What Happened To Jesus On Holy Saturday

12 Things You Need to Know About Holy Saturday

During the hours of darkness on Holy Saturday, the earth awaits the Resurrection of the Lord. Here are 12 things you should be aware of while dealing with it. Note: This piece first published in the Register on March 29, 2013, and has been updated. The fact that Jesus “descended into hell” is mentioned every time we say the creed. This incident is commemorated on Holy Saturday, which is the day before Easter. What really happened on this day, and how will we commemorate it, is up for debate. Here are 12 things you should be aware of.

1. What happened on the first Holy Saturday?

Here on earth, Jesus’ followers grieved for him and, because it was a sabbath day, they took the opportunity to rest. Luke observes that the ladies have returned to their homes “as well as spices and ointments that have been prepared They observed the commandment to rest on the seventh day of the week ” (Luke 23:56). The guards who had been stationed at the tomb stood vigil to ensure that the disciples did not remove Jesus’ corpse from the tomb, according to tradition. Meanwhile.

2. What happened to Jesus while he was dead?

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), there are 633 It is called “hell” in Scripture, referring to the place where the dead Christ was taken, Sheol in Hebrew or Hades in Greek, since people who are there are robbed of the ability to see the face of the living God. While all of the dead, whether evil or righteous, are in the same state of limbo, this does not imply that their fates are identical, as Jesus demonstrates in the parable of the poor man Lazarus, who was received into “Abraham’s bosom”: “It was precisely these holy souls, who awaited their Saviour in Abraham’s bosom, whom Christ the Lord delivered when he descended into hell,” says the Lord.

634 “The gospel was preached even to the dead,” says the apostle Paul.

All who have been rescued have been become sharers in Christ’s redeeming work, and this is the final phase of Jesus’ messianic mission, a phase that is condensed in time but vast in true significance: the spread of Christ’s redemptive work to all men of all times and all places.

3. How do we commemorate this day?

It is written in the main document governing the festivities associated with Easter,Paschales Solemnitatis:73, that on Holy Saturday “the Church is at the Lord’s tomb, reflecting on his passion and death, as well as on his descent into hell,” and that “the Church is anticipating the Lord’s resurrection” through prayer and fasting. It is strongly suggested that the Office of Readings and Morning Prayer be held with the involvement of the general public on this day (cf. n. 40). If this is not possible, another kind of celebration of the Word of God, or any act of devotion appropriate to the mystery commemorated on this day, should be held instead.

Fasting is also suggested on this day, however it is not obligatory in all cases.

4. Are the sacraments celebrated?

According to Paschales Solemnitatis, the answer is no in the majority of cases:75. On this day, the Church abstains completely from the celebration of the Mass, which is a sign of respect for the faithful. Viaticum is the only type of Holy Communion that may be administered. The celebration of weddings, as well as the celebration of other sacraments, with the exception of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick, is strictly prohibited. The restriction on saying Mass is in effect throughout the portion of the day preceding the Easter Vigil Mass.

It is also permissible to be baptized if one is in imminent risk of death.

5. What is the Easter Vigil?

In the liturgical celebration of a significant feast, which is celebrated on the evening preceding the feast, a vigil is conducted. The phrase derives from the Latin wordvigilia, which literally translates as “wakefulness,” and it was first used to describe when the faithful stayed up to pray and perform devotional activities in preparation for the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The Easter Vigil is a religious service conducted on the evening before Easter Sunday. Paschales Solemnitatis:80 is the source of this quote.

For the resurrection of Christ is the source and summit of our faith and hope, and in Baptism and Confirmation we are incorporated into the Paschal Mystery of Christ, dying, being buried, and being risen with him, and we will reign with him in the world to come.

6. When should Easter Vigil be celebrated?

Paschales Solemnitatis provides the following explanation:78. “The entire celebration of the Easter Vigil takes place in the dark of the evening. It should not begin before the end of the day on Saturday and should not conclude before the beginning of the day on Sunday.” Observe that this rule must be interpreted in its most literal sense. Abuse and practices that have crept into many areas in contravention of this rule, such as celebrating the Easter Vigil at the same time of day that it is traditional to offer anticipated Sunday Masses, are reprehensible and should be condemned.

