Understanding the Timeline of Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection

It’s one of those questions that naturally pops up when reading the Gospel accounts—If Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday, how does that make three days and three nights? At first glance, it seems like a contradiction. But when we step into the shoes of a first-century Jewish observer and read the Scriptures in context, the mystery begins to unravel.

Let’s take a thoughtful journey through the events of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, and uncover how the timeline not only makes sense—but magnifies the beauty of God’s plan.

The Bible’s Timeline: What Do the Gospels Say?

Jesus Was Crucified on a Friday

All four Gospels point to the same day: Jesus was crucified on the day of Preparation, which is the day before the Sabbath (Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, John 19:31). In Jewish tradition, that’s Friday, because the Sabbath begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown Saturday.

“It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was about to begin.” —Luke 23:54

So yes, Jesus died on Good Friday, nailed to the cross and laid in a tomb before the sun went down.

He Rose on the First Day of the Week

The Gospels also agree that Jesus’ tomb was found empty on Sunday morning—the first day of the week:

• “Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb…” (Mark 16:2)
• “Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early…” (John 20:1)

The angel’s words still echo through time: “He is not here; He has risen.” (Luke 24:6)

So far, we know:

• Jesus died on Friday (Preparation Day)
• He was buried before sundown
• He rose early on Sunday morning

So… where are the three days and nights?

Jewish Reckoning of Time: A Different Clock

Part of a Day Counts as a Whole Day

Here’s where we need to shift perspectives. In Jewish culture, any part of a day was considered a full day and night—this is crucial for understanding the timeline.

Think of it this way:

• Friday (Day 1): Jesus died around 3 p.m. and was buried before sunset. That evening marks the start of the next day in Jewish timekeeping.
• Saturday (Day 2): Jesus remained in the tomb throughout the Sabbath.
• Sunday (Day 3): Before dawn, Jesus rose from the grave.

So while it may not have been three 24-hour days, it was three separate days in the Jewish mind: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

What Did Jesus Mean by “Three Days and Three Nights?

Jesus used a powerful image to describe His burial:

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” —Matthew 12:40

This wasn’t a mathematical equation—it was a Jewish idiom. “Three days and three nights” simply meant a span that touched parts of three days, not exactly 72 hours. Just like we might say today, “I’ll see you in a couple of days,” and mean 36 hours or so.

It was understood figuratively, not rigidly. So, Jesus was perfectly accurate, and so was Scripture.

Clearing Up Common Misunderstandings

Was It Really Only Two Nights?

A literalist approach might insist on three complete nights in the tomb—but again, first-century Jews didn’t think that way. What mattered was that His time in the tomb spanned across three calendar days, not the number of sunsets and sunrises.

Could Jesus Have Died on a Wednesday or Thursday Instead?

Some argue that Jesus must have been crucified on a Wednesday or Thursday to allow for a literal 72-hour burial. But this theory doesn’t hold up to the Gospel evidence:

• The Gospels explicitly place His death on the day of Preparation (Friday).
• The early church consistently observed Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
• Paul affirms in 1 Corinthians 15:4 that Jesus rose on the third day, not after three full days.

What About Two Sabbaths in That Week?

Some point to John 19:31, which refers to a special Sabbath:

“Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath.”

This likely refers to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which sometimes fell on a weekday. But even with that additional Sabbath, the crucifixion timeline still centers around Friday (Preparation Day) as the day of Jesus’ death.

More Clues from Scripture

Jesus repeatedly said He would rise on the third day:

• “On the third day He will rise.” —Matthew 16:21
• “It is the third day since all this took place.” —Luke 24:21
• “He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” —1 Corinthians 15:4

If Jesus had been buried for three full days and nights, He would have risen on the fourth day. But all of Scripture—and early church tradition—points to the third day: Sunday.

A Divine Symphony of Fulfillment

This wasn’t about counting hours—it was about fulfilling prophecy.

Jesus died during Passover, fulfilling His role as the Passover Lamb. He rested in the tomb during the Sabbath, and He rose on the first day of the week, symbolizing new life and new creation.

When Questions Strengthen Our Faith

So, if Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday, how is that three days? Once we understand the Jewish context, the language of the Gospels, and the fulfillment of prophecy, it all lines up. No need to force a modern timeline onto an ancient story. It’s not a contradiction—it’s a confirmation.

Jesus was indeed crucified on a Friday, laid in the tomb, and rose on the third day, just as He promised. And that truth changes everything.

Let’s Keep Digging into Truth Together

At Educate for Life, we believe questions like these are not threats to faith—they’re invitations to grow deeper. If you’re wrestling with how to explain this to your kids, your students, or even yourself, we’re here for you.

Reach out today and explore more resources that ground your faith in truth and evidence.