Today we will talk about Bible verses about Holy Saturday. This day holds deep significance for Christians around the world as it falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Holy Saturday is a time of waiting, reflection, and preparation for the great celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. During this period, we are encouraged to meditate on the events that occurred as Jesus lay in the tomb and what that meant for us and our faith. As we read through these scriptures, let’s open our hearts and minds to receive the wisdom and comfort found in God’s Word.
Bible Verses About Holy Saturday
The Silence of Holy Saturday
During Holy Saturday, we experience a profound silence as we reflect on the day after Jesus’ crucifixion. It serves as a reminder of the heavy feelings of grief, loss, and uncertainty that filled the hearts of Jesus’ followers. However, this silence is also an opportunity for us to truly listen for God in the stillness, allowing us to grow in patience and faith. We may find ourselves amid our own struggles, feeling like we’re in a moment of waiting, much like the disciples did. This reflection aids in building our character and deepening our bond with Christ, who understands the pain and waiting we go through.
Matthew 27:62-66
“The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise again.” So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.’ ‘Take a guard,’ Pilate answered. ‘Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.’ So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.” – Matthew 27:62-66
Luke 23:54
“It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.” – Luke 23:54
John 19:30
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” – John 19:30
John 19:40
“Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” – John 19:40
Mark 15:40-41
“Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee, these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.” – Mark 15:40-41
Understanding the Tomb
As we reflect on Holy Saturday, it is significant to consider the tomb that held Jesus. This tomb was not merely a burial place; it symbolized hope and despair intertwined. For us, the tomb represents the challenges we face—times when we think all is lost and we dwell in the darkness of our problems. Yet, we must remember that the story doesn’t end there. Just as the tomb did not hold Jesus for long, our trials will not define us. In darkness, we can cultivate hope and anticipation for the brighter days to come.
John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” – John 11:25-26
Matthew 28:1-2
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.” – Matthew 28:1-2
Luke 24:1-3
“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. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” – Luke 24:1-3
Mark 16:1-4
“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.” – Mark 16:1-4
John 20:11-13
“But Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’” – John 20:11-13
The Role of Mary
Mary Magdalene played a pivotal role in the events of Holy Saturday and the resurrection. Her willingness to be present at the tomb reflects her deep love and devotion to Jesus. We can learn from Mary’s example of steadfastness, as she didn’t flee away in despair but stood by her Lord even when hope seemed lost. As we meditate on Mary’s dedication, we recognize the importance of being present for one another during difficult times, showing love and support to those who are struggling. We are reminded of the beauty that emerges from our commitment to love and serve others no matter the circumstances.
Luke 8:2
“and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out.” – Luke 8:2
John 20:1
“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.” – John 20:1
John 20:16
“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).” – John 20:16
Matthew 28:9-10
“Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’” – Matthew 28:9-10
Mark 15:40
“Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene…” – Mark 15:40
The Promise of Resurrection
Holy Saturday is a bridge between the despair of the crucifixion and the triumph of the resurrection. Jesus’ promise of resurrection should give us immense hope. He demonstrated that no matter how bleak our circumstances appear, there is always the promise of new life and transformation. Just as He overcame death, we are assured that our struggles are temporary, and joy will come in the morning. We must hold onto this promise as we navigate through our own periods of waiting—believing that brighter days are ahead.
Romans 6:5
“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” – Romans 6:5
1 Corinthians 15:20
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” – 1 Corinthians 15:20
1 Thessalonians 4:14
“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:14
Philippians 3:10-11
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” – Philippians 3:10-11
Revelation 1:18
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” – Revelation 1:18
Reflection in Prayer
In this silence of Holy Saturday, we find a beautiful opportunity for prayer and contemplation. Prayer is our way to communicate with God, and on this day, we are encouraged to engage in heartfelt conversations with Him. Through prayer, we can express our grief, our hopes, and our questions, knowing that He hears us and cares deeply. This reflective time allows us to connect our own life experiences with Jesus’ journey—to feel with Him and understand the depth of His suffering. Our prayers become a source of strength as we anticipate the joy of Easter Sunday.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Hope Amidst Grief
Holy Saturday invites us to acknowledge our grief. As we reflect on the events that unfolded, we recognize that it’s okay to feel pain and sorrow over loss. However, we must not allow grief to consume us, but rather, we can lean on faith as our sustaining force. Hope flickers even in the darkest times, and through Jesus’ resurrection, we are encouraged that healing is possible. Let’s hold onto the truth that emerging from our hurt lays the opportunity for new beginnings and even greater joy.
Psalms 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalms 30:5
Isaiah 61:3
“and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” – Isaiah 61:3
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
The Call to Wait
Holy Saturday also reminds us of the importance of waiting patiently for God to work in our lives. Just like the followers of Christ waited for Him to rise, we too find ourselves in situations where we’re called to wait on God’s timing. This waiting can be challenging, but it teaches us to trust in God’s perfect plan. Having faith during our waiting periods allows us to grow as individuals and reminds us that every season has a purpose, culminating in a divine climax of hope and joy as we witness God’s marvelous works unfold.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Psalms 27:14
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalms 27:14
Micah 7:7
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” – Micah 7:7
Habakkuk 2:3
“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” – Habakkuk 2:3
Lamentations 3:25-26
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” – Lamentations 3:25-26
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Holy Saturday, we understand it as a day of waiting, mourning, and preparing our hearts for the joyous celebration of the resurrection. Throughout scripture, we are reminded of the grief faced by Jesus’ followers and the transformational power of hope. We discover the importance of being present for one another during dark times, understanding that grief can co-exist with hope.
The significance of prayer and reflection during this time offers us a closer connection to God as we await the glorious resurrection. Together, may we hold on to the promises of God found in His Word, which assure us of His unending love and faithfulness, guiding us through our own moments of waiting.
Let us embrace this opportunity to cultivate patience and faith in our lives, knowing that as we wait upon the Lord, He is working all things for our good. Holy Saturday teaches us that the silence and waiting can give rise to new beginnings drenched in hope and joy through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
