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Silent Saturday

Apr 3, 2021

"[Joseph] came from...Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God." Luke 23:51

Today, we remember the darkness of the time Jesus spent in the tomb and reflect on what it is like to hold onto hope even when all appears lost. Saturday was the Sabbath — a steadfast day of rest. Those left behind had nothing to distract them from the unanswered questions and disappointment they must have felt. We do what Jesus’ friends and family were forced to do. We rest. Rest in the promise God is working behind the scenes in ways we cannot see or even comprehend yet. Rest in the fact that while darkness leaves us waiting and feeling lost, light always follows. Light always shines brightest after a period of darkness. Jesus’ loved ones did not know as they waited that the resurrection was coming. Oh, what a picture of the joy that can follow disappointment!

Ready Luke 23:50-56 in your favorite translation or below.

There was also a member of the Jewish council named Joseph, from the village of Ramah, a good-hearted, honorable man who was eager for God’s kingdom to appear. He had strongly disagreed with the decision of the council to crucify Jesus. He came before Pilate and asked permission to take the body of Jesus for a proper burial, and Pilate granted his request. So he took the body from the cross, wrapped it in a winding sheet of linen, and placed it in a new, unused tomb chiseled out of solid rock. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was fast approaching.

The women who had been companions of Jesus from the beginning saw all this take place and carefully contemplated how the body was laid in the tomb. Afterward they returned home and prepared fragrant spices and ointments and were planning to anoint his body after the Sabbath was completed, according to the commandments of the law.