The Torn Robe

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Mat. 26:65 “Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.”

If you will read the whole Matthew 26:57-67, you will see a dramatic courtroom prosecution, Jewish style. While answering the High Priest, the Lord Jesus quoted a combination of Psalm 110:1 and Dan 7:13 concerning Himself. In recoil and disgust at what Jesus said (which was the truth) we read that the High Priest “tore his robes”. And for speaking the truth, they announce the death sentence!

Now, there is a very interesting picture in this act of the High Priest tearing his robes. You might think, “ok, he tore his robes… s0 what?” You need to remember that the robes of the High Priest were specifically designed and instructed from God Himself. Each part of the robe represents our Lord Jesus Who is the true High Priest. That is why God gave the instruction in His word that the High Priest could NOT tear his robes (Lev 21:10). There is something very symbolic happening here. The High Priest (probably without knowing it) was invalidating himself from being High Priest. He was disqualifying himself from the role of High Priest. Why? Because there could only be one High Priest from God’s perspective and that was Jesus! The One who stood condemned before this false trial! And just like the torn robe, He will be also torn in the cross.