7. What happens at the Easter Vigil?

Solemnitatis:81, according to Paschales’s work. The sequence of the Easter Vigil is set up in such a way that

• The Easter Vigil is divided into four parts: the first part, which is the service of light, and the second part, which is known as the Liturgy of the Word
• The second part, which is known as the Liturgy of the Word
• The third part, which is known as the Liturgy of the Word
• And the fourth part, which is known as the Liturgy of the Word. After the service of light and the Easter Proclamation (which is the first part of the Vigil),

8. What happens during the service of light?

According to Paschales Solemnitatis:82. A appropriate area should be prepared outside the church for the blessing of the new fire, whose flames should be such that they really banish the darkness and light up the night, inasmuch as this is feasible. It is necessary to prepare the paschal candle, which, in order to be effective symbolism, must be made of wax, never artificial, renewed each year, limited to one in number, and of sufficient size in order to evoke the truth that Christ is the light of the world.

It receives blessings by the use of the signs and phrases provided in either the Missal or by the Conference of Bishops.

The procession into the church, which is conducted alone by the light of the paschal candle, should be the most solemn occasion of the year.

There is no reason why some sort of acclamation in praise of Christ should not be added to each response of “Thank you, God,” as is customary.

With electric lights turned off, the light from the paschal candle should be gradually transferred to the candles, which it is appropriate for everyone present to hold in their hands.

9. What happens during the Easter Proclamation?

According to Paschales Solemnitatis:84, the deacon proclaims the Easter Proclamation, which describes the entire Easter mystery set within the context of the economy of salvation via the use of a vast poetic text of ecstatic poetry. A cantor may be called upon in cases of dire necessity, such as when there is no deacon present and the celebrating priest is unable to sing. The Bishops’ Conferences may modify this proclamation by including acclamations from the congregations in the document.

10. What happens during the Scripture readings?

Solemnitatis:85, according to Paschales’ work. After then, there will be readings from Sacred Scripture, which will complete the second portion of the Vigil. They recount some of the most notable events in the history of salvation, which the congregation is encouraged to contemplate quietly via the singing of the responsorial psalm, a silent pause, and the celebrant’s prayer. According to the most ancient tradition of East and West, the restored Order for the Vigil includes seven readings from the Old Testament, which are drawn from the Law and Prophets and are in use everywhere, and two readings from the New Testament, which are drawn from St.

John.

Because of this, wherever it is feasible, all of the readings should be given in such a way that the Easter Vigil’s unique character is preserved, which necessitates that it be slightly lengthier.

As a culmination to the Old Testament readings is sung, bells are rung according to custom, the collect is spoken, and the celebration proceeds on to the New Testament readings, which are followed by a song called “Gloria in excelsis.” Reading of an admonition from the Apostle on the significance of Baptism as an insertion into Christ’s Paschal Mystery Afterwards, everyone rises to their feet and the priest sings the “Alleluia” three times, each time raising the pitch.

It is repeated after him by the audience.

Finally, the Gospel proclaims the Lord’s resurrection as the culmination of the entire Liturgy of the Word.

A homily, no matter how brief, is to be delivered after the Gospel reading.

11. What happens during the baptismal liturgy?

According to Paschales Solemnitatis:88, the baptismal rite is the third portion of the Vigil. It is now time to commemorate both Christ’s and our own Passover. This is most clearly expressed in those churches that contain a baptismal font, and even more so when the Christian initiation of adults, or at the very least the Baptism of newborns, is celebrated in those churches. Even if there are no applicants for Baptism, the blessing of baptismal water should take place in parish churches on a consistent basis.

When there are no candidates for Baptism and no need to bless the font, Baptism should be remembered by the blessing of water that will be used to sprinkling onto the populace, rather than by the blessing of the font.

The renewal of baptismal pledges is next performed, which is preceded by a few remarks by the celebrant priest.

They are then sprinkled with water, and the motions and words used to remind them of their Baptism serve to remind them of what they have received.

The celebrant sprinkles the congregation as he walks around the main section of the church, while everyone sings the antiphon “Vidi aquam” or another hymn with a baptismal theme that is appropriate.

12. What happens during the Eucharistic liturgy?

Paschales Solemnitatis:90 is the source of this information. As the fourth and final part of the Vigil, the Eucharist is the culmination of the celebration, as it is the Easter Sacrament itself, commemorating the Sacrifice of the Cross and the presence of the risen Christ, the culmination of Christian initiation, and a premonition of the eternal pasch in the fullest sense of the word. 92. It is appropriate that the symbolism of the Eucharist be given full expression during the Communion of the Easter Vigil, which is accomplished by ingesting the Eucharist in the forms of both bread and wine.

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Holy Saturday: What Happened on Saturday To Jesus?

