Saturday (The Seventh Day of the Week)

Scripture:

“Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.” (John 19:40-41)

Meditation: The Quiet Day: Did Jesus go to Hell?

Now, Jesus was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea who was a secret follower of Jesus. He was a prominent council member also known as Pharisees who was righteous man (Lk.23:50). There was another Pharisees came to bury Jesus that evening, whose name was Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night and asking how can he get to heaven? (Jn.3:1, 4, 9). Here we find that Jesus was crucified by the masterminding of Pharisees then buried by two Pharisees who were secret followers of Jesus (Jn.19:39-40). One thing for sure, Nicodemus was saved man after he heard from Jesus, “You must be born again” (Jn.3:3; 19:39).

Now the night was cool and silent. It looks like; the day itself was exhaled from this crucifixion event. Now at the early Sabbath hours, the high priest and Pharisees can not rest went up to request Pilate to secure the tomb. Indeed, they try the best just like Pilate said, “make it as secure as you know how.” (Matt.27:62-65).

Where did Jesus’ spirit go while His body was lying in the tomb? Today many believe that Jesus went to hell and defeated the devil and his army. They add without this conquest to hell, Jesus’ atonement work on the cross is not sufficient to save us. That is totally wrong and heresy.

Jesus said on the cross three things to make sure for us where He went while He was lying in the tomb physically. First, Jesus said, “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit…” then He gave up His spirit. (Lk.23:46). So Jesus went to the Father. Second, Jesus told to the thief on the cross, saying, “Today, you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Lk.23:43). Again, Jesus went to Paradise which is Heaven where God the Father is. Third, Jesus said, “It is finished.” (Jn.19:30) He was proclaiming that the atoning work on the cross has completed. There is no further requirement needed for our salvation.

Application:

Once and for all, Jesus died on the cross and buried in the tomb. Now we are eagerly waiting for His resurrection on early tomorrow. The disciples must have been still hiding around fear of their persecution for just being follower of Jesus Christ. They must have been disappointed asking question in their mind, “Now what?”

Are we forgetting what Jesus has told us before? Are we not able to believe Him sometime like the disciples? Jesus said that He will rise again on the third day, if you were in the disciples’ shoes, will you be waiting for Christ? What would you do on this Saturday?