Late on Friday night just before the sabbath, Jesus body was placed in a tomb. Some women had planned to anoint Jesus’ body as was the Jewish custom. But by the time they had prepared the spices and oils it was too late.

The Bible gives us a bit of a glimpse into the Jewish law behind the sabbath day or Holy Saturday following Good Friday through the gospel of Luke.

Saturday in Jewish tradition is the Sabbath, so it was against the law of the land for the women to place the oils and spices they had prepared for the body. This timing is no coincidence, for after the Sabbath was over at the dawn of Sunday they attempt to go and visit the body again, and it is then - as the apostle Luke writes in chapter 24 of his gospel - the glorious miracle of the resurrection of Jesus is revealed.

Bible Verse Luke 23:55-56

As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed. Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law. 

Something to think about: I wonder what you like to do when you get a rest from school or work.

Prayer: Dear God, open our eyes to grasp the love behind your sacrifice. As we see crosses this Easter season, help us remember that Jesus took on our sins, so we could be free. Amen.

Getting ready for Sunday

Christians celebrate the good news that God’s love is stronger than death. We believe that all Jesus said about God’s forgiveness and God’s love is true. Christians like to spend some time on Holy Saturday reflecting on Jesus’ death and the sacrifice he made to mend our relationship with God. As a way to reflect on God’s love for you, have a go at making a miniature garden with a tomb as a reminder of the power of God’s love for us – through the resurrection of Jesus.