The day before Easter, also known as Holy Saturday, holds a unique and significant place in the Christian liturgical calendar. It is the day that stands between the sorrowful death of Jesus Christ on Good Friday and the glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday. Holy Saturday is a day of reflection, waiting, and anticipation. It represents a time of profound silence as Christians all over the world meditate on the events of Good Friday and look forward to the hope and joy that Easter Sunday will bring.
In the Bible, Holy Saturday is not a day that is explicitly detailed, but its significance can be drawn from the events surrounding it, particularly the time Jesus spent in the tomb after His crucifixion. This day of waiting serves as a reminder of the quiet moments before the triumph of resurrection. It reminds us of the faithfulness of God, who remained with Jesus even during His death, and assures us that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times.
In this article, we will explore 25 Bible verses that reflect the themes of Holy Saturday—the waiting, the grief, the hope, and the anticipation of the resurrection. These verses will help us deepen our understanding of the day before Easter, encouraging us to reflect on the significance of Christ’s death and prepare our hearts for the celebration of His resurrection.
1. Matthew 27:57-60 (KJV) – The Burial of Jesus
“When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”
The events of Holy Saturday begin with the burial of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea takes Jesus’ body, wraps it in linen, and places it in a tomb. The stone is rolled into place, and a period of waiting begins. This verse marks the end of Jesus’ earthly life and the beginning of the silence before the resurrection.
2. Matthew 27:61 (KJV) – The Watch at the Tomb
“And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.”
This verse shows the two Marys, who loved Jesus dearly, sitting by the tomb, watching and waiting. They are in mourning, reflecting on the loss of their Lord and Savior, but they are also witnesses to the burial, which sets the stage for the miracle of the resurrection.
3. Mark 15:40-41 (KJV) – Witnesses at the Cross
“There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.”
These women are witnesses to the death and burial of Jesus. Their faithfulness to Jesus, even in the face of His death, highlights the devotion of those who loved Him. The quiet moment before the resurrection is filled with the presence of those who still believed.
4. Mark 15:42-46 (KJV) – The Burial of Jesus
“And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate marveled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.”
This passage describes in detail the steps Joseph of Arimathea took to ensure Jesus was properly buried. The day before Easter is marked by a somber preparation for what is to come, with Jesus’ body being placed in the tomb.
5. Luke 23:50-54 (KJV) – The Burial of Jesus
“And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them; he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.”
Luke emphasizes that Joseph of Arimathea was a righteous man who had not agreed with the actions of the Sanhedrin. He prepared the body of Jesus, which was an act of deep reverence, during the day of preparation for the Sabbath.
6. Luke 23:55-56 (KJV) – The Women at the Tomb
“And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.”
The women who followed Jesus prepared spices and ointments, indicating their reverence and care for His body. This verse also highlights the observance of the Sabbath, a time of rest before the resurrection.
7. John 19:31-37 (KJV) – The Spear and the Blood
“The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.”
In this passage, Jesus’ side is pierced, and blood and water flow out, fulfilling the prophecy that no bone would be broken, and that His side would be pierced. This moment is critical in confirming Jesus’ death and the reality of His sacrifice.
8. John 19:38-42 (KJV) – The Burial of Jesus
“And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.”
This passage describes the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus in preparing Jesus’ body for burial. They honored Jesus’ death with reverence, ensuring His body was properly prepared in accordance with Jewish burial customs.
9. Romans 6:4 (KJV) – Baptism into Christ’s Death
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
This verse reflects the spiritual meaning of Jesus’ burial. Just as He was buried, so too are believers symbolically buried with Him in baptism, sharing in His death and anticipating their own resurrection to new life.
10. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (KJV) – The Gospel of Christ’s Death and Resurrection
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
This foundational passage in the New Testament underscores the essential elements of the gospel: Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. The burial of Jesus marks the fulfillment of prophecy and sets the stage for His victorious resurrection.
11. Hebrews 9:27-28 (KJV) – Christ’s Sacrifice
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
Christ’s death and burial are part of God’s plan to offer forgiveness for sins. This passage looks forward to His second coming, when He will return in glory to complete His work of salvation.
12. Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) –
The Suffering Servant
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
This verse from Isaiah prophesies the suffering of Christ, which He endures in order to heal humanity. It reminds us of the painful reality of the cross and the depth of Christ’s sacrifice, which is honored on Holy Saturday as we reflect on His death.
13. Isaiah 53:9 (KJV) – His Burial
“And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.”
Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the burial of the Messiah is fulfilled in the actions of Joseph of Arimathea, who laid Jesus in a tomb reserved for the wealthy. This verse serves as a reminder that Jesus, though innocent, was treated as a sinner in His death.
14. Matthew 12:40 (KJV) – The Sign of Jonah
“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Jesus compares His time in the tomb to Jonah’s time in the belly of the whale, emphasizing that His death and burial are part of God’s redemptive plan.
15. Psalm 22:1 (KJV) – A Cry of Desperation
“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?”
These words were spoken by Jesus on the cross, and they express His deep anguish. The Psalm foreshadows the suffering Jesus would endure, and it is a reminder of His sacrifice during the quiet hours before His resurrection.
16. Psalm 16:10 (KJV) – Resurrection Prophesied
“For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
This verse prophesies the resurrection of Jesus, a reminder that although He was dead, He would not remain in the grave. This prophecy provides hope as we look forward to the resurrection on Easter Sunday.
17. John 11:25-26 (KJV) – The Resurrection and the Life
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
Even in the midst of mourning, Jesus offers a word of comfort. He is the resurrection, and death will not have the final word. This promise speaks to the hope we hold for Easter.
18. Acts 2:24 (KJV) – God Raised Him from the Dead
“Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
This passage proclaims the power of God in raising Jesus from the dead. It reaffirms the victory over death that will be celebrated on Easter Sunday.
19. Revelation 1:18 (KJV) – Christ’s Victory Over Death
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
This verse reflects the victorious declaration of Christ’s resurrection. Even on Holy Saturday, the victory is assured, and Christ reigns over death.
20. Luke 24:5-7 (KJV) – The Angel’s Message
“And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”
The message of the resurrection is declared before it even happens, as the angels remind the women that Jesus will rise on the third day.
21. Romans 8:11 (KJV) – The Spirit of Resurrection
“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells in believers, offering the hope of eternal life. This verse underscores the power of the resurrection for every Christian.
22. Psalm 118:17 (KJV) – Victory Over Death
“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.”
This verse affirms the power of God to give life, even after death, and is an appropriate declaration as we wait for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
23. Luke 23:46 (KJV) – Jesus’ Final Words
“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”
Jesus’ final words on the cross express His trust in God, even in death. Holy Saturday is a day of reflection on the trust and surrender of Jesus, knowing that the resurrection is near.
24. Matthew 27:66 (KJV) – The Tomb Sealed
“So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”
The religious leaders took every precaution to ensure Jesus’ body remained in the tomb, but God’s power would soon break through, rolling away the stone.
25. John 14:19 (KJV) – Jesus’ Promise
“Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.”
The promise of resurrection is given by Jesus Himself, assuring His followers that they too will experience life through Him.
Conclusion
The day before Easter is filled with anticipation, reflection, and waiting. These 25 Bible verses offer a glimpse into the significance of this solemn day. Holy Saturday is a time to pause, to remember Jesus’ death, and to look forward to the joy of His resurrection. As we reflect on these scriptures, we are reminded of the profound depth of God’s love and the hope we have in Christ’s victory over death. May these verses inspire you to draw closer to God during this sacred time and prepare your heart for the celebration of Easter.
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