Waiting

Garden tomb, Jerusalem by Mark Jones on Unsplash

I am always fascinated by the time of waiting we read about in John 19:38-42. In between Good Friday and Easter Sunday we are left with a day pregnant with anticipation. However, we don’t know a lot about what was happening – both to Jesus and the disciples. In John 2:18-21 Jesus had foretold that his body would be destroyed, but that he would raise it again. But Scripture doesn’t give us clear details of how that happened, and many commentators have argued over what was occurring during this time of waiting. 1 Peter 3:18–22 does indicate that Jesus’ body was put to death but that he was made alive in the Spirit.

Given a proper burial

Whatever was happening ‘behind the scenes’, Jesus’ body is taken away for burial. It wasn’t the disciples, or Jesus’ family, who went to Pilate and asked for the body. It was two ‘secret’ followers – Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, both members of the Jewish council. You may remember that Nicodemus had previously gone to Jesus in cover of nighttime to find out more about who he was. Both had been scared to associate with Jesus (although in John 7:51 Nicodemus did try to defend him in front of the other religious leaders). But they decided to risk their reputations after Jesus’ death in order to provide a proper burial for him. They gave him the care and prepared his body in the way Jewish custom dictated. Interestingly, they are the only characters mentioned here. Had grief and/or fear overtaken Jesus’ followers?

Sitting with the waiting

I believe it is important to own this time of waiting during Easter Saturday – and to be honest about our own feelings of bewilderment and grief about the waiting times we experience in our own lives.

Reflection

Too often we rush past Good Friday, looking forward with anticipation for Easter Sunday. Take some time today to sit with the uncertainty you have in your own life currently, offering it to God afresh as you talk with him about it honestly. Make space to receive from him too.

If you would like a further meditation on waiting, please click here.