Easter is not a day for bunnies and eggs. Nor is it a time to show off your best clothes. Easter is a day of remembrance. A day to remember what our Lord has done for us. To remember and celebrate his resurrection from the dead. His victory over death.
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
Luke 23:55-56 NIV
Jesus had been crucified. For the previous three years, or so, there had been a group of people who followed Jesus. The twelve disciples were the most well-known, but there were also a group of women who followed him and took care of his needs (Luke 8:2-3). These women were also at the cross when he was crucified, saw where Joseph had buried him, and prepared for their final act of love; anointing his body with spices and perfumes. But that anointing would have to wait until after the Sabbath. So, they rested. And remembered him.
The reaction of these two groups of followers seems to be very different. The eleven remaining disciples gathered together in hiding; fearful that they were next (John 20:19). What that group of women was doing on the Sabbath is less clear, other than resting. I can imagine them grieving over what had transpired. But also talking about the past few years they had had with Jesus. Sharing together what they had heard him teach, and had seen him do. Their own personal encounters with Jesus, and how much he had meant to them. While it was a day of grieving, it was also most likely a day of remembrance.
Remember What the Lord Has Done
Yesterday was Good Friday when we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. And tomorrow is Resurrection Day when we celebrate his victory over death. Today does not have a special name that I am aware of. But I would encourage you to follow the women’s example and make it a day of remembrance. Remember what the Lord has done for you. Be thankful for his sacrifice on the cross. And rejoice in the hope of the resurrection.
