If Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday how is that 3 days
One of the most discussed topics among theologians, scholars, and believers is the timeline of Jesus’ death and resurrection. According to the Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified on a Friday and rose from the dead on the following Sunday. However, many wonder how this period can be interpreted as “three days” in light of modern understanding. This apparent discrepancy raises questions and opens the door for an in-depth exploration of cultural, historical, and linguistic contexts that shaped the Gospel narratives.
This article will explore the timeline of Jesus’ death and resurrection, examine possible interpretations of “three days,” and consider the implications for understanding this cornerstone event in Christian theology.
1. The Gospel Accounts of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John offer slightly different narratives about the death and resurrection of Jesus. However, they all agree on certain key points:
Crucifixion on Friday:
Jesus was crucified and died on the day of preparation for the Sabbath, commonly understood to be a Friday (Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, John 19:31).
Resurrection on Sunday:
Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, which corresponds to Sunday (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, John 20:1).
The problem arises in reconciling this timeline with Jesus’ prophecy that he would be “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth,” similar to Jonah’s experience (Matthew 12:40). How does Friday afternoon to Sunday morning account for three days?
2. Understanding the Jewish Reckoning of Time
A critical aspect of solving this puzzle lies in understanding how time was reckoned in the Jewish culture of the first century:
Inclusive Counting:
In ancient Jewish tradition, any part of a day was counted as a full day. This method of counting is referred to as “inclusive reckoning.” For instance, if an event started on the afternoon of one day and concluded on the morning of the next, both days would be counted.
Day and Night Cycles:
The Jewish day started at sunset, not midnight as in the modern-day Gregorian calendar. This concept means that the day began with the evening and was followed by the morning (Genesis 1:5). Therefore, Friday would start on Thursday evening and end on Friday evening.
Applying these cultural understandings helps explain the three days:
- Friday (Day 1): Jesus is crucified and buried before the Sabbath begins at sunset. Thus, Friday counts as the first day.
- Saturday (Day 2): The Sabbath day, from Friday evening to Saturday evening, is the second day.
- Sunday (Day 3): The third day begins Saturday evening and continues until Sunday evening. Jesus’ resurrection is discovered early Sunday morning.
From a Jewish perspective, this timeframe constitutes three days: Friday (part of the day), Saturday (full day), and Sunday (part of the day).
3. Scriptural Interpretations and Expressions
Biblical language often uses expressions that can be puzzling to a modern reader. Several examples in the Bible illustrate how different periods are referred to, offering context to the “three days” discussion:
“After Three Days” vs. “On the Third Day”:
The Gospels use both phrases to describe the resurrection timeline. For instance, Mark 8:31 states that Jesus would rise “after three days,” while Luke 9:22 says, “on the third day.” This inconsistency reflects flexible language use, emphasizing the resurrection’s fulfillment rather than a literal 72-hour count.
Jonah’s Example:
Jesus compared his time in the grave to Jonah’s three days and nights in the belly of the fish (Matthew 12:40). Jonah’s experience is a symbolic foreshadowing rather than a literal timetable, underscoring the importance of resurrection as the sign of Jesus’ divine mission.
4. Different Theological Interpretations
Various theological interpretations have been offered to reconcile the timeline:
Literal Interpretation:
Some scholars and believers hold to a literal interpretation, suggesting that Jesus was crucified earlier in the week, such as on a Wednesday or Thursday, to allow for a full three days and nights. This view seeks to maintain strict adherence to the prophecy’s wording but lacks strong support from the Gospel accounts.
Symbolic Interpretation:
Many theologians argue that the phrase “three days and three nights” is a Hebrew idiom, a symbolic expression rather than a precise measure. In Jewish thought, three days represented a significant period sufficient for confirming death. This symbolic understanding aligns with ancient cultural expressions and resonates with the resurrection’s theological significance.
Typological Interpretation:
The resurrection’s timeline is often seen typologically, connecting Old Testament events with New Testament fulfillment. Jesus’ three-day prophecy and Jonah’s ordeal emphasize continuity in God’s salvation plan, reinforcing Jesus’ role as the ultimate redeemer.
5. Early Christian Understanding
The early Christian community, comprising mostly Jews, did not express confusion over the “three days” language. This acceptance indicates that early believers understood the idiom’s cultural significance. The resurrection’s celebration on Sunday, known as the Lord’s Day, became central to Christian worship, demonstrating the timeline’s theological clarity to early Christians.
6. Theological Significance of the Three Days
The concept of three days holds profound theological importance beyond the literal timeframe:
Sign of Divine Authority:
Jesus’ resurrection on the third day fulfills His prophecy, validating His divine authority and messianic identity. The “three days” emphasize that Jesus is the prophesied savior, fulfilling God’s redemptive plan.
Victory Over Death:
The third-day resurrection signifies victory over death and evil, a central theme in Christian theology. The resurrection offers hope and assurance of eternal life to believers, affirming the promise of resurrection for all who follow Christ.
New Creation:
The third day marks a new beginning, symbolizing a new creation. Just as God created light on the third day of creation, Jesus’ resurrection brings light to a fallen world, inaugurating the new covenant.
7. The Role of Sabbath and Sunday
Understanding the significance of the Sabbath and the first day of the week, Sunday provides further insight into the timeline:
Sabbath Rest:
Jesus’ rest in the tomb on the Sabbath echoes the creation narrative, where God rested on the seventh day. Jesus’ Sabbath rest symbolizes the completion of His redemptive work, fulfilling the Law.
Resurrection and New Beginnings:
The resurrection on Sunday, the first day of the week, signifies a new beginning, marking a transition from the old covenant to the new. This day, known as the Lord’s Day, became central to Christian worship, celebrating the new life in Christ.
8. Scholarly Perspectives
Scholars have approached the three days issue from various perspectives, including historical, linguistic, and cultural:
Historical Analysis:
Historians examine the crucifixion and resurrection timelines within the broader context of first-century Palestine, considering Roman, Jewish, and early Christian sources. The consistency of Gospel accounts with Jewish timekeeping supports the inclusive reckoning interpretation.
Linguistic Studies:
Linguists analyze the idiomatic expressions in Hebrew and Greek, showing that “three days and three nights” is a flexible phrase not confined to a literal 72-hour period. This idiomatic usage aligns with the resurrection’s theological emphasis.
Cultural Context:
Cultural studies highlight how ancient Jewish thought and customs shaped timekeeping and narrative expressions. The inclusive reckoning method aligns with Jewish traditions, where part of a day is counted as a whole day.
9. Practical Implications for Faith
Understanding the three days’ timeline has practical implications for Christian faith and practice:
Strengthening Faith:
Resolving apparent contradictions in Gospel narratives strengthens believers’ faith, affirming the resurrection’s historical and theological truth.
Easter Celebration:
The celebration of Easter, commemorating the resurrection, gains deeper meaning when understood within its historical and cultural context, emphasizing the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy.
Biblical Interpretation:
The discussion encourages careful biblical interpretation, recognizing the importance of cultural, historical, and linguistic contexts in understanding Scripture.
Conclusion
The question of how Jesus’ death and resurrection align with the “three days” prophecy is a rich topic that invites deeper exploration of biblical, cultural, and theological contexts. By understanding the Jewish method of inclusive reckoning and the symbolic use of language, the timeline becomes clear and consistent with the Gospel accounts.
The resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith, transcends the literal counting of days, embodying profound theological truths about God’s redemptive plan, the victory over death, and the promise of new life. As believers reflect on these events, they are invited into a deeper understanding of God’s love and the hope found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.