Note: This is the next part of Charisma’s Holy Week series.
After the horror of the crucifixion, a deep stillness fell upon Jerusalem. The crowds that had cried out for Jesus’ death now dispersed. The skies had darkened, the earth had trembled, and many were left bewildered. Hope, it seemed, had been buried with Him. But heaven was not silent. Though humanity paused in sorrow and confusion, God’s redemptive plan was still in motion.
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It was the day of Preparation—the day before the Sabbath. According to Jewish custom, no bodies were to remain on the crosses during the holy day. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin who had secretly followed Jesus, stepped forward with courage. He went to Pilate and requested Jesus’ body.
“When evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.”
(Matt. 27:57)
Pilate, surprised that Jesus had already died, confirmed it with a centurion and granted Joseph permission. Nicodemus, another Jewish leader who had once come to Jesus by night, joined him. Together, they tenderly took the body, wrapped it with linen cloths and burial spices according to Jewish customs, and placed it in Joseph’s own unused tomb carved into rock.
“And they laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.”
(Mark 15:46)
The burial was hurried. The Sabbath was fast approaching, and work had to cease. But even in haste, care was taken. These secret followers of Jesus risked reputation and standing to honor the One they now openly mourned.
Meanwhile, the chief priests and Pharisees remembered Jesus’ prophetic words. Though they had dismissed Him in life, they feared what might happen in death.
“Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day…”
(Matt. 27:63–64)
Pilate agreed. A Roman guard was placed at the tomb, and the stone was sealed. The religious leaders were determined to prevent any claim of resurrection—even if it meant trying to seal in the very power of God.
For Jesus’ followers, it was a day of crushing grief and unanswered questions. Their Messiah, the One they believed would usher in the kingdom of God, now lay behind a stone. The joy of Palm Sunday, the intimacy of the Last Supper, the awe of His miracles—all seemed to have vanished.
But what they could not yet see was that the greatest victory often looks like defeat in the eyes of man. The silence of Saturday was not the absence of God—it was the hush before resurrection thunder.
The tomb was sealed. The guards were posted. But heaven was only counting to three.
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Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
