Luke 23:54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
In Jewish tradition, given by God and set in order by Moses, Shabbat (Sabbath) was commissioned from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday. This coincides with Genesis: Gen 1:5 And the evening and the morning were the first day. Jesus died on the day of preparation when families were about to gather for their Sabbath meal. Preparation was that period when meals were prepared and houses were being put in order. This was all in conjunction with the command of Moses given to the children of Israel long ago. Moses told them to kill a lamb and prepare for the meal. Thousands of years later another Lamb was slain and atonement was paid.
The words “the sabbath drew on” indicate that the day was closing and the night was approaching. The body of Jesus was taken down by Joseph of Arimathaea, who was called a just man that did not consent to the death of the Lord. He was simply waiting “for the Kingdom of God.”
The death of Jesus startled the city. All of their clamoring for His crucifixion did not resolve their struggle against the Roman Empire. The disciples, both men and women, left feeling empty. Their loss too great to bear. Among the religious order, however, there was a concern. The chief priests and pharisees spoke of the Lord’s resurrection. Even though Jesus had been beaten, depleted, hung, and died, there was something unsettling in their narrative.
The Bible says that they went back to Pilate, who himself was reluctant to crucify Jesus, and asked him to secure the grave. They said that if Jesus came up missing and people began saying that Jesus was indeed risen, Mat 27:64 “…the last error shall be worse than the first.” In a single breath they both indicted themselves and proclaimed the possibly that Jesus was not going to stay in the tomb where Joseph laid Him.
They were right. Jesus is out and no one can put Him back. He rose from that borrowed tomb and there is no putting Him back where they laid Him. His fame, His name, and His Word are more powerful than any. He died as the Lamb slain, but He rose as the Living Savior. He is now both Lord and King and there is no going back. A sealed stone could not keep Him. Guards could not contain Him. Philosophies, false religions, traditions, governments, atheists, and deniers will never be able to stop His message of Love, Hope, and Restoration.
Today we celebrate the Risen Christ! The day of preparation was the ending of our shame, but the day of His resurrection was the beginning of our Victory!
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole