The Preparation Day: A Time of Stillness and Honoring the Sacred
"¶ And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath," - Mark 15:42
As we immerse ourselves in the teachings found in Mark 15:42, we encounter a profound moment: "And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath." This verse encapsulates not only a specific time in the biblical narrative but also offers rich insights into the significance of preparation and rest in our spiritual lives.
The context of this scripture lies in the aftermath of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As the day drew to a close—the evening preceding the Sabbath—there was an urgency among the followers of Christ. They needed to ensure that Jesus' body was taken down from the cross and properly laid to rest before the Sabbath, a day when no work was permitted. For the Jewish people, the Sabbath was a holy day designated for worship and rest, a commandment rooted deeply in their faith and traditions.
In our contemporary lives, this call to preparation resonates deeply. The term "preparation" reflects not only physical actions but also a spiritual posture that we, too, can adopt. Every week the Sabbath beckons us to pause, to reflect, and to realign our hearts with God. However, it does require an active preparation. In our hurried world overflowing with distractions and demands, how often do we experience the kinds of chaotic days that leave us feeling unprepared to embrace God’s rest?
The act of preparation is significant. It is during those moments where we intentionally set aside time to contemplate what we bring into our Sabbath observance. Are our hearts burdened by unresolved issues? Are our minds racing with worries and tasks yet to be accomplished? The preparation day serves as a reminder to declutter not just our surroundings but our souls. We are called to intentionally clear our emotional and spiritual landscape to enter into the sacred space of the Sabbath with a heart open to connection with God.
Moreover, let us consider the importance of what we put in place to honor the Sabbath. When the evening comes, bringing the preparation to completion, are we not acknowledging a divine rhythm established by God from the very beginning? In Genesis, we find that after creation, God rested on the seventh day. This was not merely a cessation of work but a time set apart—a time to celebrate all that was made, a time for God’s creation to delight in His handiwork.
As we look closely at Mark 15:42, it brings to light not just a historical moment of urgency, but the overarching themes of redemption, reverence, and readiness. Joseph of Arimathea, whose act of devotion culminated in the honorable burial of Jesus, embodies what it means to prepare one's heart and actions as an act of worship. He offered his own tomb for the Lord’s body, showcasing how impactful intentional acts of preparation can be in the kingdom of God. His sacrifice and care remind us that our preparations for the Lord should be steeped in reverence and love.
Taking this into our modern context, we can ask ourselves: What can we do in our own lives to mirror this spirit of preparation before our sabbath? How do we honor God through our actions and our mindset? We might consider practical steps—setting aside distractions, making space for prayer, engaging in acts of service in the lead up to the sabbath, and reflecting on the blessings of the week gone by.
Ultimately, the preparation day invites us to engage in a deeper connection with God and with one another. As the evening approaches, let us actively move towards a sacred stillness, setting apart this time not just to cease from work, but to acknowledge His presence, honor His commands, and enter into His rest. May we learn to cherish the preparations that draw us closer to our Lord and help us find joy as we anticipate the holy moments that saturate our time of rest.
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Mark 15:42 - "¶ And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,"
"¶ And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath," - Mark 15:42
Mark 15:42-47 - "And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid."
"And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid." - Mark 15:42-47
Mark 6:42 - "And they did all eat, and were filled."
Mark 14:42 - "Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand."
Joshua 15:42 - "Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,"
Mark 1:42 - "And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed."
"And they did all eat, and were filled." - Mark 6:42
Mark 12:42 - "And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing."
Mark 5:42 - "And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment."
"Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan," - Joshua 15:42
1 Corinthians 15:42 - "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:"
Mark 9:42 - "And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea."
Mark 15:12
"Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand." - Mark 14:42
Job 42:15 - "And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren."
Mark 15:25 - "And it was the third hour, and they crucified him."
"And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing." - Mark 12:42
Mark 15:13 - "And they cried out again, Crucify him."
Mark 10:42 - "But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them."
"And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed." - Mark 1:42
Mark 15:18 - "And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!"
Mark 15:47 - "And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid."
Mark 15:30 - "Save thyself, and come down from the cross."
Genesis 42:15 - "Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither."
Isaiah 42:15 - "I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools."
Mark 15:28 - "And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors."
Mark 3:15 - "And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:"
Mark 15:5 - "But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled."