Split Open


Mark 1:9–15
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."

In those days . . . God is about to act! Whenever I hear those words, I am transported to the Christmas story. That phrase leads us into “a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” Thus begins God’s amazing act of reconciliation as the Messiah enters the world stage as a human. Now, Mark uses that same phrase to indicate action from God yet again. Now that Messiah is grown into an adult, it is time for Him to begin His ministry as our Savior. In rapid fire succession, Mark gives about 1 sentence to major events in the life of Jesus. He is baptized, anointed by the Father, and is tempted by the devil. Boom!

Of particular interest for me today is a phrase that Mark uses here, in verse 10, and again in Mark 15:37-38. “And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” Mark begins and ends his Gospel account with these words, "the heavens being torn open". The heavens are split and God’s action brings salvation. Here in chapter 1 we find the Father commending His Son to the world as Savior. In chapter 15 we find the curtain in the Temple torn in two, from top to bottom and access to the Father is complete. The sins of the world are paid for in the death of Christ. The heavens are split open so that we may enter!

1:10 εἶδεν σχιζομένους τοὺς οὐρανούς, “he saw the heavens splitting”: In fact, the two are much more similar than one might suspect. The temple veil had embroidered on it a panoply of heavenly features.
Voelz, J. W. (2013). Concordia Commentary: Mark 1:1–8:26. (pp. 128–129). St. Louis, MO: CPH.

This is, for me, an example of how the details that emerge when engaging in careful study of the Bible brings depth to the faith. The fact that one little detail can display God’s perfect plan expands my faith and deepens my appreciation for the Word. It feels like opening an unexpected gift.

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