The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Saturday, March 30, 2024: Holy Saturday

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Holy Saturday

Embracing Hope in the Midst of Desolation

Job 14:1-14; Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16;

1 Peter 4:1-8; Matthew 27:57-66
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Three Days—Easter)

Introduction

On Holy Saturday, we find ourselves in a solemn interlude, suspended between the profound grief of Good Friday and the radiant joy of Easter Sunday. This day invites us to reflect deeply on the themes of mortality, waiting, and hope in the midst of despair, as presented in the poignant scriptures of Job 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16, 1 Peter 4:1-8, and Matthew 27:57-66. Job’s lamentation poignantly echoes the human condition, starkly reminding us of our fleeting existence and the inevitability of death. The Psalmist’s plea for deliverance and expression of trust in God amidst tribulation offers a powerful template for our own prayers in times of distress. In 1 Peter, we are called to embrace a life of righteousness, armed with the mindset of Christ, as we navigate the trials of this world. Lastly, the Gospel of Matthew presents the somber account of Jesus’ burial, a narrative that encapsulates the depth of despair felt by His followers, yet subtly sows seeds of hope for the resurrection. In these scriptures, we find a profound invitation to meditate on the mystery of suffering and the unwavering promise of God’s salvation, as we await the dawn of Easter with hopeful hearts.

Job 14:1-14
Hope for a Tree

Job 14:1-14 presents a profound reflection on the human condition, as expressed by Job in his dialogue with God. These verses delve into the themes of life's transitory nature and the inevitability of death, encapsulating the existential struggle of man in the face of his mortality. Job, in his lament, questions the meaning and purpose of life, acknowledging the brevity and hardships that define human existence. He speaks metaphorically of life as a fleeting shadow and a flower that blooms only to wither, emphasizing the ephemeral quality of human life. In this passage, Job also confronts the reality of death and the afterlife, pondering the possibility of life beyond death and seeking hope in the midst of his despair. His poignant questioning reflects the universal quest for understanding and meaning in the face of suffering and the unknown.

14 1 “A mortal, born of woman, few of days and full of trouble,
2        comes up like a flower and withers,
        flees like a shadow and does not last.
3     Do you fix your eyes on such a one?
        Do you bring me into judgment with you?
4    Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?
        No one can.
5    Since their days are determined,
        and the number of their months is known to you,
        and you have appointed the bounds that they cannot pass,
6    look away from them, and desist,
        that they may enjoy, like laborers, their days.

7    “For there is hope for a tree,
        if it is cut down, that it will sprout again,
        and that its shoots will not cease.
8    Though its root grows old in the earth,
        and its stump dies in the ground,
9    yet at the scent of water it will bud
        and put forth branches like a young plant.
10  But mortals die, and are laid low;
        humans expire, and where are they?
11  As waters fail from a lake,
        and a river wastes away and dries up,
12  so mortals lie down and do not rise again;
        until the heavens are no more, they will not awake
        or be roused out of their sleep.
13  O that you would hide me in Sheol,
        that you would conceal me until your wrath is past,
        that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!
14  If mortals die, will they live again?
        All the days of my service I would wait
        until my release should come.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1: This verse sets the tone for the passage, highlighting the transient and troubled nature of human life. Being born of a woman is a universal human experience, emphasizing our shared vulnerability and mortality.

Verse 2: Here, Job uses two metaphors to describe the brevity of life. A flower, which blooms beautifully but briefly, and a shadow, which is ephemeral and has no substance. This imagery reflects the fleeting and insubstantial nature of human existence.

Verse 3: Job questions why God, in His omnipotence, would scrutinize such frail beings so closely. This verse expresses Job's perplexity at the idea of God judging humans, who are so transient and full of trouble.

Verse 4: Job acknowledges the inherent imperfection of humanity. The rhetorical question underscores the impossibility of human beings achieving purity or perfection on their own.

Verse 5: This verse speaks to the idea of predestination and the limits set on human life by God. Job recognizes that human life has a predetermined duration that cannot be extended.

Verse 6: Job implores God to grant humans respite from divine scrutiny and judgment, suggesting that like laborers, people should be allowed to enjoy the days of their lives without the burden of divine examination.

Verse 7: Job compares humans to trees, noting that even a tree has more hope than a human, as it can regrow after being cut down.

Verse 8-9:* Continuing the tree metaphor, these verses express hope in renewal and rebirth. Despite seeming dead, a tree can revive and flourish with just a hint of water.

Verse 10: Here, Job contrasts the potential regeneration of a tree with the finality of human death. He emphasizes the absolute end that death represents for humans.

Verse 11-12: These verses draw an analogy between the drying up of water bodies and human death. Just as water evaporates never to return, humans, once dead, do not wake up. The phrase "until the heavens are no more" suggests an eternal finality.

Verse 13: Job expresses a wish for God to hide him in the realm of the dead (Sheol), away from suffering and divine anger, until a time when he might be remembered or redeemed by God.

