John 19:14

If Jesus was crucified on Friday, how could He have been in the grave three days and nights?

PROBLEM: Christ rose on Sunday (Matthew 28:1), but He stated that He would be “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” If Christ was crucified on Friday, how could He have been three days and three nights in the earth and rise on Sunday only two days later?”

First, the phrase “day and night” does not necessarily mean a complete 24 hour period. The psalmist’s reference to meditating “day and night” on God’s Word does not mean one has to read the Bible all day and all night (Psalms 1:2).

Third, Jesus used the phrase “on the third day” to describe the time of His resurrection after His crucifixion (Matthew 16:21; Matthew 17:23; Matthew 20:19; cf. 26:61). But, “ on the third day” cannot mean “ after three days” which 72 hours demands. On the other hand, the phrase “on the third day” or “three days and nights” can be understood to mean within three days and nights.

Fourth, this view fits best with the chronological order of events as given by Mark (cf. 14:1), as well as the fact that Jesus died on Passover day (Friday) to fulfill the conditions of being our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7; cf. Leviticus 23:5-15).

JOHN 19:14 — Was Jesus crucified on Friday?

(See discussion on Matthew 12:40.)

JOHN 19:14 — What time was Jesus placed on the cross?

(See comments on Mark 15:25)