The Bible does not speak directly as to what was happening on the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We know this was a period of waiting for the followers of Jesus. Luke tells us, Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate asking for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. (Luke 23:52-54)The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. (Luke 23:55-56)
John writes, On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders (John 20:19). We can assume the disciples were also together on that Saturday, no doubt discussing among themselves all that had taken place, as was the case the next day with Jesus' followers on the road to Emmaus who were talking with each other about everything that had happened (Luke 24:14).
Were they speaking of the hope of the resurrection? It seems more likely they were lost in their grief and sorrow, disappointment and fear. Yes, Jesus had told them, On the third day he will rise again (Luke 18:33), but that message appears not to have registered with them; their Master was gone and understanding would come slowly.
We have the advantage of looking back and knowing, Sunday is coming, but I encourage you on this day to feel the reality of Jesus' death; to know that our Lord experienced death in all its fulness, He was rejected and forsaken, cut off from the living. The Bible says, he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9). BUT...God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him (Acts 2:24). This is our hope, in this we rejoice!
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay.
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Acts 2:26-28 Psalm 16:9-11