Holy Saturday: Silence and Sorrow
Exodus 20:8–10 (NLT); John 14; Psalm 118
Thank you for joining us for the final day, Day 7, of Tables, Tears, and Triumph, a devotional through Holy Week.
Imagine you were walking with the apostle John. We believe his perspective would have looked something like this:
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God.” (Exodus 20:8–10)
I really want to rest, but I have never been so restless.
I pace the floor, too exhausted to sleep. Every time I close my eyes, the horrors of yesterday flood my mind—the sights, the sounds, the unbearable grief. I can’t believe Jesus died! How can the Messiah be dead? He can’t rule from a tomb.
I think back to Thursday evening. Jesus spoke to us with such assurance and conviction. His words measured and certain:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
You lost your life! How do we come to the Father now?
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18)
But you did, Jesus. And we’ve all scattered. And you’re dead. And they’re probably going to kill us too.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27 NASB)
Where is this peace you spoke of? Did you take it to the grave with you? I have never been more terrified. I have never needed peace more, Jesus.
The events of the evening are getting all jumbled in my head. I can’t hold a thought very long. Perhaps this is the nature of unspeakable grief.
Another memory comes to mind—after the Passover meal, as we’re walking to Gethsemane, we sang Psalm 118. We’d sung this Psalm after every Passover meal since childhood. I can still hear Jesus’s voice singing… his face radiant.
Certain lines jump out at me:
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 118:1)
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. (Psalm 118:6)
The LORD is with me; he is my helper. (Psalm 118:7)
I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. (Psalm 118:17)
You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 118:28-29)
Jesus was so certain—unwavering in his confidence of who he was and who sent him. It gives us every reason to have hope and to believe.
So why aren’t you here, Jesus? Why did you die? You can’t proclaim anything from the grave. How am I supposed to give thanks to God when I’m not sure I believe any of this is good. It’s not good that you’re gone and we’re all hiding behind locked doors, terrified. It’s not good that Rome is still in power. I’m so lost without you, Jesus. Why did you leave me?
For reflection:
Where is the Lord inviting you to rest, be still, and trust him in the silence?
Commentary:
Unlike the other days of Holy Week, Saturday has few details provided:
• The tomb was being guarded to ensure no one could steal Jesus’s body. (Matthew 27:62-66)
• The disciples were in hiding, fearing for their lives. (John 20:19)
• It was the Sabbath, so the Jews would be in their homes, resting. (Luke 23:50-56)
Today’s devotion, like the others, is our creative attempt to help us experience Holy Week in a more personal way, through the eyes of the apostle John. Commentary was added as needed for clarity.
If you enjoyed these devotions and want to experience the conclusion to Holy Week, we invite you to join us for Easter services at Woodstock City Church today at 4:30 or 6:00 p.m., or tomorrow at 8:00, 9:30, or 11:15 a.m.
