a dark day of waiting (Luke 23:50-56)
Jesus is dead. From the cross, He said, “‘Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last breath” (Luke 23:46).
Jesus’ mother, John, the various women from Galilee, and Joseph of Arimathea all were crushed. They watched Jesus die. Although Jesus taught the Resurrection, none of them understood it nor looked for it.
Disappointment, yes. Disillusionment, no doubt. Despair, for sure Peter.
Crushed. They loved Jesus deeply.
Joseph did the best he could do. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Christ. Joseph wrapped the body quickly because the Sabbath was imminent. He owned a new grave not too far away. He placed Jesus’ body in the grave. The women watched. They returned home to prepare spices and fragrant oils to bring back to Jesus’ body as soon as the Sabbath was over and it was bright enough to see what they were doing.
Since Sabbath started immediately after getting Jesus in the tomb, the streets of the city were uncustomarily calm. The hearts of Jesus’ followers were broken. The talk was muffled. The heaviness of the minutes turned hours was incredibly immense.
In contrast, on this Saturday, over 2,000 years later, we know what tomorrow celebrates. We consider tomorrow, the next, and the next without buckling under the pain. You and I did not see them wrap a lifeless body.
They waited.
What about you, today?
Today is a great day to reflect on the love of Jesus. He willingly died on the cross because mankind needed him to die. By nature and by choice we each are sinners. Death was passed down to us through our father Adam. Jesus was the sacrifice Who paid the ultimate price for sin – as Christ followers, your sin and my sin. Salvation through the forgiveness of sin is offered to any who will take it because of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Your sin. My sin. We made the death of Jesus Christ necessary.
As we wait until tomorrow, be mindful of the sacrifice of Jesus. He was scourged, beaten, nailed to a cross, reviled, crowned with thorns, and ridiculed. He died.
Thankfully, Sunday was coming.
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