Day 46 – The Wait Before the Victory

Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

– Matthew 27:59-60 (NIV)

Today, we pause in the stillness of Silent Saturday.

The cross stands empty. The tomb lies sealed. For Jesus’ followers, grief and confusion weigh heavily. Their Teacher, their Messiah, the One in whom they had placed their hope, is gone. Dreams of redemption seem crushed, and the silence feels deafening.

But this silence carries significance.

Silent Saturday reminds us of the gravity of Christ’s death. The Son of God bore the weight of our sin, took the punishment we deserved, and endured the separation from the Father we could not. As Isaiah prophesied, He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5, NIV).

This day forces us to sit with the truth that there was no other way. No number of good deeds or sacrifices could atone for the sin that separated us from God. Only Jesus, the spotless Lamb, could bridge the gap. Silent Saturday reminds us that salvation came at a staggering cost.

But while the disciples mourned in despair, unaware of what would come next, Jesus had already spoken of the coming victory. He declared, “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinners, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again” (Luke 24:7, NIV). Prophets foretold this, and Jesus confirmed it. The silence of this day was not the end but the prelude to resurrection.

For us, Silent Saturday invites gratitude. It compels us to acknowledge the depth of our sin and the magnitude of His sacrifice. It calls us to remember that salvation is not something we could ever earn—it is the gift of grace poured out for us on the cross.

The disciples didn’t understand this yet. They couldn’t see the victory that was coming. But we can. As we reflect on this day, we stand in the tension of mourning and anticipation. We recognize the weight of the cross, and we wait with hope for what tomorrow brings.

Because Resurrection Sunday is coming.

Take time today to sit in the quiet and reflect. Grieve the cost of sin that led Jesus to the cross. Thank Him for His obedience and His unfathomable love. Let this silence prepare your heart to celebrate the victory of the empty tomb tomorrow.

You can access all of the Reflection and Awe: Lent’s Purpose series here.

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