John 19:37-38 and Christ on the Cross, Holy Family Shrine, Eastern Nebraska.

“Jesus said, ‘t is finished,’ and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate… that they might be taken away.” John 19:37-38  (ESV)

Christ’s Sabbath Rest

With the words “It is finished” Jesus finished His work of redemption and made a path of salvation for humanity. He died shortly before sundown and the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath.

Then, on the Jewish Sabbath, Jesus laid in the tomb taking a symbolic Sabbath rest from His redemptive work. This was the last Sabbath of the old creation. At dawn on the first day of the week, the first day of creation, He rose from the dead ushering in a new creation.

The cross brought death, but it also brought forgiveness. And, on the third day, Christ rose from the dead. His Resurrection brings new life and a new creation.

Read about the crucifixion of Christ in Mark 15 and John 19.

Find some peace this Easter and subscribe to the Visual Verse