Silent Saturday

In the Gospels very little is said about this day...the day after the crucifixion. Jesus’ body was quietly and quickly tucked away late on Friday afternoon so that the Jewish believers could keep the Sabbath holy. I've often wondered what took place on this "silent Saturday."

There are some things that we can surmise.
This was a day like none other for the followers of Christ. It followed a night when one of them had betrayed Him, and another had denied Him three times. Worse yet they had been present while their teacher, leader, and friend was cruelly put to death.


Reflecting on all that had happened since the day that Jesus had called them to be His disciples who knows what images flashed through their minds? I'm sure they experienced an array of thoughts and emotions.

When something tragic happens the moments surrounding the event seem to be seared into the human memory. There is no way to delete the scenes. They are forever etched in our minds. This most certainly was also true of the disciples. All that happened had to be playing like a movie over and over again.

Their hopes had been crushed. They were appalled at their behavior and the behavior of others. It is possible that they may have been on the run. Their lives were surely in danger. They probably feared they would be killed next. Perhaps it seemed a logical outcome.

This had to be a very dark day. But isn’t it always darkest before the dawn?

How fortunate that God's mind works very different from man's. With Him, when we repent, our sins become deleted scenes. While some of our sins never quite escape our memory He chooses to remember them no more.

Also, with God, there are no alternate endings. There is no need to try to figure out what the outcome of our lives will be. He remains steadfast and true to all that He has promised. Despite dark days the darkness always gives way to His incredible light.

As followers of Jesus, at times, our hearts echo the words of the psalmist in Psalm 143:1-12:

"Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you. My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave. I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant."


I can't help but wonder if the disciples did not feel this way on that day. We have to remember that they were unaware of what we know for certain as believers. No matter how the scenes of our individual lives play out there is NO alternate ending. The blood of Jesus secured our destiny and it will NEVER lose its power.

I'm so glad that "silent Saturday" was not the end of the story.

Sunday sealed the deal!