Christ’s Descent into Limbo
by Andrea Mantegna
Italy

Matthew 27:62-66 (MSG)

After sundown, the high priests and Pharisees arranged a meeting with Pilate. They said, “Sir, we just remembered that that liar announced while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will be raised.’ We’ve got to get that tomb sealed until the third day. There’s a good chance his disciples will come and steal the corpse and then go around saying, ‘He’s risen from the dead.’ Then we’ll be worse off than before, the final deceit surpassing the first.”

Pilate told them, “You will have a guard. Go ahead and secure it the best you can.” So, they went out and secured the tomb, sealing the stone and posting guards.

Don’t Ignore Saturday

The deed was done.  The nails were extracted from wood and flesh and Christ’s lifeless body taken down from the cross.  A secret disciple, Joseph of Arimathea, gave a vacant tomb to house the shell of a man.  Christ’s pronouncement “It is finished” rang true for our salvation, but he had a few last details to tend to before Resurrection Sunday.  Christ’s power was secure in heaven, with his sacrifice he established that power on earth, and the powers of death and hell had to surrender to him.

“I am the living One. I entered the realm of the dead; but see, I am alive now and for all the ages—even ages to come. [Amen.] I possess the keys to open the prison of death and hades.”  Revelation 1:18 (VOICE)

 The Saturday between Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection may seem silent, but Christ was at work in ways we cannot see.  This is a reminder to us that he is always at work in our lives, even when it doesn’t seem so.

“God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to his side
With love & strength for each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way”

Don Moen

Reflection

What emotions does the phrase “he works in ways we cannot see” evoke for you?  Is there a prayer concern you need to totally abandon to God’s care?  With open hands, pray this prayer of relinquishment:

Prayer

Lord there is nothing in my life that you cannot handle.  I release control.  Help me not to take back what I give to you today.  I know you are working, even when I cannot see it.  Amen.