The Sabbath for the Jews-Questions Perplex Jesus ‘s Followers

Proverbs 13:12 ESV
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”

This might appear to be a strange verse to use on the memorial day of our Lord laying in the tomb, but it fits. We know now what was about to happen on Sunday, His Resurrection. Back in the first century, they had many questions. Why did this happen to the Son of God? Where was God in all of this? What is God going to do now? What will happen to us who believed?

All good questions. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Jesus had said what was going to happen to Him, the first part of His words became true. Now, did the believers in Christ have enough faith and evidence to understand that Sunday was on the way? Did they have enough faith to believe that Jesus would come back to life, as He said He would?

While the followers of Jesus were in hiding and mourning the loss of their Lord, the Jewish leaders, Sanhedrin, Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees were reveling in victory as was satan himself. They had no idea that this was the only day they would have to celebrate, because Sunday would silence satan and the religious right.

While the Jewish leaders were celebrating, there was an undertone that the disciples may steal the body of Jesus to claim that He was alive again. Jewish tradition states, a person’s soul or spirit remained with his or her dead body for three days. After three days, the soul or spirit departed. If Jesus’ resurrection had occurred on the same day or even the next day, it would have been easier for His enemies to argue He had never truly died. 

A stone was rolled against the tomb and sealed by inscription that no one could enter. Guards were placed at the tomb as well. Hope deferred made the followers of Jesus hearts sick, but now that we know the rest of the story, that Jesus is alive again, our hearts are full of joy!

Prayer:
Thank You Lord that we know the rest of the story. I feel mournful for the followers of Jesus on that day after the crucifixion, they had to have been scared out of their minds and fearful that they too would be killed for following Jesus. I pray there was some who hoped and believed that it was true, He would live again. For us who reap the benefit of knowing the truth, thank You Lord, with all of our hearts, thank you for fulfilling Your promises to us, amen!