In the Gospels, the day following Jesus’ death feels like a question, a breath suspended. What happens on this day? Where are Jesus’ disciples? If Jesus’ disciples do or say anything, the Gospel writers don’t mention it.
Perhaps that’s the point. Holy Saturday is a day of waiting—one in which the disciples are tested. Will they live in faithfulness to God when all they have are questions, when all their dreams appear to be dead and buried? Or will they listen to the fear nibbling at their minds and muscles?
38 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. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. (John 19:38–42)
In what ways are Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea faithful to Jesus instead of fearful of man?
While the Gospel writers give little illumination into what occurred on Holy Saturday, we can guess. We have lived or will live through days when the questions outnumber the answers, when our dreams droop or decay into dust. And, we’re not entirely without light on the disciples’ dark day of waiting—two Gospel writers offer some information.
On Holy Saturday, the religious leaders respond in fear. They seal Jesus’ tomb and put a guard in the garden. Some of the disciples, as well as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, act in faith. They display their devotion to God and love for Jesus in the final moments before the Sabbath day begins. They wrap Jesus’ body in linen cloth, prepare spices and ointments, and rest, according to the commandment given for the Sabbath (Matthew 27:62–66; Luke 23:54–56).
And then what? Surely, the disciples mourn. They likely observe Jewish funeral rites as best they can. Maybe they tell stories or silently contemplate Jesus’ words. All consider the man they knew and loved, and in their consideration, they discover Jesus remains their Teacher. He is their Teacher in life and now also in death.
Lord Jesus, I know how the story ends. You rise again, defeating death forever! Help me to resist moving too quickly to the glory. Remind me that waiting and grieving have rightful places in my life. Help me sit in those moments, remembering You are my Teacher in how You lived and died. Amen.