The Eastern Orthodox Church places a strong focus on Good Friday through Easter, with particular attention paid to what is frequently referred to as the “harrowing of hell,” or Christ’s fall into hell between the Cross and the Resurrection of the body. The concept is that following his death, Christ entered Hades and invaded hell in order to ransom the righteous of the Old Testament, as depicted in the Bible. This is the traditional interpretation of Holy Saturday. As a result, it is clear that the death that occurred before to Christ’s death was not final.

I read Archbishop Hilarion Alfeyev’s pious and learned study (Christ the Conqueror of Hell: The Descent into Hades from an Orthodox Perspective), primarily because I’d always wanted to read a good piece by an Orthodox theologian on the Eastern (and traditional) sense of the phrase “descent into Hades,” which appears in our creed.

• Matthew 12:40 says, “It is written, ” Because, just as Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of a giant fish, the Son of Man will spend three days and three nights in the center of the earth, according to the Scriptures.
• The ground began to tremble, and the rocks began to crumble.
• (They emerged from the graves following his resurrection and entered the holy city, where they appeared to a large number of people.) Acts 2:31: David, foreseeing this, spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, stating that he was neither abandoned to Hades nor did his body endure decay.
• As part of it, he traveled to a jail and preached to the spirits inside, who had been disobedient long before, while God patiently waited throughout the construction of the ark during the days of Noah.
• As a result of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was exalted to the right side of the Father with angels, authorities, and powers subordinate to him, you are now saved – not by washing away bodily filth, but by promising to God that you will have a good conscience – by the power of God.
• Eph 4:9: What, therefore, is the significance of the phrase “he ascended,” unless it means that he also descended to the lower portions of the earth?
• In this case, it is the second death, which is the lake of fire.

In light of the texts that have already been cited, in particular 1 Peter 3:18-25 and Acts 2, as well as the baptism for the dead in 1 Corinthians 15 and that enigmatic text in 1 Peter 4, I believe we should be open to the possibility that Jesus gospeled the dead or announced the good news to the dead after his death and before his ascension.

• When it was suggested that the first death is not final, but the second death is, one of the responses clarified what I meant by “is death final?” when I asked if death is final.
• Is it important to your manner of practicing theology that all of the early theologians believed in a descend into hades or that none of them did?
• The following are some specifics: It is customary of Irenaeus to witness both the fall and the release of the patriarchs, prophets, and saints from the time of the Old Testament period.
• Jesus Christ descended and preached to the saints as well as to the Gentiles who were outside the true religion, according to Clement of Alexandria.
• Origen is similar to Clement in that it emphasizes the importance of personal decision.
• That is, there is Abraham’s bosom, and there is hell, and there is hades, and there is a jail.
• A universal liberation of the dead by the descent is depicted poetically in the renowned work “Christus patiens,” which has been assigned to Gregory Nazianzen by certain scholars.

Many people are either indifferent or categorically think that Jesus’ liberation was solely for the saints, as demonstrated by St John Chrysostom, for example.

When it comes to declaring that not all are liberated, St Jerome falls into the camp of those who believe that sometimes all are released and at other times not all are liberated.

According to Augustine, death was final, and the only ones who were liberated from hades were those who had been predestined by God’s elective grace prior to their death.

The Augustinian point of view was finalized by Gregory the Great.

Dante transformed religion concerning the hereafter into an epic adventure, drawing inspiration from Homer’s stories as well as Virgil’s renowned poem, The Divine Comedy.

As opposed to Dante’s voyage into the underworld and then back to paradise, we find poets who presented accounts of Christ’s victory over Death, the Devil, and Hell in the Eastern hemisphere.

Known as some of the greatest poetry in the world, their work expresses the theology of Christ’s work between his death and resurrection/ascension in language that can be understood by everybody.

What is the reason for this or why is it not?

As I began to delve into the Eastern theology poetry through Alfayev’s writing, I was astonished by how personified, mythic, and epic everything had become.

Christ then illuminates Sheol with his light, annihilates Death, and makes room for the resurrection of the dead.

This is on the verge of becoming a form of universalism.

Everyone has been freed from hell and death (Orthodox liturgical emphasis).

The saints of the Old Testament have been emancipated (Eastern patristic tradition emphasis; West after Augustine).

Those who adhered to Christ were set free (Augustine).

Those who lived their lives in faith and piety were set free (West; after Augustine).

There are councils accompanying the liturgical texts, which are reactions to certain concerns at various times.

As a result, Alfayev’s fall is based on theory, but the number of those who attain salvation is based on personal opinion.

