Holy Saturday may seem like just a day spent waiting. But there are lessons to be learned while waiting. The day after Jesus was crucified was a special day. It was the Sabbath. Now in Jewish culture, nothing could be done on the Sabbath. It was a day of rest. You could not walk more than so many paces, you could not prepare meals, you could not straighten up your house or do laundry – it was a day of complete and utter rest.

Yesterday we left the Marys preparing spices and ointments to anoint Jesus’ body, but by the time they were finished, the Sabbath had already begun. They had to rest as required by Jewish law in reverence of the Sabbath.

Sit back and try to put yourself in the mindset of Jesus’ family and disciples. They just watched Him face a horrific death. They watched as the soldiers spit, beat, and torture Jesus. Jesus was beaten to the point where He was no longer recognizable not only as Jesus, but as a person. They watched as He was marched to Golgotha, and nailed to the cross. I can imagine the mood of the Sabbath was pretty somber.

The timing of the Sabbath holds many lessons. It held all the parallels to the first Passover, with Jesus staring as the Sacrificial lamb, who was brought in close for an amount of time and then sacrificed to atone for our sins, but there is more to learn. While Jesus was defeating death, hell, and the grave – it was not time for His people to act. It was a time for them to just be still. Much like many battles we face today, Jesus does not need our help. He only wants us to be still and give thanks for Him who not only fights our battles, but conquers them. Remember His words from John 16:33 (NLT), I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Friday was dark. Saturday was torturous waiting. Sunday’s coming.

Please read the following scriptures:
Exodus 14:14
Exodus 20:8
Mark 16:1
Luke 23:56

Please listen to the following songs and spend some time in prayer and worship. Focus today on being still, and putting your focus on what Jesus has done for you. Write down some prayers that have been answered over the years. Begin a conversation with family or your Sunday School small group about all of the things that Jesus has done. Let today be a day of constant meditation on Jesus.