Devotion:
Read Matthew 27:62-66.
Other than one sentence in “The Gospel According To Luke,” this is the only reference we have in the Gospels about Saturday, the day between when Jesus was crucified and when he was resurrected. It was the Sabbath and so Jesus followers could not make the walk out to the tomb on that day. It was a day of rest. It had to also be a day of deep sadness, shock and despair. All those emotions and more accompany any death, but the death of this particular man must have left his followers with a sense of hopelessness. They believed he was the Messiah. Now they must have been wondering if they were wrong. Their whole world was in shambles.
The scene that is shared in these verses also reminds us that the world does its best to try to thwart the ways and plans of God. It is ludicrous for people to think they have that kind of power, but we so easily deceive ourselves. Here, both religious and political leaders think they have more power than they do. The forces of evil often still convince those same leaders of that lie.
So we have at least two lessons to ponder from our passage for today. When the rulers and ways of this world seem to be in charge, remember that is only temporary. And when your whole world seems to be in shambles, remember that is also only temporary.
Personal Worship Option:
Consider offering this prayer today (or one similar to it in your own words): “Almighty God, when I am facing a time of despair and hopelessness, help me remember that it is only temporary. When it looks like the forces of evil are ruling our world, help me remember that you are still in charge. And help me be there for others when they experience these same forces. In Jesus name, Amen.”
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