Day 21: The Silent Saturday
Victoria Collins-Brown (Matt 27:62–66)
Silent Saturday is a moment of waiting. Jesus has been crucified, and the world seems quiet, but behind the silence important things are unfolding.
1. The Religious Leaders Still Call Jesus a Deceiver
Even after the extraordinary events surrounding the crucifixion, such as the temple veil being torn, they still refer to Jesus Christ as a deceiver. Their hearts remain hardened despite the signs that had just occurred. This is interesting because Jesus had fulfilled so many prophecies spoken by figures like Isaiah and John the Baptist, yet they refused to recognise Him as the Messiah. Their reaction shows how powerful disbelief and pride can be, even in the face of evidence.
2. Human Attempts to Stop God’s Plan
The religious leaders request a guard and seal the tomb, trying to prevent the possibility of Jesus’ body being stolen or His followers claiming He rose again. They place physical barriers and security around the tomb, believing they can control the situation. In reality, their actions only highlight the ineffectiveness of human efforts against God’s purposes. No guard, seal, or authority could stop what God had already promised would happen.
3. The Tension of Waiting
This day represents the waiting between promise and fulfilment. Jesus had said He would rise on the third day, but at this moment, everything appears finished. For the religious leaders, the waiting carried the fear that they might be proven wrong. If Jesus truly rose, everything would change. He would no longer be called a deceiver but recognised as Lord. Silent Saturday reminds us of moments in our own lives when we must wait for God’s promises, trusting that even in the silence, He is still at work.
Activation
Take a moment to think about all the things God has promised or spoken over your life. Have they come to pass, or are you still waiting? How do you feel when you think about them? Do you feel anxious? Do you feel positive about them, or have you given up?
If the waiting has been heavy or draining, remember that even in the waiting, God is still working. Your patience and your obedience all count for something. I open this space for you to be honest with the Lord. It’s very easy to say what we think He wants to hear rather than what our hearts are truly saying.
One scripture that always reminds me to be honest and open with the Father is Psalm 139:2–4.
So I pray that as you wait, even if it feels chaotic, long-winded, or tiring, you would find the peace and the joy that can come in the waiting. Amen.