Passion Week Day 5
Scripture Reading
And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Luke 23:55-56
Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. Matthew 27:62-66
Prayer
Lord, at times You lead us through the valley of the shadow of death. That journey can cause us to fear and quake with hopelessness. The enemy wants us to stop our normal prayer, worship, fellowship, service, and Bible reflection. Give us the spiritual strength to stand firm in the path You have set for us. Keep us from trying to block Your redemptive plans by turning holy practices into forces of death and denial. In dark moments, help us to trust Your promise that hope will arise again at the appointed time.
Discussion
- Dark moments call us to honestly confront our circumstances. What thoughts and emotions may have confronted the women that Saturday? How did observing Sabbath rest after preparing to see Jesus’ body have the potential to correct their thoughts and emotions?
- We have all tried to hide from others and unnamed fears on our dark days. What would have happened if the disciples had remained isolated? What are some reasons that you stay away from fellowship and worship in dark times? What is the result of staying locked up in a self-made prison?
- How did the priests misuse temple holiness to guard the tomb? What actions do we take at times when we abandon our spiritual habits in dark valleys?
