Holy Saturday is a day of waiting, filled with silence and reflection. Sandwiched between Good Friday’s sorrow and Easter Sunday’s joy, it embodies many emotions among the disciples, religious leaders, crowds, and Roman officials.
It is a day of anticipation for us as we know what is coming on Easter Sunday. But imagine living through that day without knowing. The disciples, the religious leaders, the crowds, and the Roman officials all experienced that Saturday in very different ways.
They didn’t know then what we know now. Understanding this day can deepen our appreciation for the resurrection.
The Disciples: A Day of Hopelessness and Remorse
The disciples had scattered when Jesus was arrested. Peter had denied Him three times, and Judas had betrayed Him. By Saturday, they had seen their teacher, their friend, and the One they believed would save them taken away and killed on a cross.
They were hiding, consumed with fear, grief, and regret. “What if we had stayed? What if we had done something? What do we do now?” They felt directionless and shattered by the events they had witnessed.
They didn’t know then what we know now—that the story wasn’t over, that Jesus would rise again, and their feelings of failure and fear would be turned into courage and purpose.
The very resurrection they could not fathom in their darkest hour would transform their lives—a transformation we now understand and can draw strength, trusting that God is always at work in our moments of doubt and fear.
The Religious Leaders: Satisfaction in Their Scheme
In contrast, the religious leaders reveled in what they believed was a triumphant moment. Their plot to eliminate Jesus had seemingly succeeded, and they likely felt a sense of accomplishment on Holy Saturday.
They had opposed Jesus for a long time and saw Him as a threat to their power, their teachings, and the status quo. They believed that by killing Jesus, they had silenced Him forever and safeguarded their position.
They didn’t know then what we know now—that their actions, however triumphant they felt, were part of God’s greater plan for redemption.
They thought they had defeated Jesus. But it was not an end; instead, it was the beginning of something extraordinary, a reminder that God’s plan always prevails, even when human plans seem to work against it.
The Crowd: The Reality of Their Actions
The crowd’s reaction on that fateful day displays humanity’s response to choice and accountability. The same crowds who had welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem just a few days before now stood at His trial and demanded His death. They chose Barabbas, a criminal, instead of Jesus, the Savior.
Even then, there might have been guilt. Still, their desire for instant gratification—freedom from Roman rule they thought Jesus would bring—closed their eyes to the reality of their actions.
They didn’t know then what we know now—that the King they rejected was offering them eternal life, not mere freedom from Roman occupation. By choosing His death, they, too, were fulfilling God’s plan for the salvation of all people.
Through their choices, we are reminded to examine our own actions. How often do we choose what is comfortable or popular over what is right? Holy Saturday challenges us to think about the decisions we make and their impact on our faith.
Pilate’s Response and the Soldiers’ Orders
Pilate washed his hands of the entire situation, trying to avoid responsibility for Jesus’ death. He was more concerned about political stability than truth.
The Roman soldiers carried out their orders, likely not fully understanding who Jesus was or the magnitude of what they were doing. To them, it was just another execution.
The chilling reality is that they didn’t know then what we know now—the One they nailed to the cross would triumph over death, altering the course of human history forever.
God was working through their actions, even in their indifference, to bring about the greatest act of love in human history.
Today, we must remember that faith is neither passive nor callous. God calls us to actively participate in His work, seeking truth and justice instead of simply going through the motions of our faith.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The responses from these different groups highlight key aspects of the human experience—feeling hopelessness, reveling in perceived victories, grappling with regret for decisions, and even fulfilling civic duty without ethical contemplation.
Each perspective brings a valuable lesson: hopelessness can lead to transformation, pride can cloud judgment, and our choices can shape our destiny.
The people involved in Jesus’ death could not see God’s actions. They didn’t understand that the tomb was not the end. But we live with the hope that those early followers didn’t have at that moment. We know that Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death.
These words teach us the importance of trusting God even when we don’t see the whole picture. Just as the silence of Holy Saturday gave way to the joy of Easter morning, our struggles and waiting will ultimately give way to God’s victory.
Today, as Christ-followers, we are called to live out that hope. Our faith invites us to act with love, serve others, and, most importantly, trust in the promises of our living God.
Holy Saturday reminds us that the story isn’t over; God’s redemption unfolds around us, even in moments of doubt and fear, because we know now what they didn’t know then.
Heavenly Father, in the silence of Holy Saturday, I come before You with a heart full of anticipation and trust. Help me wait patiently in uncertain moments, knowing that Your plans are greater than what I can see. Strengthen my faith to endure today’s struggles, holding onto the hope of Your promised victory. Amen.
Dr. Tony Caldwell is pastor of the Hinesville First United Methodist Church. His teaching website can be found at Refinery Radio