Jesus Over SABBATH
Read Mark 15:42-47
Everyone knows what happened on Good Friday and then what happened on Easter morning, but what happened in between? According to Jesus, His spirit went up to paradise with the thief on the cross, the one that asked to be saved moments before being crucified. (Luke 23:39-43) Then in 1 Peter it says that Jesus went to yet another place to bring a message to imprisoned spirits. To be clear, both of these places are beyond the physical realm, and so Jesus’ body was left behind in the tomb while His spirit traveled. Yet when Jesus resurrected on the third day, His soul re-integrated with His body, and His physical form regenerated into something even greater. For He was unrecognizable to some extent, even to His followers. (Luke 24:15-16; John 20:14-16)
While Jesus was doing all of His work, what were His disciples doing? They were mourning the death of their friend and honoring the Sabbath. When Jesus was laid to rest in Joseph’s tomb, it happened on the eve of Sabbath. Even in death Jesus was teaching us about the mind/body/spirit connection and our need for rest. Honoring Sabbath means setting a day aside and making an intentional time to meet with God. Sabbath is supposed to be about disconnecting from the “real world”, and letting ourselves find peace, rest, restoration, and connection with God.
Unfortunately, many of us don’t honor the Sabbath in our bustling lives and we degrade daily because of it. It doesn’t have to be in complete isolation, as spending time with family, in creation, and with God’s people is part of it but make sure it’s also a time where you posture your heart to hear from God. First, we must tune out all the distractions and look inside ourselves. Thus, allowing for God to transform you into something even greater in your mind/body/soul, as you lovingly obey His will and way within your life.
He is Worthy:
Even in death, Lord Your timing is providential and intentional. (v. 42)
We continue to wait and anticipate as _________ did, to wait for the Kingdom of God to return and reign over heaven and earth. (v. 43)
We have the privilege of observing and participating in the miracles of God’s work through ages, even in the smallest of ways. (v. 46, 47)
We are Needy:
1. Sabbath is a serious practice that we often take for granted. Lord, help us to understand the importance of rest and regeneration, and to carve out the time to do so.
2. Lord, help us to remember that our mind/body is weak and requires renewal, as does our spirit.
3. When all hope is lost, Lord reassure us that Your kingdom is near.