Luke 23:56

And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

Luke 23:56 (KJV)

Context

Luke 23:56 concludes the account of Jesus’ burial. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council who had not consented to Jesus’ crucifixion, asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus’ body down from the cross. With Nicodemus, he wrapped the body in linen with spices and laid it in a tomb. The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee, including Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joses, observed the tomb and how His body was laid (Luke 23:49, 55).

Meaning

The verse begins with the women returning from the tomb and preparing spices and ointments. This act of preparation shows their devotion and love for Jesus even after His death; they intended to anoint His body, a common Jewish burial practice to honor the deceased and mask the odor of decay. Then they rested on the Sabbath day according to the commandment. The phrase “according to the commandment” points directly to the fourth commandment, which required cessation from work on the seventh day (Exodus 20:8-11).

The women’s rest on the Sabbath demonstrates their obedience to the Law even in the midst of grief. Despite their sorrow and their urgent desire to honor Jesus’ body, they did not let their devotion override God’s explicit command. Their actions reflect a deep faith and reverence for God’s Word, showing that true devotion to Jesus includes obedience to His Father’s commandments.

Biblical connections

This verse sets the stage for the resurrection account in Luke 24:1, where the women come to the tomb with the spices they had prepared, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Their careful preparation and Sabbath rest highlight their faithfulness, and that faithfulness leads them to be the first witnesses of the empty tomb.

Application

Luke 23:56 reminds us of the importance of devotion, obedience, and honoring God’s commandments. The women’s actions exemplify a willingness to serve and honor Jesus, even after His death. Their example also emphasizes the significance of observing the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship. As followers of Christ today, we can learn from their example by demonstrating our love and devotion to Jesus, upholding His teachings, and honoring the principles found in God’s Word, even when we are grieving or facing difficult circumstances.