The CT’sBlog Forum contains the post Jesus Creed. Contribute to the work of CT. Subscribe today and receive a free year of service. The opinions expressed by the blogger do not necessarily reflect the views of Christianity Today or its staff.

What Happened on Easter Saturday?

In the Gospels, a great deal of emphasis is placed on the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion on Thursday and Friday of Passover week, as well as on Jesus’ glorious resurrection on Sunday, known as “Lord’s Day.” This is not without good reason. Yet little room is given in the Gospels to the day between “Good Friday” and Easter Sunday, commonly known as “Holy Saturday.” None of the Gospels recalls any of the actions of the disciples on the Sabbath after his burial and before to his resurrection, except for Luke, who simply says, “On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56, ESV) (Luke 23:56, ESV).

1. It seems conceivable that Jesus’ followers were doing on Saturday what they were doing on Sunday when Jesus appeared in their midst: gathering together behind closed doors for fear of the Jewish officials.
2. The one they believed was the Messiah had been slain as a criminal.
3. 16:21–23; 17:22–23; 20:17–19 and parallels), and it would not be until Jesus appeared among them the following day as the risen Victor and conqueror of death that they would begin to understand.
4. Only Matthew offers any clear facts as to what took place that day behind the scenes when activity was curtailed due to the Sabbath.
5. 27:63–64).
6. Perhaps the strange circumstances surrounding Jesus’ death—darkness enveloping the region, an earthquake, the tearing of the temple curtain—gave the Jewish leaders reason to be alarmed.

In fact, their statements indicate nothing but scorn for Jesus whom they term “that impostor” and “fraud.” Nevertheless, it is ironic that not only were the Jewish leaders aware of Jesus’ prediction that he would rise on the third day, they acted on it, which exhibits more “faith” than Jesus’ own followers were able to muster at that time.

1. 27:65), is somewhat ambiguous.
2. Alternatively, he may simply be telling them, with thinly veiled antagonism, to use their own temple police to do the job.
3. While the Jewish authorities didn’t believe Jesus’ words any more than the disciples did, they were adamant that the body placed in the tomb must stay there and not be removed.
4. 27:64) could have stolen the body or that it could have disappeared through some sort of foul play in another way.

Adapted from Andreas Köstenberger and Justin Taylor,The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived(Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2014), 169–71. Note: this blog was originally posted onBlog.Vyrso.com. For more Easter resources, see.

What is Holy Saturday and Why is it Significant?

Saturday before Easter is known as Holy Saturday, and it is a day that is honored throughout the week of Easter. Holy Saturday is the day that falls between Good Friday – the day of Jesus’ crucifixion – and Easter Sunday – the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, which culminates in the wonderful celebration of Easter Sunday. In the Bible, on Palm Sunday, people lined the streets, chanting Jesus’ praises as He came in on a donkey, according to the story (John 12:13).

Fast Facts on Holy Saturday:

• Saturday before Easter is known as Holy Saturday, and it is a day that is commemorated throughout Holy Week. On the Christian calendar, Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday – when Jesus was crucified – and Easter Sunday – when Jesus was resurrected. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and the culmination of it with the wonderful celebration of Easter Sunday, which occurs on the following Sunday. It was on the first Sunday after Palm Sunday in the Bible that people gathered to sing Jesus’ praises as He came into town on a donkey (John 12:13). After Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the next two days are observed.

What Is Holy Saturday?

Each Gospel makes reference to Holy Saturday, but only Luke provides a detailed explanation of the commandment that governs this particular day. “As his body was being brought away, the ladies from Galilee followed and came upon the tomb where his body had been laid,” according to Luke 23:55. After that, they returned home and began preparing spices and ointments to anoint his body with. Although they had finished their work before Sabbath began, they took the time to rest as prescribed by statute.” Saturday is considered the Sabbath in Jewish custom, and therefore it was against the rule of the country for the women to lay the oils and spices they had prepared for the body on the body on Saturday.

When it comes to the events that transpired between the death of Christ and His resurrection, each Gospel narrative is strikingly similar.

The women had run out of time before the Sabbath formally began, so the anointing of the body would have to wait until the next morning, when the sun would rise.

How Should Christians Observe Holy Saturday?

Yes, the day preceding the miracle is a Sabbath, a day of rest, but it is also a day of silence and contemplation. “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy,” says God’s people in Exodus 20:8, which is the original passage detailing how to obey this rule. It is legal for you to labor six days a week in your normal capacity, but the seventh day is a day of rest devoted to the Lord your God.” It is the act of keeping something Holy that causes it to be put aside or kept for a certain purpose, and this particular day is intended to be a day of rest and commitment to the Lord.

