Scripture References
Matthew 27:62-66
Main Idea
The silence and waiting of Holy Saturday represent a time of preparation for the joy of Easter and the victory of the resurrection.
Read: Matthew 27:62-66
62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate
63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’
64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.”
65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard[a] of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.”
66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
Summary
That silent Saturday was a very sad day for Jesus’ followers. They were wondering if all of it had been for nothing. Was Jesus really the Messiah? How could the Messiah die like that? It left a lot of uncertainty about what would happen next. Even the leaders who crucified Jesus were uncertain. They were so nervous that they had special guards seal and stand in front of Jesus’ tomb. Yet, even in the midst of doubts and uncertainty, we can trust that God always keeps His promises. This may have been a surprise to the people, but it wasn’t a surprise to God. Jesus had foretold that He would die, but He promised that He would rise again! On Holy Saturday we should take the time to prepare our hearts for the joy that comes with Easter Sunday.
Questions
- How can I find hope and comfort in the midst of darkness, grief, and uncertainty?
- How can we trust in the promises of God, even in the face of uncertainty and fear?
- How can I prepare my heart to celebrate and proclaim Jesus’ resurrection with joy and conviction?
Prayer
Dear Lord, as we wait with hope and expectancy for the resurrection, help us to trust in your promises, even in the face of uncertainty and fear. Give us the grace to enter into the silence and darkness of Holy Saturday, in preparation for the joy of Easter. Amen.