Luke 23:55-56
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.”
After Jesus died, the women who journeyed with Him from Galilee watched where they laid His body in a tomb. They have been following Jesus and His disciples for a long time, and have probably been caring for and ministering to them behind the scenes. This was their family and community. Each of them loves Him; their lives have been personally touched by Him. They serve Him and are devoted to Him.
And yet, they did not fully understand when Jesus said He will die and in three days rise again. Throughout the day that they were without Him, they probably stood with held breaths—waiting, mourning, confused. How could they make sense of all this? Didn’t He promise eternal life and salvation? How were they to reconcile that to what was happening now, His apparent defeat? They believed Him dead.
Perhaps they did not know how to fully trust in His words. But they did not lose their devotion to Him despite it. Gently, they continued to serve. They prepared the spices and ointments to honor Him even in death. They were still obeying God —”on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.”
Their imperfect faith but continued love was rewarded—they were entrusted with the discovery of the empty tomb.
We all experience times of waiting and long periods of silence from the Lord. How do we maintain trust in His goodness and His overcoming power? One way is to remember His words. Recall how He has been faithful in past experiences, His reassurances during prayer. Review Scripture and let His words sink and dwell within. God is patient—pray for true trust and understanding. But another way is to cultivate your love for Him—ask Him to purify your thoughts and to cultivate your personal connection and relationship with Him. So that even if we don’t understand the circumstances, we can operate on the basis of love—on the love that He puts within us for Himself, and His love for us that He ultimately proved by His death and resurrection.
REFLECTION QUESTION
What is your posture while waiting for the Lord? How does love and faith correlate in your life?
APPLICATION
Think of a simple act of devotion you can practice for the Lord this week. Commit to forming a habit of loving Jesus.