Meaning of Luke 23:56

This verse describes the actions of the women who followed Jesus, specifically those who had come with him from Galilee. Having witnessed Jesus' crucifixion and death, and likely the hurried placement of his body into Joseph of Arimathea's tomb before the Sabbath began at sunset, they returned to their homes. Their immediate concern was to prepare spices and perfumes. These aromatic substances were crucial for the proper embalming and honoring of the dead according to Jewish custom. However, their preparation was interrupted by the arrival of the Sabbath. The women, demonstrating their adherence to the Mosaic Law, ceased their work and observed the day of rest, as commanded by God in the Ten Commandments. This act highlights their deep respect for religious observance even amidst their profound grief and distress over Jesus' death.

Context and Background

The crucifixion of Jesus occurred on the eve of Passover, a significant Jewish festival. The timing was critical, as the Sabbath was the seventh day of the week, a day of complete rest from all labor, beginning at sunset on Friday and ending at sunset on Saturday. The Gospels indicate that Jesus was buried in haste because the Sabbath was approaching (John 19:42). The women, having been present at the cross, would have been acutely aware of the approaching Sabbath and the need to prepare burial spices. Their return home and preparation of these items signifies their commitment to honoring Jesus even in death, while their subsequent rest underscores their obedience to the Law.

Key Themes and Messages

• Devotion and Love: The women's desire to prepare spices and perfumes demonstrates their deep affection and devotion to Jesus, even after his brutal death. They sought to honor him in the most respectful way possible.
• Obedience to the Law: The verse explicitly states they "rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment." This highlights the importance of upholding God's commands, even when faced with personal tragedy or pressing tasks.
• Faith in the Midst of Sorrow: Despite their grief, these women were committed to their religious duties. This suggests a faith that persisted even when their understanding of Jesus' mission might have been unclear or shaken by his crucifixion.
• The Transition of Grief: The act of preparing spices represents a step in the process of mourning and preparing for the future, even as the immediate need for rest temporarily pauses this activity.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage offers a powerful example of faithful discipleship. It teaches that true devotion involves not only emotional commitment but also obedience to God's word. The women's actions remind believers that their faith should permeate all aspects of life, including how they observe sacred times and honor those who have impacted their spiritual journey. It also illustrates that even in moments of intense sorrow, the principles of faith and obedience remain vital. For believers today, this verse encourages a balanced approach to life, where work and duty are rightly ordered with times of rest and worship.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Luke 23:56 fits into the larger narrative of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. It is part of the account of the women's role in the events surrounding the tomb. Their intention to anoint Jesus with spices foreshadows their visit to the tomb on Sunday morning, where they would discover his resurrection. This verse bridges the somber events of Good Friday and the joyous news of Easter Sunday, showcasing the continuity of their devotion. It also aligns with the Old Testament emphasis on the sanctity of the Sabbath, demonstrating that even in this pivotal moment of salvation history, God's established rhythms were observed.

Analogies

One analogy for the women's situation could be that of a family preparing for a solemn funeral. They would gather specific flowers, write eulogies, and arrange for the burial. However, if a significant religious holiday or mandated period of mourning began, they would pause their immediate preparations to honor that sacred time, knowing they would resume their duties afterward. Another analogy is that of a scientist meticulously preparing a complex experiment. They gather all the necessary materials and begin the process, but if a mandatory safety shutdown or a scheduled maintenance period occurs, they must halt their work and wait for the designated time to continue, ensuring adherence to protocols.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 20:8-11: This is the fourth commandment, which explicitly states, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your sons or daughters, nor your male or female servants, nor your animals, nor any foreigner within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." Luke 23:56 is a direct application of this commandment by the women.
• John 19:38-42: This passage describes Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus burying Jesus. It highlights the haste with which the burial was completed due to the approaching Sabbath, setting the stage for the women's subsequent actions and their need to prepare further.
• Luke 24:1: This verse immediately follows Luke 23:56 and reads, "On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb." This shows the continuity of their devotional purpose and how their Sabbath rest allowed them to fulfill their mission on Sunday.
• Mark 15:40-41: Similar to Luke, Mark also mentions women observing the events and the burial, emphasizing their presence and devotion.