What About Saturday?

For many of us, Easter observance starts on Thursday when we remember the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples.  We remember the first Holy Communion, the washing of feet, the betrayal by Judas.  We remember the mental anguish Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane as he prayed and asked His Father, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup of agony from me. But no matter what, your will must be mine.” (Luke 22:42) 

We remember Good (Holy) Friday.  This day wrecks me.  Every year I read the account of what Jesus endured for me.  I cry in realization of the physical agony my Savior choose for me.  And I am humbled in gratitude by his overwhelming love for me.  For without it, my sinful nature would forever keep me separated from my Father.

Fast forward to Easter Sunday.  We wake up with joy and gratefulness as we celebrate the resurrection.  We sing worship songs of praise.  We gather around the table for dinner with family.  We thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus.

But what about Saturday?  Did you ever wonder about what happened after Jesus declared “it is finished” on the cross?  After he declared “tetelestai” (Greek) which is an accounting term meaning “paid in full”?  After He cancelled out Adam’s sin once and for all so that we might live?

Interestingly, none of the Gospels, except for Luke, records the activities of the disciples on the Sabbath after Jesus’ burial (Saturday was the Sabbath, not Sunday as we commonly recognize). And Luke doesn’t have a lot to say on the matter, only, “On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56).  One might conclude that on that Saturday they were experiencing a great deal of inner turmoil, grief, disappointment, uncertainty, confusion.  Many believe the disciples were afraid that they, too, would be taken by the Pharisees and punished or put to death.   Jesus predicted his death and resurrection, (Matt. 16:21-23; 17:22-23; 20:17-19).  However, it appears the disciples heard Him but did not understand what He meant.  Their hopes were crushed.  They viewed the events through natural eyes and human limitations.  And I suspect, broken hearts.

Only Matthew gives details about what activity was going on that Sabbath after Jesus was crucified.  The Pharisees and chief priests came to Pilate and asked for a guard to be posted at Jesus’ tomb, saying, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 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” (Matt. 27:63-64). 

Think about this.  The people who crucified Jesus as an imposter were afraid of what would happen if people thought Jesus rose from the dead.  Maybe it was the unusual circumstances surrounding Jesus’ death—darkness covering the land, an earthquake, the tearing of the temple curtain that made them nervous.  They knew the predictions Jesus made about His resurrection.  They didn’t believe they would come true, as supported by the way they referred to Jesus as “that impostor” and “fraud.” The Romans and Jewish authorities’ actions on Holy Saturday were to ensure that no one could falsely claim Jesus’ resurrection.

The Jewish authorities didn’t believe Jesus would rise from the dead.  But then again, neither did the disciples.  Think about that.  These men who called Jesus friend, ate with Him, watched Him perform healings and miracles, were themselves rescued by Him, didn’t believe Jesus’ promise that He would rise.  If they had, their Saturday would likely have been spent in quiet anticipation and excitement for what is to come.  Praying with gratitude for their Messiah’s return.  Much like we look forward to Easter Sunday because we know how the story ends.

So, here’s my question.  How do you spend your Saturday’s?  When Jesus doesn’t answer your prayers like you want? When things don’t turn out like you hoped?  When you trust your natural knowledge rather than your spiritual wisdom?  When you feel lost and alone?  When your hope is deferred?

Do you give up?  Do you decide that Jesus just doesn’t hear you?  Do you open your heart and mind to the lies of the enemy that scream you aren’t worthy or deserving?  Do you close your eyes and ears to the truths of Jesus?

Or, do you pray in quite anticipation of Jesus?  Do you trust the Word of God which tells us over and over and over again, that we are not alone and that His ways are not our ways, and His plans are not ours?  Do you choose to believe there is light when you feel engulfed in darkness?  Do you run to Jesus with reckless abandon believing the impossible?

Because the truth is, our lives are filled with far more Saturdays than Good Fridays and Easter Sundays.  These are the days where we should be building our faith, strengthening our relationship with Jesus, soaking up the Word of God.  These are the days that are going to draw you closer to Jesus or leave you relying on yourself.  Or worse yet, believing the lies of the enemy. 

Jesus died on the cross for our sins because we couldn’t.  He rose on Sunday to fulfill His promise.  He gave us Saturday to trust that He is the “I Am.”  Don’t waste your Saturdays because you are looking back on Friday or looking forward to Sunday. There is peace and growth in the quiet waiting and assurance of Jesus’ love and faithfulness.  He gave us Saturday because He wants us to trust that He is true to His word.  Listen with your heart.  See with your faith.  And just watch what Jesus does with your Saturdays.

How do you spend your Saturday seasons? Stop looking back or trying to plan ahead.  Instead sit with your Savior and let Him show you the real power of the resurrection.