03/30/2024
Jesus said “it is finished”, died, was taken down from the cross, and then placed in a borrowed grave, but what happened on the day between Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday? This has been debated by theologians through the ages with many believing that Jesus rested in the grave, others, like John Calvin and Martin Luther, believe He suffered in Hell to atone for our sins, and, many Christians (including the Eastern Orthodox church) believe that He marched into Hell and redeemed all those righteous souls who were sent there before He was crucified and made their sacrifice. The simple fact is that there is very little biblical evidence regarding what Jesus did at this time, with scripture provided by Peter, and the conversation of Jesus with the thief on the cross, being held at the center of this debate. Most mainstream beliefs have been founded on the interpretation of these, and opinion. Listen to the evidence…
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.”
1 Peter 3:18-20 ESV
“ And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.””
Luke 23:42-43
So, today let’s forego the debate, and allow the theologians to continue on with their arguments, while we look instead at where our faith is leading us, and how our souls are reacting to this day. Will we march through our cities and towns today as we wait on the resurrection? Will we sit quietly in prayer and rest? Will we assume the role of a mourner by crying and rending our clothes? Or, will we simply feel confused and lost as so many of the disciples did while Jesus lay in the grave, and then continued to do as they walked the road to Emmaus, and as doubting Thomas did?
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”
Philippians 2:12 ESV
I believe we should fall back on what we know to be true. We should trust in what Jesus has told us. We should believe in the blessings He promised to those who mourn, and in the greater promise that He will rise again on the third day. We should also listen to the scripture where Paul tells us to seek out our own salvation. In other words, what is the Holy Spirit telling us about this day? What is it that is being revealed to us as we pray? And, are we paying close attention to these? If so, then how are we being led to observe Holy Saturday, and how do we feel in our souls.
“”“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.””
Matthew 5:4 ESV
“Then he [Jesus] opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,””
Luke 24:46 ESV
Today let’s spend our day in remembrance of Jesus, just as he told His disciples to do while offering them the elements of communion. Are we comfortable in this? Can we find peace in being bound by faith?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for this Holy Day that we also call Good Friday. Thank you for allowing us to remember your Son as He goes about your business, and we wait patiently for His resurrection. Help us Father as we struggle with the mystery of your will for this day, and help us to keep our wrestling from distracting us from our prayers, and finding rest in your Son Jesus Christ. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who was, and is, and is to come. Praised be your Holy name as we listen to your Word, and ask your Spirit to be with us as we wait in great anticipation for tomorrow, Resurrection Day, to come. Until the morrow, give us peace in the mystery of how Jesus is spending this day, and remove any divisiveness that our human need to understand brings to this day. We pray that no matter how we approach or celebrate this day that it will be pleasing to you because it fosters a deeper and more intense remembrance of your Son and His life, death, and resurrection. Guide us as we seek out our salvation in Christ, and let our gaze be fixed on the stone as we wait for it to be rolled back, and to reveal the empty tomb. Whether in Gethsemane, during the passion, on Calvary, in the tomb, and wherever else Jesus goes, we praise you for Him, and give you all the glory for His life, and what He brings to our belief, and worship. Wash us clean in His blood Holy Father, and see His perfection as you judge us on the final day. Then Abba, we ask that you seat us at your table, and allow us to bask in your presence forevermore.
Amen.
Rich Forbes