7 Days of the Easter Story: A Family Experience Through the Feelings of Holy WeekSýnishorn

Fear and the Unknown

The day after Jesus died was the Sabbath, or a day of rest, in Israel. Less than a week before, people had happily waved palm branches because Jesus was on earth to save them. Now He was dead, and people were afraid, not knowing what would happen next.

On Friday evening after Jesus died, a rich man named Joseph of Arimathea offered his own tomb to bury Jesus. After Jesus’ body was wrapped in clean linen, Joseph put Him in the tomb and rolled a large stone to close the entrance. “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there” (Matthew 27:61).

Imagine these women at the tomb. The tears they cried. The fear they felt. The questions they had. The man so many hoped to be the Messiah was dead. Was He really the Messiah? Why had He not just taken Himself off the cross? What would happen to His disciples, to those who believed in Him? Would the Jewish leaders come after them?

After Jesus’ body was left in the tomb, there was an entire Saturday full of the unknown. Not much is written about this day in the Bible. It was the Sabbath, but this was a day of rest like none other ever before it, or ever come after it. Even Jesus’ disciples hid for fear of the Jews (John 20:19). Everyone was probably thinking about the unknown of who Jesus was and the fear of what would happen now that He had died.

Fear: Fear is a God-given emotion that helps us either fight off a threat or run from the danger. This built-in response to fear is healthy because it keeps us safe. But throughout the Bible,

God tells us not to be afraid of people or things but to fear Him instead. When we fear God, we call on, obey, and run to Him. In most other kinds of fear, we run away from Him. How confusing it must have been for the disciples to watch the Son of God die on the cross and to be left alone the next day. No wonder they ran away and hid in fear.

Family Discussion Questions:

• What do you think those who believed Jesus was the Messiah were thinking the day after He died?
• Have you ever run away and hidden when you were scared?
• Write a note today to Jesus about how thankful you are that He died for you.