1. The same way that Jesus’ disciples waited through the dreary hours of that Saturday to see what would happen on Sunday, we wait to see the hand of the Lord at work in our own lives.
2. In Exodus 14:14, the Israelites were commanded to “be quiet and wait for the Lord” while they stood on the banks of the Red Sea, waiting for the Lord to act.
3. After a period of trusting in the Lord’s direction and remaining still, He revealed what was to be done and when it was time to go forward.
4. In order for us to have a meaningful connection with the Lord, we must spend quality time with him each day.

Click HERE to download your FREE 8-Day Prayer and Scripture Guide -Praying Through Holy Week. Create your own copy of this wonderful daily devotional to use in the weeks leading up to Easter.

Is Holy Saturday Observed in Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy?

Holy Saturday is observed differently by different religious denominations within the Church. It is the last day of Lent for individuals who follow the practices of their respective religions (except for those who celebrate the end of Lent on the Thursday before Easter). Lent is a period of time leading up to Easter during which something is given up or fasted from in some way. Vigils are held in Roman Catholic churches in the evenings leading up to the dawn of Easter. The Eastern Orthodox take this vigil a step further by burning flames and candles while tolling bells to represent the gladness that the Lenten season has come to an end, as shown in the video below.

On Holy Saturday, it is recommended that you read the four stories of Christ’s death and resurrection that are scattered throughout the Gospels.

A Holy Saturday Prayer

Father, We understand the significance of Holy Saturday in the context of the Easter season. It is more than just a day between Good Friday and Easter; it is a day to be observed in remembrance of what You have done to save our souls. We leave our own agendas, our own desires, and our own cries at the door, and we long to be silent and to rest in Your presence today, and we pray for the opportunity. It is with great gratitude that we have the capacity to calm our hearts and be in Your presence, and we desire to learn more about Your heart on this day.

• Don’t let us get so caught up in our own life that we lose sight of the splendor that You brought forth on that day.
• Holy Saturday served as a day of relaxation and preparation within the hearts of the women who would visit the Tomb the following day.
• We, too, may prepare our hearts for the pleasure that will abound on Easter Sunday when the sun rises.
• May God fill you with the joy of His love, as well as the excitement of what is to come via His hand in your life.

Sources:

Holy Saturday, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica The New International Version of the Bible (NIV) Photograph courtesy of Getty Images /Romolo Tavani et al. Cally Logan is a writer and history teacher from Richmond, Virginia, who lives in the United States. In her spare time, she likes mentoring young people and spending time in the great outdoors. Her book, Hang on in There, Girl!, will be released on April 1, 2022, and will be accessible at all bookstores. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, where she goes by the handle @CallyLogan, and on TikTok as Cally Logan.

• It is our goal that these articles will assist you in understanding the significance and historical background of major Christian festivals and events, and that they will also encourage you as you take time to think on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ!
• What exactly is Holy Week?
• What is the significance of Maundy Thursday?
• What Is the Meaning of Easter?
• Then, how come the most magnificent period in human history is surrounded by scared fisherman, loathed tax collectors, marginalized women, wimpy politicians, and disloyal friends?

As a devotional or study for both individuals and groups, this FREE audio offers a fresh perspective on the Lenten season. It is available for download now.

The Silence of Saturday

On Saturday, Jesus is deafeningly quiet. His body has been anointed and deposited in Joseph’s tomb by the ladies who attended him. The cadaver of Christ is as deafeningly silent as the stone that surrounds it. On Friday, he had a lot to say. On Sunday, Christ will free the captives of death from their chains. Jesus, on the other hand, is deafeningly quiet on Saturday. God is the same way. On Friday, he made his presence known. In addition, he tore the temple curtains apart, opened the graves of the dead, shook the earth, shut out the sun from the sky, and offered up the Son of Heaven in sacrifice.

1. There will be nothing on Saturday.
2. God is deafeningly quiet.
3. Discussions about the Easter weekend tend to pass over Saturday.
4. Our thoughts are commanded by the crucifixion and resurrection.
5. You have them as well.
6. The day that occurs between the battle and the solution; between the inquiry and the answer; between the provided prayer and the response to the prayer.
7. Is God in a bad mood?

God is aware that Jesus is in the tomb; why isn’t He doing anything about it?

What is He doing that He isn’t doing?

You must follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Keep your mouth shut.

“You will not abandon me to the tomb, nor will you allow your Holy One to see corruption,” Jesus declared as he lay dying on the cross (Acts 2:27 NIV).

