New Testament
Luke 23:56
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Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments. But when the Sabbath came, they rested as the commandment required.
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And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
What Luke 23:56 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, after the crucifixion of Jesus, the women who had followed Him returned home to prepare spices and ointments for His body. This was a customary practice to honor the dead. However, they did not proceed with their plans immediately because the Sabbath had begun, a day of rest as commanded in the Jewish law. This shows their respect for both Jesus and the religious traditions they followed. The mention of the Sabbath highlights the importance of rest and obedience to God's commandments, even in times of grief. The women were dedicated to their task but also recognized the need to observe the Sabbath, demonstrating their faithfulness and commitment to God's laws. Their actions reflect a balance between honoring the deceased and adhering to religious practices, illustrating the significance of both in their lives.
How to apply Luke 23:56 to your life
This verse encourages us to honor our commitments and traditions while also recognizing the importance of rest and reflection. In our busy lives, we should find time to pause and observe moments of rest, allowing ourselves to recharge spiritually and emotionally, just as the women did after Jesus' death.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Burial (Luke 23:50–56)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 23:56
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 23:56 teach about the Sabbath?
Luke 23:56 emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath as a day of rest, even in times of grief. The women who followed Jesus prepared spices for His body but chose to wait until after the Sabbath to continue their preparations. This shows their commitment to God's commandments and highlights the significance of taking time to rest and reflect, regardless of personal circumstances.
Why did the women prepare spices and ointments?
The women prepared spices and ointments for Jesus' body as part of the Jewish burial customs to honor the deceased. This act reflects their love and respect for Jesus, as well as their desire to fulfill traditional practices associated with mourning and burial.
How does this verse relate to grief and mourning?
Luke 23:56 illustrates how the women balanced their grief over Jesus' death with their adherence to religious practices. Their decision to prepare spices shows their sorrow, while their observance of the Sabbath highlights the importance of taking time to rest and reflect during difficult times, demonstrating a holistic approach to mourning.
What can we learn about faithfulness from this verse?
This verse teaches us about faithfulness in observing God's commandments. The women showed their dedication not only to Jesus but also to the traditions of their faith by preparing for His burial while respecting the Sabbath. Their actions encourage us to remain committed to our values and responsibilities, even in challenging situations.
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