On Holy Monday, Jesus took bold and purposeful action, making it one of the most eventful days of Holy Week. He began by cleansing the temple in Jerusalem, driving out merchants and money changers who had turned a sacred space into a marketplace. This powerful act was both a rebuke of corruption and a call to restore holiness to worship. Jesus also cursed a barren fig tree—an act full of symbolism about spiritual fruitfulness and the dangers of empty religion. Through these dramatic gestures, Jesus challenged both the spiritual state of Israel and the personal integrity of anyone claiming to follow God.
But Jesus didn’t stop with symbolic actions. He spent the day teaching in the temple, confronting religious hypocrisy, sharing parables that revealed the heart of God’s kingdom, and healing those in need. Each word and miracle reinforced His divine authority and unwavering compassion. Holy Monday reminds us to examine our own hearts: Are we bearing spiritual fruit? Are we honoring God with sincerity? Keep reading for a deeper look into these powerful events and how they still speak to us today.
Understanding the Day Between Crucifixion and Resurrection
The day after Good Friday and before Easter Sunday is known as Holy Saturday. It’s a day of silence and waiting, sandwiched between the sorrow of Jesus’ crucifixion and the joy of His resurrection. But what exactly happened on this day? What did Jesus do on Saturday after Good Friday?
The State of Jesus’ Body
To begin with, it’s essential to acknowledge that Jesus’ physical body lay in the tomb. According to the Gospels, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council, took responsibility for Jesus’ burial. He wrapped Jesus’ body in a clean linen cloth and placed it in his own new tomb, carved out of rock (Matthew 27:57-60). A large stone was rolled against the entrance of the tomb, securing it.
Jesus in the Tomb
Jesus’ followers were in deep mourning on this day. The disciples were hiding, fearful for their lives, and filled with despair. The Gospels don’t record any activity of the disciples on this day, indicating the depth of their grief and confusion.
The Descent into Hades
One of the central events believed to have taken place on Holy Saturday is Jesus’ descent into Hades, also referred to as “the harrowing of Hell.” This concept is based on several passages in the New Testament and early Christian tradition. The Apostle’s Creed, a statement of Christian faith, includes the phrase, “He descended into hell.”
Scriptural Basis
The Bible provides some insight into this event. In 1 Peter 3:18-20, it says:
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.”
This passage suggests that after His crucifixion, Jesus went and preached to the spirits in prison. This act is seen as a declaration of victory over sin and death, extending the hope of salvation even to those who had died before His resurrection.
The Purpose of the Descent
The descent into Hades is significant for several reasons:
- Victory Over Death: By descending to the realm of the dead, Jesus proclaimed His victory over death. He showed that death could not hold Him, and He had authority over it.
- Fulfillment of Prophecies: This event fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, such as Psalm 16:10: “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.”
- Hope for All: Jesus’ descent offered hope to all humanity, symbolizing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s salvation.
Holy Saturday: A Day of Reflection
For Christians, Holy Saturday is a day of reflection and anticipation. It’s a time to remember the sacrifice Jesus made and the hope His resurrection brings. While Jesus’ body lay in the tomb, the spiritual work He was doing was profound and far-reaching.
Observing Holy Saturday
In many Christian traditions, Holy Saturday is marked by solemn observance and preparation for Easter. Churches may hold a vigil service, starting in darkness and leading up to the celebration of the resurrection. This vigil often includes readings from Scripture, prayers, and hymns.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus’ Body in the Tomb: On Holy Saturday, Jesus’ physical body remained in the tomb, guarded and sealed.
- Descent into Hades: Jesus descended to Hades to proclaim His victory and extend salvation.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: His actions fulfilled prophecies and assured believers of His power over death.
- A Day of Mourning and Hope: For the disciples and early followers, it was a day of deep mourning, but it also held the promise of hope and redemption.
Reflection for Believers
Holy Saturday invites us to contemplate the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and the magnitude of His love. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God is at work, bringing about His plan of redemption. As you reflect on this day, consider the following:
- Patience in Waiting: Holy Saturday teaches us the importance of waiting on God’s timing. Just as the disciples waited in despair, not knowing what was to come, we too must trust God in our periods of waiting.
- Hope in Despair: No matter how bleak circumstances may seem, Jesus’ descent into Hades shows us that there’s always hope. He has conquered death and offers us eternal life.
- Preparation for Joy: The silence of Holy Saturday is a prelude to the joy of Easter Sunday. It’s a reminder that after sorrow comes rejoicing, and after death comes resurrection.
Conclusion
Holy Saturday is a profound day in the Christian calendar, bridging the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. It’s a day that underscores Jesus’ victory over death and His power to save. As you observe this day, take time to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ actions and the hope they bring to your life.
FAQs About Holy Saturday: What Did Jesus Do on Saturday After Good Friday?
1. What is Holy Saturday?
Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified, and Easter Sunday, when He rose from the dead. It is a day of reflection, mourning, and anticipation in the Christian faith.
2. Where was Jesus’ body on Holy Saturday?
Jesus’ body was laid in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea. The tomb was sealed with a large stone and guarded by Roman soldiers.
3. What did Jesus do on Holy Saturday?
According to Christian tradition and scriptural references, Jesus descended into Hades (or Hell) on Holy Saturday. This event is known as the harrowing of Hell, where Jesus proclaimed His victory over death and extended salvation to the souls who had died before His resurrection.
4. Is there a biblical basis for Jesus’ descent into Hades?
Yes, 1 Peter 3:18-20 mentions Jesus preaching to the “imprisoned spirits.” Additionally, the Apostle’s Creed includes the phrase, “He descended into hell,” affirming this belief.
5. Why is Holy Saturday important?
Holy Saturday is important because it marks the day of Jesus’ rest in the tomb and His descent into Hades. It signifies the completion of His sacrifice and the proclamation of His victory over death, offering hope of salvation to all.
6. How do Christians observe Holy Saturday?
Christians observe Holy Saturday with solemn reflection and anticipation of Easter Sunday. Many churches hold a vigil service that includes scripture readings, prayers, and hymns, starting in darkness and ending in light to symbolize the resurrection.
7. What lessons can we learn from Holy Saturday?
Holy Saturday teaches us the importance of patience and trust in God’s timing, hope in the midst of despair, and the assurance of joy following sorrow. It reminds us that God is always at work, even in the darkest times.
8. What prophecies did Jesus fulfill on Holy Saturday?
Jesus’ descent into Hades fulfilled Old Testament prophecies such as Psalm 16:10, which states, “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.”
9. How does Holy Saturday relate to Easter Sunday?
Holy Saturday is the day of waiting and preparation for Easter Sunday, which celebrates Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. It bridges the sorrow of Good Friday with the joy and hope of the resurrection.
10. What does the phrase “harrowing of Hell” mean?
The “harrowing of Hell” refers to Jesus’ descent into Hades on Holy Saturday, where He proclaimed His victory over death and extended salvation to the souls who had died before His resurrection. It signifies Jesus’ authority over death and His power to save.