You must understand that God will not abandon you in the midst of your difficulties.

Saturdays provide a specific function.

Would we have appreciated God’s deed if He had risen Jesus from the dead fifteen minutes after the death of His son?

God places a Saturday between our Friday and Sunday schedules for a variety of reasons.

In the words of one of those who had to suffer the silent Saturday: “Be patient, brethren, till the Lord comes” (James 5:7 NKJV).

Holy Saturday

Historically, Holy Saturday marks the day when Jesus Christ was laid in the tomb following his death, as recorded in the Christian Bible. On this day, the day after Good Friday and the day before Easter Sunday, Easter Eve, Easter Even, Black Saturday, and the Saturday before Easter are all terms used to refer to this day.

Holy Saturday celebrates the day that Jesus (as seen in the sculpture above) was laid to rest in his tomb following his death. As far as Christian religion is concerned, Jesus was resurrected on Easter Sunday, the day after Holy Saturday. ©iStockphoto.com/bgwalker

What Do People Do?

Holy Saturday is observed by many Christians across the world as a commemoration of the day when Jesus was laid in his tomb. It is a day of pain and excitement for Christians across the world, regardless of their cultural background. Easter vigil (watch) services are held in a large number of churches. During these services, participants engage in discussions on the significance of the rituals, prayers, and symbols that are all a part of the Easter vigil. On this day, several churches also organize huge baptism services, which may be quite popular.

• The effigies, which differ in height and are designed to make Judas seem as unattractive as possible, are sold by street sellers.
• A variety of other effigies can be found on the streets or hanged from lampposts.
• After the effigies explode, children hurry to get their hands on the candy that has been hidden within.
• In Poland, Holy Saturday is marked with the blessing of food and the distribution of Easter baskets.

Public Life

In many regions of Australia (where it is known as Easter Saturday), Holy Saturday is observed as a public holiday, including, but not limited to, the following locations:

• Belize, Chile, El Salvador, Hong Kong, Macau, Nicaragua, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Seychelles, the Solomon Islands, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are among the countries represented.

In nations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Holy Saturday is not observed as a national public holiday on this day.

Background

Holy Saturday is the final day of Holy Week and the conclusion of the Lenten season. It is sometimes referred to as the Easter Vigil or the Easter Vigil. Days like this are generally reserved for introspection and waiting. The tradition of keeping vigil dates back to when Jesus’ supporters waited for him on this day following his crucifixion on Good Friday. Equally known as the day when Roman ruler Pontius Pilate ordered guards to be put at the tomb in order to prevent Jesus’ supporters from removing the body and claiming that he had risen from the dead, this day is also significant.

In the early days of the Christian church, fasting was only authorized on Saturdays, and this was the only day on which it was permitted.

Baptisms took place on this day in the early church on a large scale.

Some individuals refer to Holy Saturday as Easter Saturday, although this is a misnomer because Holy Saturday is the final day of Lent and the eve of Easter, but Easter Saturday is the day after Easter.

Easter Saturday, sometimes referred to as Bright Saturday, is the Saturday after Easter Sunday. The fact that Holy Saturday is sometimes referred to as Easter Saturday by various official sources in nations such as Australia is crucial to remember.

Symbols

People are led out of the darkness into the celebration of the Easter vigil by a Paschal candle, which is made of white wax and represents the light of Christ. A cross, an alpha, and an omega are etched into the candle’s wick (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet). According to Christian belief, this represents the fact that Jesus Christ has always been, and will continue to be, with humanity, and that he is currently with humanity.

What is Holy Saturday?

QuestionAnswer The day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is referred to as Holy Saturday in some circles. Some Christians believe that Holy Saturday, the seventh day of Holy Week, was the day on which Jesus “rested” from His task of bringing salvation to those who need it. “It is completed!” Jesus said as He died on the cross. Because sin had been atoned for, there was no longer a price to pay. Immediately following His crucifixion, Jesus’ corpse was put in a neighboring tomb, where it stayed for the full day of Holy Saturday (Matthew 27:59-60; Mark 15:46; Luke 23:53-54; John 19:39-42).

• It is true that without the resurrection of Christ, we would be in a state of crisis.
• When Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:50), the disciples dispersed, and they spent the first Holy Saturday hiding for fear of being captured themselves (John 20:19).
• It is only in Matthew 27:62-66 that we find a scriptural reference to what transpired on Holy Saturday.
• This visit took place on the Sabbath, because the Jews considered a day to begin at sunset when they observed it.
• They were reminded of Jesus’ prediction that He would rise from the dead in three days (John 2:19-21), and they determined to do all they could to prevent that from happening.
• The Lord had risen from the dead.