Verse 14: Concluding the passage, Job wonders about the possibility of life after death. He expresses a willingness to endure waiting, in service, for the hope of eventual renewal or release, symbolizing a glimmer of hope amidst despair.

This passage is a deep exploration of the human condition, touching on themes of mortality, judgment, hope, and the possibility of life beyond death. Job's reflections encapsulate the existential questions that have puzzled humanity across ages.

Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16
Take Me Out of the Net

Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16 is a deeply moving and profound passage that speaks to the heart of human vulnerability and divine protection. In these verses, the psalmist David expresses his unwavering trust in God as a refuge and fortress in times of distress. The passage is a heartfelt prayer for deliverance from enemies and a plea for God's merciful intervention. David's faith is evident as he commits his spirit into God's hands, symbolizing a total reliance on divine providence. These verses not only reflect David's personal struggles and faith journey but also offer a timeless message of hope and trust in God's unfailing love and protection for all who seek refuge in Him.

1    In you, O LORD, I seek refuge;
        do not let me ever be put to shame;
        in your righteousness deliver me.
2    Incline your ear to me;
        rescue me speedily.
    Be a rock of refuge for me,
        a strong fortress to save me.

3    You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
        for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
4    take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
        for you are my refuge.

15  My times are in your hand;
        deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
16  Let your face shine upon your servant;
        save me in your steadfast love.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1:* This verse sets the tone for the entire passage, highlighting the psalmist's (David’s) absolute reliance on God as a refuge. Seeking refuge in the Lord is an act of trust, implying that God is a protector who shields His faithful from harm or disgrace. The plea to not be put to shame indicates a fear of being abandoned or overpowered by adversaries. David appeals to God's righteousness, acknowledging that God's actions are always just and righteous.

Verse 2: David implores God to listen to his plea and act quickly. The imagery of God as a "rock of refuge" and a "strong fortress" evokes a sense of strength, stability, and safety, emphasizing God’s ability to protect and save. This metaphor underscores the solidity and permanence of God’s protection, contrasting the transient and often perilous nature of human circumstances.

Verse 3: Here, David reaffirms his faith in God as his rock and fortress. He asks for guidance not just for his own benefit but for the sake of God's name. This reflects a desire for his life and deliverance to bring glory to God. It suggests that David’s trust in God is not merely for personal salvation but also for the manifestation of God's glory and righteousness.

Verse 4: David likens his situation to being trapped in a hidden net, a metaphor for the plots or dangers laid by his enemies. He acknowledges that only God can extricate him from these perils. The phrase "for you are my refuge" is a declaration of trust, signifying that God is the ultimate source of safety.

erses 15-16: In verse 15, David recognizes that his life and destiny are under God's sovereign control (“my times are in your hand”). This is an expression of surrender to God's will and timing. He seeks deliverance from his enemies, acknowledging that his safety lies in God's power. In verse 16, David seeks God's favor, asking for His face to shine upon him, a biblical expression for God’s approval and blessing. The plea to be saved in God’s "steadfast love" highlights the enduring and unchanging nature of God’s love, a cornerstone of David's faith and hope.

Throughout these verses, David’s expressions of trust in God amid danger and distress not only provide a personal testament to his faith but also serve as an enduring source of comfort and inspiration for believers facing their own trials and tribulations.

1 Peter 4:1-8
The Gospel Proclaimed Even to the Dead

1 Peter 4:1-8 offers a profound reflection on the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of embracing a Christ-like attitude in suffering, living righteously, and fostering deep love and hospitality. This passage, attributed to Peter the Apostle, encourages believers to arm themselves with the same mindset as Christ, who suffered in the flesh, as a pathway to ceasing from sin and living for the will of God. It contrasts the past life of licentiousness, lust, and drunkenness with the present call to prayerful vigilance and fervent love for one another. The text culminates in the powerful assertion that "love covers a multitude of sins," highlighting the transformative and redemptive power of love in the Christian community. This segment of the epistle is a stirring call to holiness, urging believers to look beyond their past and embrace a life of righteousness, prayer, and brotherly love in anticipation of Christ's return.

4 1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), 2 so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God. 3 You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation, and so they blaspheme. 5 But they will have to give an accounting to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged, they might live in the spirit as God does.

7 The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1: This verse draws a parallel between the believer's experience and Christ's suffering. The phrase "arm yourselves" is a metaphor suggesting preparation and strength in the face of trials. It implies that suffering, like that endured by Christ, can be a means to overcome sin, encouraging believers to adopt a Christ-like attitude in their struggles.

Verse 2: This verse emphasizes the transformation expected in a Christian's life. The contrast between 'human desires' and 'the will of God' highlights the shift from a self-centered life to one focused on divine purpose. It suggests that the time after conversion should be distinctly different, dedicated to God's will rather than personal desires.

