What is the meaning of Luke 23:56? Then they returned - The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee (Luke 23:55) leave Golgotha and head back into Jerusalem. - Their decision to go home rather than linger shows both courage and devotion; they remain identifiable as disciples yet trust God with what they cannot change that evening (cp. John 19:25-27). - Walking away does not signal defeat but obedience to the rhythms God has set—moving from public grief to private preparation (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). to prepare spices and perfumes - Spices were costly (Mark 16:1) and perfumes had to be mixed quickly before Sabbath began at sundown (John 19:39-40). - Their aim was not embalming—which Jewish custom forbade—but honoring Jesus’ body with aromatic respect (2 Chronicles 16:14). - This practical love demonstrates faith in His words even when circumstances seem final (Luke 18:31-34). - Notice they prepare in hope of access to the tomb after Sabbath, unknowingly setting the stage for the resurrection announcement (Luke 24:1-3). And they rested on the Sabbath - Sundown marks the shift from work to rest (Leviticus 23:3). The women cease all activity, no matter how urgent their grief feels. - Their pause echoes God’s own rest after creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and underscores that even holy service must yield to holy rest. - Rest becomes an act of worship, affirming trust that God will finish what human hands cannot (Psalm 46:10). according to the commandment - The fourth commandment—“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8-11)—guides their choice. - By obeying, they reveal hearts shaped by Scripture rather than crisis (Isaiah 58:13-14). - Their submission prepares them to become first witnesses of the empty tomb (Mark 16:2-6), illustrating how obedience positions believers to see God’s greatest works. summary Luke 23:56 spotlights devoted disciples who balance active love with obedient rest. They leave Calvary, gather spices in faith, then halt all effort to honor God’s Sabbath command. Their simple, Scripture-shaped response—work when it is time to work, rest when God says rest—places them on the front line of resurrection history. |
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