The answer is: False

Mark 15:38 - The temple curtain was torn in two

Ah, the dramatic moments surrounding the death of Jesus! Mark 15:38 mentions that the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus’ death. This happened in the Jewish Temple, a magnificent structure at the heart of religious life, symbolizing the presence of God. The curtain separating the Holy of Holies—where it was believed only the high priest could enter once a year on Yom Kippur—was like a barrier between the divine and humanity. So, the tearing of the curtain offers a powerful message: access to God is available for everyone through Jesus.

Interestingly, the tearing of the curtain signifies a radical shift in spiritual accessibility and is echoed in other parts of scripture. In Hebrews 10:19-20, the writer describes how through Jesus’ body, a new and living way has been opened for people to enter the sanctuary. This promotes a recurring theme in the teachings from that era: breaking barriers and encouraging communal connection rather than separation.

As for trivia, did you know the temple curtain was likely about 60 feet high and as thick as a man's hand, a truly significant structure to be torn? Historical texts hint that it was composed of various colors and could take lifetimes to create. So every time the story of the curtain is told and retold, it sparks a new outlook on relationships—both between humans and the divine and among each other in our shared human journey. Got questions? You've come to the right place!