The Day Jesus Stayed Dead: Waiting in the Heartache of Holy Saturday

Christians have referred to the day between Jesus’ death and resurrection as “Holy Saturday” for hundreds of years. For many of us, though, the day has just become another ordinary Saturday in the past several months. Even while we may have some solemn sentiments on Good Friday, we are out shopping, cleaning the house, and preparing for an Easter celebration the next morning. After all, Jesus foresaw that he would be risen, and we are all aware of what is about to take place. So why not just get on with it and enjoy yourself?

1. The Father did not resurrect Jesus from the dead on the same day that he died.
2. There is a pause.
3. The quiet of Holy Saturday occupies a central position in the earliest account of the gospel.
4. 3–4; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; The first and most important thing!
5. Buried.
6. Why has it taken so long?
7. What does it mean to us that this Sabbath be observed in silence?
8. Thousands of people sing the song “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” every year.
9. Despite the fact that it is now 2020, many of us get up on Easter morning to sing, “Jesus Christ is risen today!” We can feel the burning hearts of his followers on the walk to Emmaus, or the tears of joy shed by Mary, and we realize that the tale of Easter is also our story.

We may approach Holy Saturday’s significance in the same way we approach any other historical event provided we acknowledge the historical fact, the narrative requirement, and the importance of that day in history.

What Happened on Holy Saturday?

When Jesus declared, “Just as Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the huge fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the center of the earth,” he was predicting this day (Matthew 12:40). According to a brief read of Jonah’s plea, “I called out from the guts of Sheol, and you heard my cry. I went down to the place whose gates were shut against me forever” (Jonah 2:2, 6). Following the death of Jesus’ human body on the cross, his human soul was expelled into the realm, or condition, of deceased spirits.

For clarification, this Hades is not to be confused with the inferno described in Revelation 20:10, 14–15 as the “lake of fire.” In Scripture, it is characterized as being beneath the deepest sea (Jonah 2:3) or in the depths of the earth (Deuteronomy 32:22), and as such, it is sometimes referred to as “the pit of hell” (Romans 10:7) or “the abyss” (Psalm 30:3).

In Sheol, one is cognizant but secluded, cut off from the worshiping community, forgotten by the living, and with little possibility of ever regaining consciousness again.

In the New Testament, we are told that Jesus was raisedek nekron, which literally translates as “out of the dead,” meaning that he was expelled from the condition of death and the lonely company of the dead.

This fact is clearly described in the Westminster Larger Catechism’s solution to question 50: “Christ’s humility after his death consisted in his being buried, and being in the state of the dead, and under the power of death, until the third day.” Jesus remained under the control of death till the end of his life.

1. His mortal remains were entombed in Joseph’s grave.
2. Many doubts have developed throughout the years concerning what Jesus was up while the Sheol/Hades and how he came to be there.
3. Were his body and soul together in “paradise” (Luke 23:43), a happy condition that some in Jesus’ day believed to be a portion of Sheol, also known as Abraham’s bosom (Luke 19:22)?
4. Was he announcing his victory to the spirits of the dead, or perhaps to celestial creatures confined “neath” the surface of the earth?

These are some excellent questions. Pursuing answers can bring us to constructive discussions of Jesus’ person and activity, but it can also lead us into dispute. However, we do not need to have all of our hypotheses worked out in order to appreciate the biblical significance of Holy Saturday.

What Does Holy Saturday Mean for Us?

The early disciples’ experience of Holy Saturday provides us with a meaning for the day that transcends doctrinal boundaries and is applicable to all Christians. First and foremost, they waited. Saturday was a day of rest. They were unable to complete the preparations for entombment of Jesus’ corpse (Luke 23:54–56). They had a sense of unfinishedness. Surely, they had sentiments on Saturday that were comparable to those portrayed on Sunday, before the reality of Jesus’ resurrection became completely apparent to them on Sunday.

1. Their hearts were reflected in their forlorn expressions (Luke 24:17).
2. Is this the end of him as we have known him?
3. However, the disciples, overwhelmed by their grief, either forgot or no longer believed the promise (or perhaps had never really understood it).
4. They waited, but they had little, if any, reason to be hopeful.
5. When we are faced with death, we experience sentiments that are identical.
6. This is clearly not how things are intended to work!
7. We find ourselves waiting for the return of a loved one, despite the fact that we know it will never happen.

