The Road to Easter: Holy Saturday
(NIV) Luke 23:50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
It was Holy Saturday, and Jesus’ body lay in the tomb. The disciples, adhering to Jewish tradition, stayed in their homes. One might argue their motive to remain home on this Passover was less about tradition and more about fear that they would be identified with the King of the Jews.
There was a stark contrast to the day before. As Jesus uttered His final words, “It is finished,” the skies grew dark as night, tombs were opened and the temple veil was torn from top to bottom.
But on the second day, all was quiet. The stone still sealed the entrance to the tomb and seemingly nothing had changed.
But change was on the way.
As we go through this day, may we take a holy pause. Unlike the disciples who were still in the darkness of despair, we know how the story ends, not with defeat but with victory.
May we live today in anticipation of tomorrow.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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