Read: Matthew 27:62-66

Devotional

Today, also known as Holy Saturday, must have been one of the most difficult days for the disciples of Christ. Not only were they left reeling from the quick turn of events including: betrayal from a close friend, personal denial of Christ, and ultimately left their beloved Rabbi and Leader crucified; now they settle into the harsh reality and finality of Jesus’ death. As the dust of the cross settles in the tomb where Jesus’ lifeless body lay, I’m sure they were unsure where to turn. If their activity on Sunday night (fearfully hiding) is any indication of what they were doing, I’m sure this first Holy Saturday was one of deep grief, fearful wrestling with God, and immense sorrow. Death is no respecter of persons; not even Jesus could escape its cruel touch- or so it seemed. The Disciples hid. The women prepared spices to put on Jesus’ lifeless body. Everyone grieved.

Interestingly, Matthew tells us that the Jewish leaders devise a plan before Pilate to have Jesus’ tomb secured and guarded lest His body be stolen by the disciples and themselves be embarrassed. Little did they know how vain their attempts were to conform Jesus to their own wishes and save their own skin. How quickly we fall into this same temptation. Little did they know that, while Jesus’ body lay in the tomb, it would not be so for long. Little did they know that the fearful disciples would become emboldened with a message that would change the course of history! And yet, the resurrection on Sunday morning are still yet to come. Today take a moment and reflect upon how the disciples must have felt as they grieved the loss of their beloved Jesus and feared what His death meant for their own lives.

Prayer: pray Isaiah 53:8-12 to God and thank Him for doing all that was necessary to defeat sin and death’s curse in our own lives and restore a life-giving relationship with Him.

Devotional Written by Austin Porter