As the story of Jesus’ death and burial continues, one of the most striking elements of today’s reading for me is that, as the body was being honoured in burial, the disciples and the community around them rested on the Sabbath. I’d never noticed this detail before. Often when we read this, we focus on the offering of Joseph of the tomb for Jesus to be laid to rest, other times we focus on the lack of expectation that everyone had that Jesus would rise from the dead (even though He had promised numerous times that He would do so). I think, though that resting “according to the commandment” on the Sabbath is a crucial element, too.
If you’re anything like me, the harder life gets, the busier you get, right along with it. Somehow, we feel as if we need to be doing something to try and change our circumstance, or to prove that we are coping, or to try and show that we will not be defeated. What we’re not so good at doing, at least in Protestant-work-ethic-centric Britain, is to maintain obedience during times of crisis and struggle and rest. But it is in resting that we can be refreshed, if we truly do Sabbath, so as to reconnect with God, offer ourselves to Him again and let Him lead us as He wishes to. It’s about things being about God, rather than me. Especially at times when life is tough, and I can be prone to becoming even more self-absorbed than I normally am, stepping into rest and quiet can be crucial.
The disciples knew it, even in their grief and understandable lack of faith and hope. I hope that we do too today.