On Holy Saturday, we are reminded that Jesus entered death and remained dead, and that we must bear the waiting for reunion while troubled by the question “Is there truly anything more than this void?” Hebrews 2:9 says that he had tasted death and felt the agony of being in death’s grip because of the time elapsed between his death and his resurrection (Acts 2:24).

As part of his effort to redeem us, Jesus chose to die in the deep loneliness of death.

This is astoundingly excellent news for all of us.

Even Darkness Is Not Dark

The early disciples’ experience of Holy Saturday provides us with a meaning for the day that transcends doctrinal boundaries and is applicable to all believers. They took their time at first. Saturday was a day of rest for the Jewish community. Despite their efforts, they were unable to complete preparations for Jesus’ entombment (Luke 23:54–56). A sense of unfinishedness overcame them. Without a doubt, they had sentiments on Saturday that were comparable to those recorded on Sunday, before the reality of Jesus’ resurrection became completely apparent to them on Sunday.

1. These people’s hearts were shown by their forlorn expressions (Luke 24:17).
2. What is the likelihood that this is the final chapter in his story?
3. However, in their sadness, the disciples either forgot or no longer believed in that promise (or perhaps had never really understood it).
4. It was a waiting game, but they were not optimistic.
5. When we are faced with death, we experience comparable emotions.
6. Simply said, this is not the way things are meant to work.
7. Though we know it will never happen, we find ourselves waiting for the return of a loved one.
8. On Holy Saturday, we are reminded that Jesus entered death and remained dead, and that we are troubled by the question “Is there truly anything more than this void?” throughout the night hours.

In complete, he entered the region from which no one could ever return again. Part of his redemption of us was enduring the tremendous loneliness of death. It was also as though his death were irreversible in the eyes of his devotees. This is astoundingly positive news for us at this point in time.

Holy Week: The Silence of Saturday

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, which culminates in the most important celebration of all: Easter Sunday. Thousands of people gather for a Seder supper on Maundy Thursday to commemorate the death of Jesus. Some churches hold special Thursday services that involve the washing of feet, which represents Jesus’ final night and his reckless gesture of love and humility with his followers, among other things. When people recall and celebrate Good Friday, they generally do so through sensory experiences in which they feel, taste, touch, and smell what happened during the crucifixion.

Saturday is frequently a day of Easter Egg Hunts and joyful expectation of the Resurrection in churches today (or a delicious Easter ham).

There are just four texts in the entire Bible that offer us a clear picture of what occurred on Saturday.

Ironically, the very people who crucified Jesus are violating the Sabbath by traveling and working on the day of his resurrection.

Instead of devising a means to take Jesus’ corpse, the disciples are instead languishing in the stillness and unanswered prayers of that particular Saturday, which the religious authorities are completely unaware of.

He’s still buried beneath the earth.

They are mourning the death of a friend and former instructor.

Doubt begins to sneak in.

On Sunday, a disciple by the name of Cleopas and another disciple are travelling down a route leading away from Jerusalem.

As a result, he summarizes the previous several days for the man as follows: Verse 19 through 21: “It’s all about Jesus of Nazareth,” they said in response.

His execution was carried out by the chief priests and our rulers, and he was crucified.

And, to make matters worse, it has already been three days after everything happened.” It’s significant to notice that these disciples are on their way home, leaving the city as soon as the travel restrictions are relaxed after the Sabbath, which is the first opportunity they have.

It’s possible that the disciples had forgotten about a talk Jesus had with them just a couple of days ago.

According to John 16:20-22, Jesus declares, “I tell you the truth, you will cry and lament while the rest of the world rejoices.” You will be sad, but your sadness will be replaced with delight.

So it is with you: you are going through a difficult period right now, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will be able to take away your happiness.” Jesus is speaking of his death, which will be the saddest day the disciples would ever have to endure.

He, on the other hand, is begging them to be patient.

When I think back on Saturday, I’m strangely consoled by the tale of the disciples.

The disciples had entirely given up on their mission.

It was because of their mistrust that they were compelled to reject the cause totally and cease believing in what Jesus taught.

During these difficult moments of anguish, sadness, misunderstanding, and consternation.

During those Saturdays, the days that follow our worst experiences, we may cling to this promise, one that Jesus made to his disciples more than 2000 years ago: joy is on the way.

I’m looking forward to being able to respond to the refrain tomorrow: “He has risen indeed.” He has definitely resurrected from the dead.

What is YOUR favorite thing of Holy Week? Tell us in the comments. Which of the following ways have you grappled with God’s silence, like the disciples did? *Photo courtesy of here