Luke 23:56 in the King James Version reads, “And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.” This verse is a small but significant part of the narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.

In this verse, Luke describes the actions of a group of women who had been followers of Jesus. These women had witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and death, and they had followed Joseph of Arimathea as he took Jesus’ body down from the cross and laid it in a tomb. After seeing where Jesus was buried, the women went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint the body of Jesus. The verse concludes with the women resting on the Sabbath day, in obedience to the commandment to keep the Sabbath.

This verse is filled with important themes and meaningful symbolism that are worth exploring and reflecting on. One of the key themes in this verse is the deep love and devotion of Jesus’ followers. Despite the trauma and sorrow they had experienced in witnessing the crucifixion of their beloved teacher and friend, these women were determined to honor Jesus in death as they had in life. Their actions demonstrate a deep commitment to Jesus and a refusal to allow his memory to be forgotten or dishonored.

Another important theme in this verse is the fulfillment of prophecy and the faithfulness of God. The actions of the women in preparing spices and ointments for Jesus’ body align with the Jewish burial customs of the time. It also fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament, particularly Isaiah 53:9 which says, “And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.” By being laid in a tomb and anointed with spices, Jesus’ burial fulfilled these prophetic promises, underscoring the faithfulness of God to His word and His covenant with His people.

The Sabbath rest observed by the women also carries important symbolic meaning. The Sabbath was a central part of Jewish religious observance, commemorating the day when God rested after creating the world. It was a day of rest, reflection, and worship. By resting on the Sabbath, the women were showing their obedience to God’s commandments and acknowledging His sovereignty even in the midst of the grief and confusion following Jesus’ death. It also symbolizes a period of waiting and anticipation, as the women’s actions foreshadow the events of the following day when they would return to the tomb to find it empty and encounter the resurrected Jesus.

The women’s actions in this verse also serve as a reminder of Jesus’ teachings about the importance of remembering and honoring those who have passed away. In preparing spices and ointments for Jesus’ body, the women were engaging in a sacred act of remembrance and honoring the dignity of Jesus’ humanity, even in death. Their willingness to engage in this laborious and emotionally taxing task is a powerful testament to their love and respect for Jesus.

In conclusion, while Luke 23:56 may seem like a small and mundane detail in the larger story of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, it is rich with themes and symbolism that speak to the deep love and devotion of Jesus’ followers, the fulfillment of prophecy, the faithfulness of God, the observance of Sabbath rest, and the importance of honoring the memory of the departed. It invites us to reflect on our own commitment to Jesus, our faith in God’s promises, and our willingness to remember and honor those who have passed away. This verse challenges us to consider how we can emulate the love and devotion of the women who prepared spices and ointments for Jesus, and how we can live out the message of hope and resurrection that is at the heart of the Christian faith.