The Day of Silence

“That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.” (Luke 23:54-56, New King James Version) 

Yesterday in our devotion we visited Calvary and met some of those who stood near the cross. But what about the next day? Let’s walk around Jerusalem and revisit some we met yesterday.

On Saturday, the Sabbath, it felt as though someone had muted the sound. Yesterday afternoon, Jesus died on the cross and was hastily placed in a tomb before the Sabbath began. But today . . . the turmoil of yesterday’s events have quietened. Soon life will return to its usual rhythm, and memories of that tragic day will fade. Or will they?

Scripture gives us few details about the day between crucifixion Friday and resurrection Sunday. None who were present at Calvary could have walked away unchanged by what they witnessed. What were they thinking and feeling now?

Simon, the man who carried Jesus’ cross, had much to ponder. He accidentally became part of the crucifixion when Roman soldiers compelled him to carry the heavy crosspiece for a man struggling under its load. Simon could see the agony on His face and the blood that stained His wounds. Had Simon heard of Jesus, the itinerate teacher, before yesterday? Did he realize whose cross he carried? We don’t know. But the things he witnessed that day must have made an impact. Historians suggest that Simon became a Christ-follower.

The Roman soldiers awaited their next assignment. They were there to follow orders, not to worry over the significance of yesterday’s events. One centurion, however, still thought about the man on the middle cross who undoubtedly was innocent of the charges against Him.

The religious leaders busied themselves with their usual Sabbath day routines. Perhaps they felt smug that their plans to do away with Jesus had worked. The One who cause them so much trouble was now dead and buried. With time, everyone would forget He even existed. In the meantime, they needed to figure out what to do about the torn veil in the Temple. It had split from top to bottom about the time Jesus died the day before. How strange! And a little frightening as well.

The crowd had all dispersed and returned home before Sabbath began. Their angry cries were now silent. But as this new day dawned, did any feel any remorse for their actions on Friday?

The men who died on the other two crosses were already fading from the memory of the onlookers. Did they have families or friends to mourn their death and claim their bodies?

The women who had faithfully followed Jesus throughout His ministry grieved for their teacher and friend. When Sabbath ended, they planned to return to His tomb with spices for His burial. But for now, they rested.

Pilate listened to the concerns of the chief priests and Pharisees that the body of Jesus might be stolen away by His disciples. If that happened, His followers could falsely claim He had risen from the dead. Pilate agreed to place guards at the tomb.

Mary, the grieving mother of Jesus, was now under the care of John, her son’s faithful disciple and friend.

The other disciples remained out of sight, fearful for their own safety. There was so much they did not understand. So many uncertainties. What should they do now?

Saturday was a day of grief, lost hopes, and perhaps for some regrets. But wait! The story does not end on Saturday. Sunday brought renewed hope and joy.