Holy Week Saturday: His Body Rests In the Tomb

"Come, and see the victories of the cross. Christ’s wounds are thy healings, His agonies thy repose, His conflicts thy conquests, His groans thy songs, His pains thine ease, His shame thy glory, His death thy life, His sufferings thy salvation."  - Matthew Henry

Holy Saturday dawned quietly. Only yesterday, Jesus had been taken into custody, tried before the governor of Rome, then brutally beaten, nailed to a cross, and died. Presently, his body lay peacefully in a tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy follower of Christ (Matthew 27:57-60).

Jesus' body had been taken down from the cross, wrapped in linen and spices (according to Jewish custom), and placed in the tomb by Joseph and Nicodemus, a Pharisee who would himself later became a follower of Christ (John 19:38-40).

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (the wife of Cleophas, and the mother of James and of Joseph), had watched all of this carefully from nearby; for they planned to prepare spices and ointments to anoint Jesus' after the Sabbath because they were not able to before (Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47).

What about Jesus' disciples? They had dispersed after his arrest. They went into hiding in order to avoid being apprehended themselves (Mark 14:50). No doubt there was much to comprehend following the shocking series of events leading up to the death of Jesus.

In deep, grief and with hopelessness, the stunned disciples probably wondered what would happen now that their beloved leader and teacher was gone. Their future seemed both unclear, and grim.

But for now, Jesus was at rest from his mission of offering salvation...

Scripture: Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; John 6:44    

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to walk in your light, and live my life in faith and glory. And may I always come to your Spirit; loyal and full of hope. In Your name I pray. Amen

May God bless you!

Amber