Jesus & The Tomb
On this side of the cross, we don’t quite know what to do with Saturday of Holy Week. We know the story of God’s love does not end on the cross or inside the tomb. Death does not have the final word. But, for those who witness it firsthand, this Saturday is a dark day, full of unanswered questions. Put yourself in their shoes as you read the passage today.
READ
As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.”So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. Matthew 27:57-66
REFLECT
There are moments when there seem to be more questions than answers. Our circumstances remain the same, leaving us afraid and confused. The darkness has us wondering if the light will ever break through the shadows. We struggle to keep going. Just like those in our story today, we reside in the middle space between God’s promise and witnessing its fulfillment. This space feels Godforsaken, but in actuality, it’s God ordained. Faith resides in times of uncertainty. Amid our struggles, God calls us to trust and lean on Him- to display a determination in our dependence. We boldly proclaim that while Saturday is dark, Easter Sunday is coming.
RESPOND
What might it have felt like to have been an eyewitness who thought all hope was lost and didn’t know an empty tomb lay ahead? Now, consider the places where you’re facing uncertainty and consider the following questions:
Where am I experiencing uncertainty in my life?
How may I sense God even in the uncertainty?
PRAY
Lord Jesus, renew my spirit.
Strengthen my feeble legs so I may walk in faith and not grow weary.
When I feel broken, I will trust that a breakthrough is coming.
While I wait, I will worship You and declare Your faithfulness.
Saturday might be a reality, but Easter Sunday is coming. Amen.