Have you ever wondered what that Sabbath was like? The Sabbath right after the crucifixion. How confused, sad, worn, and troubled the disciples must have been. Perhaps their church services were canceled that weekend. Or maybe they went through the motions, seeking comfort in rituals and in each other’s presence.
Luke simply says, “And they returned, … and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment,” Luke 23:56.
“That was a never-to-be-forgotten Sabbath to the sorrowing disciples, and also to the priests, rulers, scribes, and people.”
Desire of Ages¸ p. 774.
It is said that a “sense of strangeness pervaded everything” (Ibid.). Christ’s death caused a lasting impression on the hearts of many, and they sought to know more about Him. Those who did not know about His death looked for Him to heal their sick family members. But He was no longer to be found among them. What a strange Sabbath day.
The mourning disciples had buried their Savior but had had no time to anoint His body before the Sabbath. So, early on Sunday morning, after waiting for the Sabbath hours to pass, they took the spices to the tomb where they had laid Jesus’ body.
Mary Magdalene, the first to reach the tomb, was also the first to see it was empty. Brokenhearted, she ran to tell the disciples. Meanwhile, other women arrived and received the good news that Christ was resurrected. While they left to spread the word, Mary, Peter, and John arrived at the empty tomb. The disciples left, but Mary stayed behind in sorrow and tears.
“As she stood weeping, she heard a voice which asked: ‘Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?’ Her eyes were so blinded by tears that she did not notice who it was that spoke to her. She thought it might be the gardener and said to him pleadingly: ‘Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away.’ She thought that if this rich man’s tomb was considered too honorable a place for her Lord, she herself would provide a place for Him. But now the voice of Christ Himself fell upon her ears. He said: ‘Mary.’ Her tears were quickly brushed away, and she beheld the Savior,”
Story of Jesus, p. 160
Have you ever been so blinded by tears that you could not recognize Jesus? Have you ever experienced sorrow so deep that you could not feel Him near you?
“Why weepest thou?” His question echoes to us today. The Savior, who died upon the cross for you, cares about your sorrows. Take them to Him and share the burdens that are weighing you down.
“In the garden, Mary had stood weeping, when Jesus was close beside her. Her eyes were so blinded by tears that she did not discern Him. And the hearts of the disciples were so full of grief that they did not believe the angels’ message or the words of Christ Himself,”
Desire of Ages, p. 794
Friend, I don’t know what pain you are facing today—sickness, loneliness, persecution—there is no shortage of options. But our God is risen! The promises He made are valid to this day. Do not be afraid or despair. Pray that the temporary darkness of this world will not come between you and Christ. Our greatest fears, trials, and sadness—even death—cannot keep us from Him (Romans 8:35-39).
“To how many might the Saviour’s words be spoken, “Why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?” He is close beside them, but their tear-blinded eyes do not discern Him. He speaks to them, but they do not understand.”
Desire of Ages 794
Look up! Please, look up. He is with us! He is with you. Believe. Brush away your tears, and you shall see.
