“After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” John 19:38-43
For me, Holy Saturday is always a strange feeling day. Jesus is dead, He lays in the dark tomb. This day to me always seems a day devoid of God. We’ve killed Him, He lays behind a heavy, sealed stone. All creation sits today mournful and quiet. A hush falls over earth and Heaven. What have we done?!?
What have I done? Oh my God, my sins, my voice crying out “crucify Him” has led You to the cross and tomb. Now, Jesus, because of me, You lie dead in the grave. My sorrow doesn’t seem enough for what I’ve done to bring this moment upon You.
But, Jesus wasn’t forced to this moment. He came of His Will to do the Father’s Divine Will. To pour out His precious Blood to set us free from the captivity of sin and death.
So, with the world, sit in hushed silence on this ‘strange’ feeling day. Close your eyes and open your heart, do you feel the distance, separation of God from your soul today?
And, know, despite all your sin, and, in fact, because of them, Jesus lies in the tomb to set you free.