What About Saturday

What About Saturday

As we approach one of the holiest days of the year, Easter, we tend to focus primarily on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. But there is something missing: the Saturday between the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The brutality of that Friday is incomprehensible. Jesus suffered tremendous physical pain, but He was also abandoned by some of those who knew Him better than anyone. He even felt forsaken by God. It’s hard to imagine the agony He was experiencing. 

It is also heart-wrenching to think of the devastation and hopelessness that was felt by those who watched as Jesus’ body was removed from the cross to be taken for burial. Not only were they grief-stricken, but they also feared that life as they knew it would never be the same without their friend, teacher, and leader. Those who deserted Jesus were afraid and were likely feeling a crushing sense of guilt. They had fled the scene of the murder of their closest friend who they thought would never see again.

Friday was a dark day, but a new day was coming.

After the horrific event witnessed by the people who deeply loved Jesus, came a new day: Saturday. There were a few different things going on during that “middle” transition between death and life. The turmoil taking place could be compared to a river or ocean. On the surface, it appears that the water is calm or still – nothing seems to be happening. But a few feet under that placid exterior, there is a current that shows the power of the unseen force of nature.  

Let’s take a look.

First, Saturday was the Sabbath which meant that the Jewish citizens were expected to rest and not do any work. No cooking, no shopping, no hanging out with friends; basically, no distractions from the sadness which probably felt unbearable.

Next, many were left in a state of confusion. They had put their trust and faith in a person who they believed was the Son of God, and now He was dead. In their minds, there was no guarantee that Jesus would be resurrected. Had He just been a prophet?

There was also the issue of embarrassment and humiliation. How could the followers of Jesus face the mockery that was sure to surface? They had supported and defended Him – even to the government officials and religious leaders. What now?

But there was an even bigger issue the followers faced: silence. Where was God? His presence was clearly made known on Friday with the earthquake, the tearing of the temple veil, the opening of graves. But on Saturday…nothing. Just silence. Just like the tranquil surface of the water.

But there was some serious activity taking place “below the surface.” 

The Bible doesn’t go into great detail about what happened between Good Friday and Easter, but we believe that Jesus went to redeem the Old Testament believers as His death on the cross allowed for them to go to Heaven. There had been no opportunity for salvation since the crucifixion hadn’t taken place during their lifetimes. Jesus wasn’t silent or inactive. He was compassionately helping His ancestors make the transition to their new home.

There is a lesson here for all of us. We go through periods of time when God seems to be distant and silent. Our prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling, and we don’t see any results in our petitions. We face fears and anxiety over our families, health, and finances. It’s our very own Silent Saturday. What are we supposed to do? Why isn’t God helping?

First, realize that God’s silence isn’t an apathetic response to our concerns. He hears us and knows our needs. 

Next, we need to embrace silence. What if God answered every prayer within 24 hours? We would have no reason for faith. 

Finally, just like the current in the deep water, we have the assurance that God is at work even if we can’t see or hear Him. Keep praying, believing, and trusting that He knows what He is doing - because He does.

Saturday.

The middle child of the Easter weekend. But what a powerful day it can be for us! It’s a reminder that God will never leave or forsake us and that He loves us in spite of our shortcomings or unbelief.

This Easter weekend, as you celebrate with your church, friends, or family, just remember how much you are loved. The Creator of the universe sent His only son to die for you so that you could live forever in Heaven. And think about this – even if you had been the only person to believe - He would have gladly done it just for you.

Have a wonderful Easter!!