A majority of each of the accounts of Jesus' life spend a great deal of time describing the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. Each account spends multiple chapters on these events, and culminate with Jesus' body being taken down off the cross, quickly wrapped up, and placed in Joseph's nearby tomb. The tomb was then sealed up, all of which would have taken place before 6:00PM, as that marked the beginning of the special Sabbath day for the Jewish people.
Since Saturday was the day of rest, or Sabbath, very little happened that day. We are told that some guards came to keep watch over the tomb, as the Pharisees were afraid that the disciples would show up and steal the body, and then claim that Jesus had risen from the dead. But other than that, we are not told of anything else that happened on that Saturday.
Yet, since we live on this side of the cross and know of the events that followed the next day, many Christians have adopted the tradition of holding a vigil on the Saturday of holy week. It is a time typically spent in prayer, reflecting on what Jesus accomplished for us in His death, and then in His resurrection. It is a day to pray for the people of the world to know their God and Savior, and to pray for the message that will resound throughout the world the following day, as God's people celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with much trumpeting and fanfare.
In a way, holy Saturday can almost seem like we are holding our breath, simply waiting to let out the great triumphant shout that Jesus has risen, and that the foundation for our hope and faith has been secured. May that same hope reside with you as we observe this holy Saturday.
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