Luke 23:56 – “Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes the actions of the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee. After witnessing His burial, they returned home to prepare spices and perfumes to anoint His body. This preparation was an act of love and devotion, reflecting their desire to properly honor Jesus in death. However, because the Sabbath was about to begin, they paused their work and rested, obeying God’s commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy.

The women’s actions show their faithful obedience to both their religious customs and their devotion to Jesus. They intended to return to the tomb after the Sabbath to complete the burial process. This moment of rest in the midst of grief and preparation demonstrates their commitment to following God’s law, even during a time of sorrow.

Historical Context

In Jewish tradition, anointing the body with spices and perfumes was an important part of burial customs. The spices were used to honor the dead and reduce the odor of decay. Since Jesus’ burial had been done hastily due to the approaching Sabbath, the women planned to return after the Sabbath to complete the process properly.

The Sabbath was a day of rest that began at sunset on Friday and ended at sunset on Saturday. According to the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-10), no work could be done on this day. For the women, this meant pausing their preparations and waiting until Sunday morning to return to the tomb.

Their decision to rest on the Sabbath highlights their obedience to God’s law, even when their hearts were likely filled with grief and a desire to care for Jesus. This also sets the stage for their discovery of the empty tomb on Sunday morning, when they would become the first witnesses of the resurrection.

Theological Implications

1. Obedience to God’s Commands: The women’s decision to rest on the Sabbath, despite their grief and desire to care for Jesus, shows their commitment to obeying God’s law. Their example reminds believers that obedience to God is important, even when emotions or circumstances might push them to act otherwise.
2. The Importance of Rest: The Sabbath rest is a symbol of trusting in God’s provision and timing. By resting on the Sabbath, the women demonstrate their faith that God is in control, even in the midst of sorrow. This foreshadows the spiritual rest that believers find in Jesus, who completed the work of salvation.
3. Devotion to Christ: The women’s preparation of spices and perfumes reflects their deep love for Jesus. Even after His death, they continued to serve Him with devotion and care. Their actions teach believers the importance of honoring Christ in all circumstances.
4. God’s Perfect Timing: The timing of the Sabbath rest is significant because it sets the stage for the resurrection on the first day of the week. This shows that God’s plan is always unfolding according to His perfect timing, even when it may not be immediately clear to us.

Literary Analysis

Luke’s mention of the women’s preparation of spices and their Sabbath rest adds a layer of tension and anticipation to the narrative. The readers know that the resurrection is coming, but the women do not. Their obedience to the Sabbath commandment creates a moment of waiting, building anticipation for the events that will unfold on Sunday morning.

The contrast between preparation and rest is also significant. The women’s active preparation of spices symbolizes their love and commitment, while their rest on the Sabbath reflects their faith and obedience. This balance between action and rest is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating the importance of trusting God while still doing what we can to honor Him.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 20:8-10 – The commandment to observe the Sabbath and refrain from work.
• Genesis 2:2-3 – God rested on the seventh day after creation, establishing the pattern of Sabbath rest.
• Mark 16:1-2 – The women return to the tomb early on Sunday morning to anoint Jesus’ body.
• Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus invites believers to find rest in Him, reflecting the spiritual rest that comes through faith.
• Hebrews 4:9-10 – There remains a Sabbath rest for God’s people, symbolizing the rest believers have through Christ’s finished work.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges Christians to balance faithful action with trust in God’s timing. Just as the women prepared spices and then rested, believers today are called to honor Christ through their actions while also trusting Him enough to rest. The Sabbath rest reminds Christians that they are not responsible for controlling everything—God is in control, and He will accomplish His purposes.

The women’s devotion to Jesus, even after His death, is a powerful example of faithful discipleship. They continued to honor Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. This teaches believers to remain committed to Christ, even in seasons of difficulty or doubt.

Additionally, the fact that the women rested despite their grief shows the importance of trusting God, even when we don’t understand His plan. Their obedience positioned them to be among the first to witness the resurrection, demonstrating that God often works through those who faithfully trust Him in both action and rest.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His provision of rest for His people. The Sabbath was not meant to be a burden but a gift, allowing people to pause and trust in God’s care. By resting on the Sabbath, the women demonstrated their reliance on God, even in their sorrow. This reflects the broader truth that God’s love provides not only physical rest but also spiritual rest through Jesus.

God’s love is also seen in the way He involves ordinary people in His plan of salvation. The women’s simple act of preparing spices and resting on the Sabbath may have seemed insignificant at the time, but it placed them in the perfect position to witness the resurrection. This shows that God’s love is at work in every detail of life, even when we don’t see the bigger picture.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus as the fulfillment of the Sabbath rest. Just as God rested after creation, Jesus rested in the tomb after completing His work of salvation. His resurrection on the first day of the week symbolizes a new beginning and the ultimate rest that believers have through Him.

The women’s preparation of spices and perfumes also reflects their understanding of Jesus’ humanity. They wanted to honor His body, showing their deep love for Him. But the resurrection would soon reveal that Jesus was more than a great teacher or prophet—He was the Son of God, victorious over death.

• John 19:30 – Jesus declares, “It is finished,” indicating the completion of His work on the cross.
• Matthew 11:28 – Jesus offers rest to those who are weary, a promise fulfilled through His death and resurrection.
• Romans 8:28 – God works all things together for good, as seen in the timing of the Sabbath rest and the resurrection.
• Hebrews 4:3 – Believers enter into God’s rest through faith in Jesus, who provides eternal rest for His people.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does the women’s obedience to the Sabbath commandment teach you about trusting God’s timing in your own life?
2. How can you balance faithful action with spiritual rest in your relationship with Christ?
3. In what ways can you demonstrate devotion to Jesus, even during times of uncertainty or difficulty?
4. How does the concept of Sabbath rest point to the spiritual rest that believers have through Jesus’ finished work on the cross?
5. What small, faithful actions can you take today that might position you for future blessings or insights in God’s plan?