Great and Holy Saturday

As the modern church has distanced itself from the use of creeds, with some claiming the language is "too complex," it seems we’ve only fostered more confusion, not less. Many Christians today view the period between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday as insignificant, yet this is not how the Bible or church history has approached what has long been called "Great and Holy Saturday."

Though it is not widely observed in the American church, Holy Saturday has been a crucial part of the Church's tradition throughout its history. It commemorates the day Jesus spent in the tomb, marking a pivotal moment in the story of redemption. This day was so significant that it became a cornerstone of Christian orthodoxy, encapsulated in the Apostles' Creed, affirming that Jesus "descended to the dead."

As we approach the celebration of Jesus' resurrection, it’s essential to pause and reflect on what happened during the 24+ hours he spent in the tomb. Many ask, “What was Jesus doing during that time?” We know that he had not yet ascended to God’s right hand (Luke 24:50-53), but Scripture provides us insight into this mystery. In 1 Peter 3:18-20, we learn that “Christ also suffered once for sins… made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison.” While his body lay in the tomb, Jesus was active, proclaiming victory to the dead.

Jesus’ time in the tomb was not idle. He descended to the dead to proclaim victory over death itself. In doing so, he preached the gospel to the saints of the old covenant (1 Peter 4:6), declaring that his sacrifice had defeated death once and for all. This is why Holy Saturday matters. Jesus didn’t just die—he triumphed over death, and in his death, we find freedom from the fear of death.

St. Athanasius famously said, “If you see children playing with a lion, don’t you know the lion must either be dead or completely powerless?” Through Christ’s death and resurrection, the lion of death has been defanged. Holy Saturday marks the moment death was defeated, giving us hope for the future. Because Jesus died and was victorious, we can face death without fear. As Paul writes, “If we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5).

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the silence of Holy Saturday, where even in the stillness, You were at work, proclaiming victory over death. Help me to remember that even when all seems quiet and uncertain, You are never idle—You are conquering the grave on my behalf. Teach me to rest in the hope that death has no sting because You have already defanged it. Let this day deepen my trust in Your power, and anchor my soul in the promise of resurrection.