The longest day in human history.
What day would you choose? Over the thousands of years of human history, there have been many long days. Individually of course, each one of us could describe days that seem the longest for sure. I know I have some that I would never want to relive again.
As a society, as a race, for mankind, I would suggest that the longest day in human history was the Saturday before Resurrection Sunday.
Consider the events…
Palm Sunday Was Just Last Sunday
Just six days ago was Palm Sunday. Thousands of people. As a chorus they all shouted together “Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9). Not just one but thousands.
No one knew what was next, yet everyone had a sense that the prophesies were true and Jesus as the Messiah would rid them of Rome by setting up His own kingdom. They were so ready.
As His disciples and so many friends with them for Passover from Galilee, they were as excited as the rest. This seemingly is what they were waiting for as they had walked with Jesus for so long.
But the Week Proved Sooooo Different
Jesus’ arrest. The unfair trial. Pilot the unjust Roman. They beat Jesus. He hung there so mercilessly. Ridicule. Laughter. The smugness of the religious crowd just sickening.
Jesus is gone.
Dead.
Everyone saw the soldier pierce His side. The cross worked.
Jesus is gone!
Joseph gathered the body and prepared it for burial. They carried His dead body to the tomb (Mark 15:42-46).
The ladies watched them put Jesus in the grave (Mark 15:47).
The Questions and Thoughts
“How?”
“How did this happen? Just how?”
“This does not seem possible.”
“Just last week I remember eating beside him and laying my head upon his chest as he talked.”
“Our plans were so great! I had so many questions I still wanted to ask him.”
“Devastated. That’s the only word I can think of to explain this. I just don’t understand.”
“How did God let this happen?”
“What do we do now?”
In Luke 24 there is a story of two followers of Jesus walking on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). In this story, they describe their dismay at all that had happened. It just seems surreal. Indescribable.
“In all reality, how did this just happen to the Messiah?”
“What in the world are we supposed to do now?”
Hope Is Gone.
On the Saturday before the Resurrection, hope is gone.
…Jesus is dead.
…the disciples mourn.
…the Romans are still in charge.
…all expectations crushed.
…there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
Let me encourage you to meditate a while today on the significance and darkness of this moment as you prepare yourself for Easter Sunday.
As part of your Easter plans, I invite you to watch our Easter service. You can reach it from our website, on Facebook, or YouTube. We would love to have you worship Jesus Christ with us this Resurrection Sunday.
You’re welcome of course to watch our Good Friday service from yesterday as well.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
