InstaStudy

The Chronology of Christ's Passion and Resurrection

An in-depth study examining the biblical timeline of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, focusing on the various Sabbaths and the fulfillment of prophecy regarding His time in the tomb.

1. Understanding Jewish Sabbaths and Feasts

1.1 The Weekly Sabbath

Verses: Exodus 20:8-10; Leviticus 23:3
  • A commanded day of rest on the seventh day of the week (Saturday).
  • Observed from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.

1.2 Annual High Sabbaths

Verses: Leviticus 23:4-8; John 19:31
  • Special feast days designated as days of complete rest, regardless of the day of the week they fell on.
  • These were distinct from the weekly Sabbath.

1.3 Passover and Unleavened Bread

Verses: Exodus 12:6; Leviticus 23:5-6
  • Passover lamb slain on the 14th of Nisan.
  • The Feast of Unleavened Bread, beginning on the 15th of Nisan, included a High Sabbath on its first day.

2. The Day of Jesus' Crucifixion: 'The Preparation'

2.1 Crucified on 'The Preparation Day'

Verses: Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; John 19:31
  • The Gospels consistently state Jesus was crucified on the day of preparation for a Sabbath.
  • This indicates the day before a day of rest.

2.2 The 'High Day' Sabbath Following Crucifixion

Verses: John 19:31
  • John specifies that the Sabbath immediately following Jesus' crucifixion was a 'high day'.
  • This identifies it as an annual feast Sabbath (the first day of Unleavened Bread), not necessarily the regular weekly Sabbath.

2.3 The Timing of the Passover Meal

Verses: Matthew 26:17-19; John 13:1; John 18:28
  • The Synoptics suggest Jesus ate the Passover meal with His disciples.
  • John indicates the Jewish leaders had not yet eaten the Passover meal when Jesus was crucified, suggesting a crucifixion on the 14th of Nisan, the day of preparation for the 15th (High Sabbath).

3. Fulfilling the 'Three Days and Three Nights' Prophecy

3.1 Jesus' Prophecy of His Time in the Tomb

Verses: Matthew 12:39-40
  • Jesus declared He would be in the heart of the earth for 'three days and three nights,' just as Jonah was in the whale.
  • This requires a full 72-hour period.

3.2 Inadequacy of a Friday-Sunday Timeline

Verses: Matthew 12:40
  • A crucifixion on Friday afternoon and resurrection on Sunday morning does not provide three full days and three full nights in the tomb.
  • This timeline only accounts for two nights and one full day.

3.3 A Wednesday Crucifixion and Saturday Resurrection

Verses: Matthew 12:40; Mark 16:9
  • If Jesus died on a Wednesday afternoon, He would be in the tomb for three nights (Wed, Thu, Fri) and three days (Thu, Fri, Sat), rising late Saturday afternoon/evening.
  • This fulfills the prophecy and allows for the tomb to be found empty early Sunday morning.

4. The Resurrection on the First Day of the Week

4.1 The Empty Tomb Discovered

Verses: Matthew 28:1-2; Mark 16:1-2; Luke 24:1-2; John 20:1
  • The women arrived at the tomb 'early on the first day of the week' and found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
  • Jesus had already risen.

4.2 Jesus' First Appearances

Verses: Mark 16:9; John 20:11-18
  • Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene 'early on the first day of the week,' confirming His resurrection on that day.

4.3 The Significance of the New Day

Verses: Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2
  • The early church gathered for worship and communion on the first day of the week, establishing it as the Lord's Day.
  • This commemorates Christ's resurrection and the new covenant.