Luke 23:54 – “It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.”

Extended Explanation

This verse highlights an important detail about the timing of Jesus’ burial. Preparation Day refers to the day before the Jewish Sabbath, during which people prepared food and completed any tasks that were forbidden on the Sabbath. Since Jesus was crucified on a Friday (the day of Preparation), Joseph of Arimathea and others had limited time to bury Him properly before the Sabbath began at sunset.

The urgency of the situation is implied. The burial had to be completed quickly because, according to Jewish law, no work could be done on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-10). Despite the time constraints, Joseph made sure that Jesus’ body was wrapped in linen and placed in a tomb. This verse sets the stage for the events of the resurrection because it places the timing of Jesus’ burial right before the Sabbath, leading to the discovery of the empty tomb on Sunday morning.

Historical Context

In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath was a day of rest that began at sunset on Friday and ended at sunset on Saturday. No work, including burial preparations, could be done during this time. To ensure compliance with the law, people would use Friday, known as Preparation Day, to get everything ready.

The urgency of Joseph’s actions reflects the importance of following Jewish customs while still honoring Jesus. By acting quickly and efficiently, Joseph ensured that Jesus received a proper burial without violating the Sabbath. This cultural context helps explain why the women who followed Jesus did not anoint His body until after the Sabbath (Luke 24:1).

The timing of Jesus’ burial also aligns with the Passover festival, during which the Jewish people remembered God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This connection is significant because Jesus’ death and resurrection represent a new and greater deliverance—freedom from sin and death.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Perfect Timing: The detail about the timing of Jesus’ burial shows how perfectly God’s plan unfolds. The fact that Jesus was buried just before the Sabbath highlights the importance of rest and completion. His resurrection on the third day aligns with Jewish customs and fulfills prophecies about His victory over death (Hosea 6:2).
2. Sabbath Symbolism: The Sabbath is a day of rest, and Jesus resting in the tomb on the Sabbath symbolizes the completion of His work of salvation. Just as God rested on the seventh day after creation (Genesis 2:2), Jesus’ rest in the tomb represents the finished work of redemption.
3. Faithful Obedience: Joseph’s actions show that faithfulness to God often involves balancing cultural customs with spiritual devotion. He respected the Sabbath while ensuring that Jesus was buried with dignity. This teaches believers the importance of honoring both God’s laws and His mission.
4. The Transition from Death to Life: The timing of Jesus’ burial and resurrection marks a transition from death to life, symbolizing the shift from the old covenant of law to the new covenant of grace. His resurrection on Sunday, the first day of the week, signifies a new beginning for all who believe in Him.

Literary Analysis

Luke’s mention of Preparation Day emphasizes the urgency and significance of the moment. The phrase “the Sabbath was about to begin” creates a sense of tension, as Joseph had limited time to complete the burial. This detail also foreshadows the coming resurrection, as the Sabbath rest transitions into the new life of Sunday morning.

Luke’s Gospel often highlights the theme of God’s perfect timing, and this verse is no exception. The placement of Jesus’ burial right before the Sabbath underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and the significance of rest and completion. Luke’s use of this detail ties the narrative of Jesus’ death and resurrection to the larger biblical themes of creation, rest, and new beginnings.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 20:8-10 – The commandment to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest.
• Genesis 2:2 – God rested on the seventh day after completing creation, symbolizing rest and completion.
• Hosea 6:2 – A prophecy that on the third day, God will raise His people to new life.
• Mark 15:42 – A parallel account mentioning the urgency of Jesus’ burial on Preparation Day.
• Luke 24:1 – The women visit the tomb early on Sunday morning, after the Sabbath, and find it empty.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the importance of God’s timing and the fulfillment of His promises. Just as Joseph acted with urgency to ensure Jesus’ burial, believers are called to act in faith and obedience, trusting that God’s plan is unfolding exactly as it should.

The mention of the Sabbath also serves as a reminder of the rest that believers find in Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus completed the work of salvation, allowing His followers to rest in the assurance of their redemption. This rest is not just physical—it is spiritual, providing peace and freedom from the burden of sin (Matthew 11:28-30).

Additionally, this verse highlights the importance of preparing for God’s work. Just as Preparation Day was a time of getting ready, Christians are called to prepare their hearts and lives for what God wants to do through them.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the way He orchestrated every detail of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection to fulfill His plan of salvation. The timing of these events shows that God is never late or early—He works according to His perfect schedule. His love ensures that His purposes are accomplished, even when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain.

The Sabbath rest that follows Jesus’ burial is a picture of God’s love and care for His people. Just as He provided rest after creation, He offers spiritual rest through the finished work of Jesus. His love is demonstrated in the fact that believers don’t have to earn their salvation—it has already been accomplished through Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus as the fulfillment of the Sabbath and the one who brings ultimate rest to His followers. His burial on Preparation Day and His rest in the tomb on the Sabbath reflect the completion of His mission to redeem humanity. Just as God rested after creation, Jesus’ rest signifies that His work of salvation is finished.

Jesus’ resurrection on the first day of the week connects to the theme of new creation. Through His victory over death, He inaugurates a new beginning for those who believe in Him, offering eternal life and reconciliation with God.

• Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him, reflecting the spiritual rest that follows His finished work on the cross.
• Hebrews 4:9-10 – There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, symbolizing the rest believers find through faith in Jesus.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Paul emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection in the Gospel message.
• Revelation 21:5 – Jesus declares, “I am making everything new,” highlighting the new creation that begins with His resurrection.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does the timing of Jesus’ burial teach you about God’s perfect plan and timing in your life?
2. How can you find spiritual rest in the finished work of Jesus, even when life feels overwhelming?
3. In what ways can you “prepare” your heart and life for the work that God wants to do through you?
4. How does the Sabbath rest in this verse point to the eternal rest that believers have in Christ?
5. What role does trust in God’s timing play in your daily walk with Him, especially when you face uncertainty or waiting?