Luke 23:56
And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Luke 23:56
Luke notes that the women “prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.” These preparatory acts reveal a careful, respectful approach to burial, aligning with Jewish purity laws and customs. The Sabbath rest remains a boundary in which ordinary labor ceases; even acts of care are carried out within the rhythm of worship and rest. This verse links the burial narrative to the next day’s resurrection story: the women’s preparations imply a continued expectation and readiness to encounter what God will do. The discipline of Sabbath rest grounds their devotion in obedience to God’s law, while their plans to anoint Jesus reflect deep affection and gratitude.
The verse emphasizes obedience and longing: the faithful keep the law even in grief, and they prepare for what God might do next. It also highlights that God’s plan meets human devotion precisely where ritual and mercy intersect. The Sabbath is not simply a restriction but a framework within which faithfulness and hope persist.
Apply this by honoring habits that help you stay connected to God—practices of rest, study, and caregiving. You can create routines that honor both worship and service. For example, schedule a weekly time to reflect on God’s work in your life, then plan a concrete act of service for the week ahead. The Sabbath model invites you to stop, listen, and respond with purposeful love.
Cross-References: Exodus 20:8-10; Leviticus 23:3; Luke 4:16; Mark 16:1