When we have two important days with one in between, we all may handle that day differently. We may use that time to rest. We may take time to just enjoy a little downtime, use it to prepare for the next event, or catch up on things that were left undone. Over 2000 years ago, Christians handled the day between the crucifixion and resurrection differently than we do. Why? Because we know the entire story, but what would you have done if you were a Christian on the day between the crucifixion and the resurrection?
Multitudes followed Jesus during His ministry. Some were watching and waiting to cash in on miracles. Some followed for what pleasure they could get from the food as in John 6: 5-14, and or the wine in John chapter 2. Some were following to be healed from years of disease and handicaps. The blind man in John chapter 9 had been blind from birth, and even the nobleman sought out Jesus in Capernaum to have Him heal his son. Many just came to see the show.
John 4:46-50 “So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son lives. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.”
When Jesus walked the earth before His crucifixion, everyone wanted to be around Him to find out who He was. They wanted to test the waters to see if He truly was the Messiah. Yet when He was crucified, they fled. Maybe out of fear of losing their own life, or trying to avoid remarks from friends or family members who would mock them for following Jesus.
Those who were close to Him spent the day between mourning the loss of their friend or family member. It would have been the Sabbath, and we know from Leviticus 23:3, that the Jews were commanded to rest and worship. For that reason, the women of Mark 16:1-2 went to the tomb early on Sunday morning.
Leviticus 23:3 “Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, a holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.”
Mark 16:1-2 “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the sun.”
Since we know the rest of the story – the resurrection, Jesus’ walking, talking, teaching, and eating with followers after His resurrection, and His ascension, what will you do with this day? Will you take some time to meditate on the provision that Jesus made for you for all eternity, mourning over your sins just as his friends and family mourned over His death? Will you praise Him and thank Him for His unmatched love for you as Mary Magdalene did in John 20:17? Will you seek to tell someone else of this love and how they too can experience being forgiven and cleansed from their sins, just as Jesus instructed His followers in Matthew 28:19-20? Will you think about how His family and disciples must have felt, not understanding the purpose of the crucifixion or the fear of thinking they too could experience a gruesome death because they were followers of Jesus? Many in the world today are suffering because of their faith. Yet, many will spend this day “between” shopping for a new outfit for Easter Sunday, wanting to look especially good on this celebrated day. Many will spend all day cooking and cleaning for guests that will come for Sunday dinner. Others will rush here and there to egg hunts, parties, et cetera, just as they do for any other holiday. But Easter is not “just another holiday.” It is the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. It is the day that proved that Jesus was who He said He was, God in the flesh. This is the day that changed everything for those who accept Him as their personal Savior.
May I be so bold as to suggest you spend some quality quiet time today thinking about what Easter is about? Spend some time thanking Him for what He did for you over 2000 years ago. Purpose in your heart on this day “between” to make Easter all about Him? Take advantage of the opportunity that Easter brings to teach your children the truth about the love Jesus has for them. Explain to a neighbor what Easter means to you as a Christian. Let this day be a day to prepare your heart to worship on Easter Sunday like you never have before.
