Holy Saturday is a day of waiting, reflection, and preparation. It’s the quiet space between the sorrow of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday, when Jesus rose from the dead. This day, though not often highlighted in the church calendar, holds significant spiritual meaning.
It is a time to meditate on the silence of the tomb and the hope that lies ahead. The Bible offers verses that can guide our reflections on Holy Saturday, teaching us about trust, peace, and the power of God’s promises.
In this post, we’ll explore Bible verses about Holy Saturday, offering insights into the spiritual depth of this day. These verses bring comfort, wisdom, and hope, reminding us of God’s love and the victory that awaits.
1. Matthew 27:62-66
The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.”
Explanation:
This passage highlights the actions of the religious leaders, who were determined to prevent any rumors about Jesus’ resurrection. Despite their efforts, this moment sets the stage for the coming miracle—Jesus’ triumph over death. Holy Saturday can be a reminder that even in moments of darkness, God’s plan continues to unfold.
2. Mark 15:40-47
There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him; and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.”
Explanation:
Mark’s account of Holy Saturday brings us to the quiet moment of Jesus’ burial. The followers of Jesus, particularly the women, witnessed his death and burial, creating a deep sense of sorrow. Yet, this moment of mourning is crucial in the narrative of redemption. Holy Saturday is a day of reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus and the quiet trust that the resurrection is coming.
3. Luke 23:50-56
Now there was a man named Joseph from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.”
Explanation:
Luke’s version underscores Joseph’s role in burying Jesus and the quiet obedience of the women who prepared spices for his body. The verse emphasizes the peaceful nature of Holy Saturday, where the faithful rested in accordance with the Sabbath. It serves as a reminder to honor moments of stillness and anticipate the hope of the resurrection.
4. John 19:38-42
After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus. And Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.”
Explanation:
In John’s account, we see the care and reverence taken by Joseph and Nicodemus in preparing Jesus’ body. Their actions highlight a solemn and respectful moment in the journey to Easter. Holy Saturday teaches us the importance of honoring God’s work even in times of waiting.
5. Psalm 30:5
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Explanation:
This verse offers a beautiful reflection on the nature of sorrow and joy. The darkness of Holy Saturday, marked by Jesus’ death, is only temporary. Just as the psalmist reminds us that joy comes in the morning, we can be certain that Easter Sunday brings the joy of resurrection and life.
6. Romans 6:4
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Explanation:
Romans highlights the spiritual significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The quiet of Holy Saturday symbolizes our own spiritual death and waiting for new life in Christ. This verse encourages us to reflect on our baptism and the promise of new life in Christ that Holy Saturday foreshadows.
7. Isaiah 53:9
And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.
Explanation:
Isaiah’s prophecy speaks to the injustice of Jesus’ death and burial, yet it reveals the purity and righteousness of the Savior. Holy Saturday invites us to reflect on the cost of salvation, as Jesus endured death for the sake of humanity. This verse deepens our understanding of the sacrifice made on Good Friday.
8. Luke 24:1-3
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
Explanation:
Though this verse is typically read on Easter Sunday, it is the precursor to the resurrection. Holy Saturday serves as a time of anticipation, where believers reflect on the promise of new life that was already beginning to unfold. It prepares us to experience the joy of Christ’s victory over death.
9. Matthew 27:51-53
And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
Explanation:
These verses from Matthew reveal the cosmic effects of Jesus’ death. The temple veil tearing signifies the access believers now have to God, and the raising of saints symbolizes the first fruits of the resurrection. On Holy Saturday, we can reflect on these powerful signs of hope and new life.
10. John 16:20
Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Explanation:
Jesus speaks to his disciples about the coming sorrow of his death but assures them that their grief will turn into joy. This verse connects with the emotional journey of Holy Saturday, where believers await the fulfillment of Christ’s promise—resurrection and joy.
11. Matthew 28:1-2
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.
Explanation:
This verse marks the transition from Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday. The quiet waiting of Holy Saturday gives way to the miraculous revelation of the resurrection. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, God is at work, preparing something wonderful.
12. 2 Corinthians 4:17
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.
Explanation:
Paul’s words remind us that the temporary suffering we experience, like the grief of Holy Saturday, is preparing us for eternal glory. This perspective brings hope and assurance that our suffering is not in vain, and that joy is on the horizon.
13. 1 Peter 3:18-20
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.
Explanation:
This passage reflects on the significance of Christ’s suffering and the ultimate victory over sin and death. Holy Saturday can be a time to reflect on the mystery of Christ’s work, which extends to all creation, offering redemption and hope for eternity.
14. Revelation 1:18
I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Explanation:
This verse, spoken by Jesus, is a powerful proclamation of victory over death. On Holy Saturday, we can meditate on the certainty that death has been defeated, and Jesus holds the keys to eternal life.
15. Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Explanation:
Holy Saturday offers us a moment to reflect on God’s grace, which is available to us in our times of waiting and longing. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that his mercy and grace are abundant.
Conclusion
Holy Saturday is a day of reflection, quiet anticipation, and deep spiritual meaning. The Bible offers us powerful verses that can guide us through this period of waiting, reminding us of Jesus’ sacrifice and the hope of resurrection.
As we meditate on these verses, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s promises are sure and that joy will come in the morning.
What is your favorite Bible verse about Holy Saturday? How does it speak to you personally? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below!