Luke 23:55
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.
Life Lesson
Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) begins after Jesus is crucified. It is after three o’clock on Friday afternoon when Jesus shouts to the Father last words before His final breath. Then later but on Friday still, a good and righteous man named Joseph went to Pilate and asks for Jesus’ body. It is here wherein women see where the body is placed and then go home to prepare spices and ointments to anoint the body. Mark 15:47 says, ” Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus’ body was laid.” In pondering over these passages several thoughts come to mind and struck a chord deep in my heart. First, even for something as significant as their Lord’s death, these followers obey God and His command by resting in observance of the sabbath. Just as the Lord commanded Moses to tell the Israelites to do in Exodus 31:13, “…You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.” Second, I wonder what went through these women’s mind and heart on the day of rest. Did they really rest knowing their Lord had suffered such a horrific, painful and excruciating death on the cross just hours before? I can honestly say it would have been almost impossible for me. Regardless, I can only begin to imagine just how grief-stricken they all must have been. Maybe saddened and disillusioned even from broken dreams of a King and of a Kingdom in their eyes that were no more. Third, words cannot begin to describe the emotional roller coaster ride of these women over three short days. From witnessing the Lord’s crucifixion, resting on the sabbath when they probably did not want to, unable to find the body of Jesus after obediently and patiently waiting on the day of rest, encountering two men who suddenly appear out of nowhere clothed in dazzling white robes and then being told as Luke 24:5-6 succinctly describes, “…Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee,”
Hence, my take away today on the eve of Easter Sunday is to appreciate in awe the magnitude of His sacrifice, His pain and His suffering. Also, overflowing thankfulness and gratitude for His unfailing, unfathomable, unconditional and unending love. And lastly, sheer elation for His victory on the cross for me and for all who believe! For knowing with all my heart…HE IS RISEN!
I am so glad you wrote this. It brings perspective and understanding, concerning his followers. That is how we would have felt, if we did not know the truth, from the word, as a testimony. At this point. This is so Awesome, and so understanding. Brother Wes. God bless you.
Hallelujah!!! Our Christ has been risen for us!!!
Thank sister Elena! God bless you and family too on Easter! He Is Risen:-).
Right On !
Happy Easter to you too Ken!
You are so humble, brother Wes. God bless you. You have a gift, and I pray that he blesses it. You inspire, with truth….blessings and thanks, again. Happy Easter to you and your family, in paradise.
Much Mahalo (thank you) again sister Elena for your kindness!
Wes,
Thank you for sharing….
DK
Hi DK,
Hope to see you today or tomorrow at service! If I don’t, happy Easter to you and family! God bless you too:-).
Wes
Aloha brother Wes, Praise God in Jesus for brothers like you. Happy Easter! And may I add how hard it was our Father in heaven To Know What His Son was going through, can you imagine, a King like our God that is so Holy, so pure, and there is none like Him, could not look upon the evil that was being done to His Son. That when the rain or tears from Heaven mixed with His Jesus Blood, That the scripture from John 3:16 I believe was truly fulfilled.
Hi Ernie! I agree 100% and also thankful as John 15:13 says, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Happy Easter to you and Cyndy too! Wes