INSPIRASUNS

In one of my first posts this week I mentioned how I had been learning so many things about Holy Week that I had not known before. I’ve been digging a little deeper and doing more research into what happened each day. So yes, I’ve learned a little more about Holy Saturday as well 🙂

This of course is the day that Jesus’ body lay in the tomb, guarded by Roman soldiers. After 6:00pm on Saturday, (when the Sabbath ended), Jesus’ body was treated for burial with oils and spices. There are varying accounts about who actually prepared Jesus’ body. John’s gospel says it was Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin, the court that had condemned Jesus. However, Nicodemus had become a follower of Jesus, although secretly, because of his position on the court. However, upon his death, he openly declared believing that Jesus was the Messiah.

After treating Jesus’ body and wrapping it carefully in long sheets of linen cloth, they said their final goodbyes. The tomb was then sealed in addition to the stone being put in front of it. The chief priests and the Pharisees were concerned that Jesus’ followers would steal his body to make it appear as if he had risen like he said he would, so they had the tomb sealed as well. We all know later how well that worked for them…

I can only imagine how Jesus’ disciples, family and friends felt. Their son, friend, their Savior was gone. It appears as well that their faith in what he told them was gone as well. Without Jesus physically there, it appears, to me anyway, that they had lost all hope in what they believed. It’s interesting that even Mary who was called by Father to be incarnate as his mother thought Jesus was gone forever.

I think there are days when we all probably feel this way. I know I’ve certainly had them before. We feel lost, abandoned, feel things are hopeless. These are the times when we need to dive further into our faith, not away from it. It’s like throwing cold water on your face and saying “Wake up” and talk to Father.

On this Holy Saturday as we wait for the resurrection of our Lord, take some time to just be with Father. It’s a good day to give thanks for the gift of His Son, given for us. As I remember the events of this week and wonder if I would have been strong enough to stand for Jesus, as I wonder whether I would have been one to yell “crucify him”, I will ask Father to strengthen me today. I don’t want to be that person of doubt, I want to be strong and stand for Him, and never doubt myself in that love.

Have a good day my friends.

John 19:38-40
After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.