From “Jesús’ Journey to the Cross” by Dr Greg Baxter
The day after our Savior was brutally tied, beaten, and executed was the Sabbath. His followers, mostly women, feeling traumatized and numb try to rest and make sense of what they experienced (Luke 23:56b). Their grief was deep and profound.
The Sanhedrin meet and request guards from Pilate for the tomb ( Matt 27:62-64) but Pilate refuses and the leaders use their own guards for security (Matt 27:65). The leaders were desperately afraid that the disciples would come and steal the body of the Lord. They believed that Jesus deceived the people about his Messiahship and about rising from the dead. The truth was they were the ones who deceived themselves and were trying to deceive others. The tomb is sealed and the guard posted (Matt 27:66a).
Lord, today it would seem that the enemy has won. Jesus is dead and there is no hope.
Teach me to wait in faith when it seems that
I am beat down and defeated,
when my faith is weak,
when people desert me and forsake me,
when no one cares for my soul,
when I cannot make sense of my calling,
Wait……
Sunday is coming! In Jesus name. Amen.