Topical Bible: Day: Th Sixth Day of the Week Called Preparation Day

◄ Day: Th Sixth Day of the Week Called Preparation Day ►

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The sixth day of the week, commonly known as Preparation Day, holds significant importance in biblical tradition and practice. This day is primarily recognized as the day preceding the Sabbath, a time when the Jewish people would prepare for the day of rest as commanded in the Scriptures.

Biblical References and Significance

The term "Preparation Day" is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Mark, it is noted: "It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath)" (Mark 15:42). This indicates the day’s role in preparing for the Sabbath, ensuring that all necessary work was completed before the onset of the day of rest.

In the Gospel of John, the urgency of the burial of Jesus is highlighted due to the approaching Sabbath: "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 their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away" (John 19:31). This passage underscores the cultural and religious importance of the Preparation Day in ensuring that the Sabbath was observed without any encumbrances.

Cultural and Religious Practices

Preparation Day was a time for the Jewish people to complete all tasks that were prohibited on the Sabbath. This included cooking, cleaning, and any form of laborious work. The day was marked by a sense of urgency and diligence, as families and communities worked together to ensure that everything was in order before sunset, which marked the beginning of the Sabbath.

The observance of Preparation Day is rooted in the Fourth Commandment, which instructs the faithful to "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8). By preparing in advance, the Jewish people demonstrated their obedience to God's commandments and their commitment to rest and worship.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Preparation Day serves as a reminder of the importance of rest and the sanctity of the Sabbath. It reflects the rhythm of work and rest established by God during the creation week, as described in Genesis: "And on the seventh day God finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done" (Genesis 2:2).

For Christians, the events of Preparation Day leading to the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ hold profound significance. The day serves as a prelude to the resurrection, which is celebrated on the first day of the week, symbolizing new creation and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion

The sixth day of the week, known as Preparation Day, is a day of preparation and anticipation. It is a time to ready oneself for the Sabbath, both physically and spiritually, and to reflect on the deeper theological truths embodied in the rhythm of work and rest. Through its observance, believers are reminded of the importance of obedience, rest, and the hope found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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Mark 15:42
And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
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John 19:14,31,42
And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he said to the Jews, Behold your King!
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Library

The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the ...
... And so happened it yet again, both at the sixth and at ... of work to be done in the
vineyard; th anxiety of ... in two hours as you during the whole day.' [5306] This ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the third day.htm

Hymns of Praise and Worship.
... The sixth verse is a variation of one of Watts ... Hail, ye saints, th' exalted Saviour,
Let His courts with ... From the day of his first success he continued to ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter i hymns of praise.htm

Luke.
... Th. ... belonged to the first generation of disciples, which includes all the converts
of the apostles from the day of Pentecost ... [1035] Weiss, in the sixth ed. of ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 82 luke.htm