The Set Up: On Good Friday, we recognize the death of Christ, as he sacrificed himself on the cross for each and every one of us. And on Easter Sunday, we celebrate his resurrection, as Jesus’ deity and power over death assure us of the hope we have in him. But between Friday and Sunday, there is Saturday. There is waiting.
There are a lot of emotions that we connect to waiting. Sometimes we wait in anticipation, like young children trying to fall asleep on Christmas Eve, as they think about the presents under the tree. At other times, we wait with dread because we fear what tomorrow may bring, like when your boss says, “I’d like to see you first thing in the morning.” There are even times we wait with uncertainty, wondering how we did in the job interview or how the weather will turn out for our outdoor wedding.
On that Saturday between Christ’s burial and the resurrection, there were a lot of different moods among the people. The disciples waited in defeat, thinking that the One they had hitched their futures to was dead and they were next. The Jewish religious leaders waited with a mixture of victory – they had gotten rid of their nemesis – and worry – what if there is an empty tomb tomorrow?
Today, as we wait for Easter Sunday and the celebration of the resurrection, let’s not rush past Saturday, and the waiting. Saturday is a chance for reflection. A chance to remember Christ’s sacrifice for our sin, even as we anticipate the power of his resurrection.
Biblical Passages to Read: Matthew 27:62-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-52; John 19:38-42
Reflection Questions:
• When is the last time you were waiting to see how something was going to turn out?
• What do you think the disciples were thinking on Saturday? What about the crowds of people?
• How do you think we can grow in our faith during times of waiting?
Prayer Focus: Lord, on Saturday, it looked like you had been defeated and death and the grave had won. But then Sunday came and everything changed. In the Saturday moments of my life, when it looks like everything is over, remind me that you are able to resurrect those areas of my life that seem hopeless. In your name, amen.