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Luke 23:56 (BSB)
Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath, according to the commandment.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath, according to the commandment.” — Luke 23:56
In this moment, you can almost feel the weight of grief and sorrow as these women return to their homes. They've just watched the unimaginable happen, and now they’re preparing spices and ointments to honor someone they loved deeply. It’s a powerful act of love and respect, but there’s also a heavy stillness in the air. They pause, reflecting on their loss, and then they rest on the Sabbath, honoring a commandment that reminds them to take a breath, to step back, and to find peace amidst the chaos. This verse captures their heartache but also their commitment to tradition, a moment that connects the past with the present.
This book was written by Luke, a physician who approached his writing with a detail-oriented eye. He wanted to capture the story of Jesus in a way that was both accurate and relatable. By including this specific moment, Luke highlights the humanity of Jesus' followers—they are grieving, they are honoring their customs, and they are faithfully waiting. Luke’s perspective as someone who sought out eyewitness accounts adds depth to this moment, showing how deeply affected these women were by the events that had just unfolded.
This scene unfolds in the early first century, in a world where traditions and laws governed daily life. The Sabbath was a sacred time of rest, and for these women, it was essential to honor that. The cultural backdrop of Jewish customs adds weight to their actions—they’re not just grieving; they’re also following the law that shapes their community. Understanding this context helps you feel the tension of their sorrow mixed with their commitment to their faith and traditions.
You might wonder why this moment matters to you today. Well, it shows the power of honoring those we’ve lost and the importance of taking a pause in our busy lives. Just like these women, you may find yourself in times of grief or uncertainty, and it’s in those moments that resting and reflecting can bring clarity and peace. This verse encourages you to acknowledge your feelings and traditions, reminding you that it’s okay to take a step back and recharge, even when the world feels chaotic.
This week, take a moment to reflect on something or someone important in your life. Set aside time to honor that memory, whether it’s through journaling, visiting a place that holds meaning, or simply sitting in silence and remembering. Also, practice resting—turn off your phone, take a deep breath, and give yourself permission to just be. It’s a small yet powerful way to connect with your feelings and find peace amidst your busy life.
Leading up to this moment, there’s been an intense whirlwind of events. Jesus has been crucified, and everything has changed for His followers. The atmosphere is thick with shock and heartbreak. They’re in a state of mourning, grappling with the loss of a friend and teacher. This verse is a pause in the storm, a moment of stillness where they prepare to honor Jesus while also adhering to their customs. After they rest, the story shifts dramatically; they will return to the tomb on Sunday, bringing their spices to find the unexpected—a risen Savior. This quiet preparation is a bridge to a monumental turning point in the narrative.
What does taking a moment to rest and reflect mean for you right now in your life?
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