had won. Pilate relented just as they hoped, and the Lamb of God was nailed to a cross. Just hours later, “Jesus said, ‘It is finished’” (John 19:30). The Pharisees did everything they could do to make sure things stayed finished. They persuaded Pilate to place a guard on Jesus’ tomb. Every loose end was tied. The tomb secured. The mouths stopped. It was finally over. Finally finished. Except for one thing. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had