Saturday, April 23, 2011

Preparation Day


On the Saturday before Easter Sunday we wait. 

After the crucifixion, this day was a very sad day.  The disciples and all of Jesus’ followers had seen Him die.  He was gone.  Sadness and despair filled the air.   

How do we know?  The disciples were huddled behind locked doors on the evening of the Resurrection
.
“A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’” (John 20:26)

What were they thinking?  They were all probably well aware of what had happened after the crucifixion. 

Here is Mark’s account:

42 “It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.”  (Mark 15:42-47 NIV)


I am sure they were filled with fear and doubt and many questions.  Had they just wasted 3 years of their lives following a man who claimed to be the Son of God?  They had seen the miracles, had heard His teachings, and had seen their own lives changed.  But?  What would happen now?

While you contemplate that question, watch this video.  You will know why this is such an important week-end:  the most important in history, next to the birth of Jesus which we celebrate at Christmas time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIDYvg73RuM&feature=player_embedded

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