Verse 3: Peter reminds his audience of their past life, characterized by behaviors typical of non-believers ('Gentiles' in this context). The list of vices—licentiousness, passions, etc.—serves as a stark reminder of a life that believers are called to leave behind. It's a call to recognize their past and to understand the stark contrast between their former and current ways of life.

Verse 4: This verse reflects the social challenges faced by early Christians. The change in their lifestyle, marked by abstaining from former practices, often led to surprise and ridicule from their non-Christian peers. The term 'blaspheme' here indicates strong opposition or derision from those who do not understand the transformation in the believers' lives.

Verse 5: Here, Peter introduces the theme of divine judgment. This serves both as a warning to non-believers and a source of comfort to believers, affirming that God will ultimately judge all actions and attitudes, both of the living and the dead.

Verse 6: This verse can be challenging to interpret. The reference to the 'dead' here is often understood as those who are spiritually dead or those who have died before Christ's resurrection. The core message is the universal scope of the Gospel: it offers a way to transcend earthly judgment and live spiritually, aligning with God's eternal nature.

Verse 7: Peter speaks to the imminent expectation of Christ's return, urging believers to live in a state of readiness. Being 'serious' and 'disciplined' particularly in prayer, is emphasized as essential for maintaining a strong spiritual life in anticipation of the end times.

Verse 8: This verse underscores the paramount importance of love within the Christian community. The phrase 'love covers a multitude of sins' suggests that love is redemptive and forgiving, an essential quality for sustaining Christian fellowship. It serves as a summation of the ethical and relational standards expected of believers.

In conclusion, 1 Peter 4:1-8 is a compact yet rich passage that blends theological depth with practical advice. It addresses the transformation expected in a believer's life, the social implications of following Christ, the reality of divine judgment, and the centrality of love in the Christian experience.

Matthew 27:57-66
The Burial of Jesus

Matthew 27:57-66 presents the solemn and poignant events following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This passage opens in the late afternoon of Good Friday, introducing Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who bravely approaches Pontius Pilate to request Jesus' body for burial. The scripture vividly describes Joseph's reverent handling of Jesus' body, wrapping it in a clean linen cloth and placing it in his own new tomb, which had been hewn out of rock. The narrative then shifts to the next day, the day after Preparation Day, where the chief priests and Pharisees, recalling Jesus' prophecy of rising after three days, petition Pilate to secure the tomb. Pilate agrees, leading to the sealing of the tomb and the setting of a guard, in an attempt to prevent Jesus' disciples from stealing the body and falsely claiming his resurrection. This passage encapsulates themes of faith, devotion, and the foreboding tension surrounding Jesus' prophesied resurrection.

27 57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 Therefore command the tomb to be made secure until the third day; otherwise his disciples may go and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception would be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.

Expository Commentary

Verses 57-58 — The Request for Jesus' Body: These verses introduce Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish council. His role is significant as he is a disciple of Jesus, albeit secretly due to fear of persecution. Joseph's approach to Pilate to request Jesus' body demonstrates his courage and devotion. It's noteworthy that Pilate grants this request, which was not a common practice for those crucified, especially for someone accused of treason against Rome.

Verses 59-60 — Jesus' Burial: Joseph takes the body, wraps it in a clean linen cloth, and lays it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. The act of placing Jesus in a new tomb fulfills the prophecy from Isaiah 53:9 about the Messiah being with the rich in his death. The care taken in Jesus' burial contrasts the brutality of his death, symbolizing dignity and respect in the midst of tragedy.

Verse 61 — Mary Magdalene and the Other Mary: The presence of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (possibly the mother of James and Joses) sitting opposite the tomb is significant. Their witness to both the crucifixion and the burial provides important testimony to the events, ensuring continuity and veracity in the resurrection narrative that follows.

Verses 62-64 — The Request to Secure the Tomb: The next day, the chief priests and Pharisees go to Pilate, showing their continued concern about Jesus' influence even after his death. They recall Jesus' prophecy about rising after three days and request the tomb be secured. This is ironic, as Jesus' enemies remember his prophecy while his disciples seem to have forgotten it.

Verses 65-66 — Securing the Tomb: Pilate's response, "You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can," can be interpreted as indifferent, yet permitting. The sealing of the tomb and setting of a guard are attempts to prevent any tampering with the body. Interestingly, these actions inadvertently set the stage for validating the miraculous nature of the resurrection, as the security measures make any deception by the disciples implausible.

Overall, Matthew 27:57-66 lays the groundwork for the resurrection narrative. It shows the fulfillment of prophecy, the devotion of Jesus' followers, and the efforts of the authorities to counteract Jesus' influence, which ultimately serve to reinforce the miracle of the resurrection. This passage is a critical juncture in the Gospel, bridging the sorrow of the crucifixion with the hope of resurrection.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM, aided by ChatGPT. The biblical commentaries provided here are intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes only. The interpretations and insights offered are based on the authors' understanding and perspective of the Bible, which may be influenced by their theological training, denominational background, and personal beliefs.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org