisees asked for a miracle to prove His identity. But Jesus told them the only sign they would receive was the sign of Jonah—His death and resurrection (Matthew 12:38-42). The problem wasn’t a lack of evidence. The problem was their hardened hearts. Even today, people say, “If God is real, why doesn’t He prove it?” But God has already given the greatest sign: Jesus’ death and resurrection.

The Barrier Is Torn Apart

After enduring hours of suffering, Jesus let out a loud cry and died. At that moment, something incredible happened—the curtain in the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom (Exodus 26:31-35; Leviticus 16:2). This curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where God’s presence dwelled. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year, to offer sacrifice. This veil symbolized the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity.

But through the broken body of Christ—the final and needed atonement—the barrier was removed (Hebrews 9:23-28; Genesis 3:21). What was first guarded by cherubim in Eden was now reopened by the One who had once pronounced the curse. Jesus didn’t just open the door to God’s presence—He is the door (John 10:9).

A Roman centurion, witnessing Jesus’ death, declared, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” A Gentile soldier—likely involved in crucifying others—recognized the divine identity of Jesus. His response challenges every reader: Will you recognize Jesus as the Son of God?

Conclusion: The Door Is Open—Will You Enter?

The death of Jesus was not just a tragic moment—it was the most powerful turning point in history. The barrier that once stood between a holy God and sinful people has been removed. No longer do we stand outside, separated by guilt and shame. The veil has been torn, and the way has been opened (Hebrews 10:19-22).

But the question still remains: Will we enter in? Many in the crowd had heard Jesus’ words before. They saw His miracles. And yet they still looked for a sign—something that would allow them to delay repentance (Matthew 12:38-42). They didn’t want to give up their position, pride, or sin. That’s still the case for many today.

We must understand what we deserve. If God is truly just, holy, and righteous, then we should be condemned (Romans 3:10-12). But Jesus, the sinless Son of God, bore the judgment in our place (Isaiah 53:5; Romans 5:8). He satisfied divine justice and extended mercy by taking our punishment.

The torn veil is God’s invitation. The death of Jesus says, “Come.” The resurrection says, “Believe.” The Spirit says, “Enter.” So don’t stay on the outside. Don’t let pride, fear, or sin keep you from the presence of God. The door is open. The question is not whether Jesus has made a way—but whether you will walk through it.

Scripture References

  • Exodus 10:21-23 – Plague of darkness over Egypt
  • Exodus 20:18-21 – God’s appearance in darkness at Sinai
  • Deuteronomy 4:11-12 – God’s presence in thick darkness
  • Psalm 22:1-5 – Prophetic cry of the suffering Messiah
  • Job 1:6-12 – God permits righteous suffering
  • Matthew 12:38-42 – The sign of Jonah is Jesus’ death and resurrection
  • Exodus 26:31-35 – The veil in the tabernacle
  • Leviticus 16:2 – High priest’s restricted access to the Most Holy Place
  • Hebrews 9:23-28 – Jesus’ final and perfect sacrifice
  • Genesis 3:21 – God covered Adam and Eve’s shame
  • Hebrews 10:19-22 – Bold access through Jesus’ blood
  • Romans 3:10-12 – No one is righteous before God
  • Romans 5:8 – Christ died for sinners
  • Isaiah 53:5 – The Messiah bore our sins and brought healing
  • John 10:9 – Jesus is the door to salvation

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