Silence, is something most of us don’t have much of, but if we do, it is because we, for some reason, have been able to get a moment alone. Moms especially know what I’m talking about. In a home where children are constantly busy, it is difficult to be alone for a minute. For most, it would be a welcome moment. However, the time in history when all was silent was a day that brought sorrow and joy. It was the day before the resurrection when Jesus lay in the grave. It was a very sorrowful day for those who were close to Jesus. They didn’t understand in just a few hours their Master would return as their resurrected Lord. It was a day of joy for those of us on this side of the historical moment. This day of silence was the day between what we call Good Friday, the day our sin debt was paid, and the resurrection of Jesus, the day death and hell were defeated.
Some were fearful of a plot by the followers of Jesus to steal His body. They feared they would seek to convince others Jesus had been raised from the dead. The soldiers were ordered to secure the tomb and stand guard until the three days were done. I can only imagine the soldier’s remarks as they were told to guard the tomb of a dead man. There may have been remarks about how silly this was, or how this would be an easy job until Sunday comes. It wasn’t until the soldiers were paid to say that Jesus’ body had been stolen by his followers, that they understood the seriousness of this task. I wonder how the centurion who was at the crucifixion dealt with this day of silence. He was convinced at Jesus’ death, that He must be the Son of God.
Mat 27:62-66 “The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, “After three days I will rise.” Therefore, order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, “He has risen from the dead,” and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.”
Matthew 27:54 “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.”
The day in between was the Sabbath. It was a day of rest and worship for the Jews. There were strict rules about what you could and could not do on this day. If you were a good Jew, you obeyed. The grief must have been overwhelming to those who were so close to Jesus. The one they worshiped was gone and they couldn’t understand. The women must have sat and talked and cried. Those close to Him would have been trying to console Mary, His mother. The disciples would have been talking about His teachings to them and trying to come to grips with what they should do. There is no doubt they believed He was the Messiah but still did not understand what was happening. All they knew for sure was that their Master, friend, and counselor had gone.
The Jews that were steeped in their traditions probably went about joyfully doing their usual Sabbath worship. No longer did they feel threatened by this man who claimed to be the Messiah. He did not fit their idea of what the Messiah would look or act like. He would not be a ruler that would exalt the Jews. Their pride would keep them from seeing this humble servant as the Son of God.
What kind of day will today be for you? Will it be a time of anticipation, while spending time getting ready for services on Sunday? Will you spend time begging God to work in the hearts of those who don’t know Him? Over 2000 years ago today it was silent because Jesus was in the tomb, and no one was sure what was going to happen. His followers were in mourning, some were in hiding for fear of their own lives, and some were anxiously awaiting the next morning when they could go to the tomb and anoint the body of their friend and Master. Today we have the full story, we don’t need to sorrow over the death because we are confident Jesus rose from the dead. We have the Holy Spirit living within us to guide us and comfort us, to go before us and prepare the hearts of those who don’t know Him. We have everything we need to make a difference for Christ. We have an opportunity to make this day a day of joy and celebration for what Christ has done for us. We need to make sure today is not a silent day as we seek to do God’s will and share the good news with anyone who will listen.
