The Bible does not give a detailed account of where Jesus was and what he was doing during the three days between his death and resurrection. However, based on the scriptural evidence, we can piece together a general timeline and some key events that took place during this important period.
Jesus’ Death
Jesus was crucified on the day of Preparation, just before the Sabbath (Mark 15:42). He died around the ninth hour, or 3 PM (Matthew 27:45-50). After his death, a man named Joseph of Arimathea boldly went to Pilate to request Jesus’ body for burial. Joseph, along with Nicodemus, took Jesus’ body from the cross and wrapped it in linen cloths with spices, in accordance with Jewish burial customs (John 19:38-42). Because it was late in the day and the Sabbath was approaching, Jesus was placed in a nearby tomb that belonged to Joseph of Arimathea (Luke 23:50-53). The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee saw where he was buried (Luke 23:55-56).
Jesus’ Burial
Jesus was buried on the day of Preparation, before the Sabbath began at sunset (Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54). His body was placed in the tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man and member of the Sanhedrin who had become a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 27:57-60). The tomb was located in a garden near the crucifixion site (John 19:41), and likely had never been used before (Luke 23:53). A very large stone was rolled in front of the entrance to seal the tomb (Mark 15:46). Late that evening, the chief priests and Pharisees met with Pilate to request that a guard be placed at the tomb, as they were afraid the disciples would try to steal Jesus’ body and claim he rose from the dead (Matthew 27:62-66). Pilate agreed to secure the tomb, and so they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting a guard (Matthew 27:66).
The Sabbath Day
The next day after Jesus’ crucifixion was the Sabbath day (Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54). On the Sabbath, Jesus’ body remained in the sealed tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, while a group of women observed the tomb from a distance (Luke 23:55-56). The chief priests and Pharisees had secured the site with a guard because they were afraid the disciples would try to steal Jesus’ body (Matthew 27:62-66). The Sabbath day provided a necessary break from the crucifixion events and allowed the disciples time to process their grief and disappointment that their Messiah was dead.
While Jesus’ body lay in the tomb on the Sabbath day, his spirit went and preached to spirits in prison (1 Peter 3:19). This refers to Noah’s day when God waited patiently while Noah built the ark. Only a few people were saved, but Christ preached to those in prison to announce his victory over sin and death (1 Peter 3:20-21).
The Day After the Sabbath
After the Sabbath ended at sunset, the women who had observed the crucifixion went home to prepare spices and ointments to anoint Jesus’ body (Luke 23:56). At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought the spices to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body (Mark 16:1). They wondered how they would move the stone to get into the tomb (Mark 16:3).
Suddenly an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and rolled back the stone from the tomb. The guards were so afraid they became like dead men (Matthew 28:2-4). The women encountered the angel sitting where Jesus’ body had been laid. The angel announced that Jesus had risen from the dead and instructed them to go tell the disciples (Matthew 28:5-7, Mark 16:5-7, Luke 24:5-7).
The women hurried from the tomb in amazement and fear to tell the disciples the good news. Jesus met them on their way and told them again to tell the disciples to go to Galilee where they would see him (Matthew 28:8-10, Mark 16:8). The guards also reported what had happened to the chief priests, who bribed them to lie about the disciples stealing the body (Matthew 28:11-15).
Meanwhile, Peter and John ran to the tomb to see for themselves after hearing the women’s account. They found the tomb empty with the burial cloths left behind. John believed upon seeing the empty tomb (John 20:3-9). Jesus then began appearing to various disciples on that first day: first to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9, John 20:11-18), then to the other women (Matthew 28:9-10), then to two followers on the Emmaus road (Mark 16:12, Luke 24:13-32), and lastly to all the disciples except Thomas (Luke 24:36-43, John 20:19-23).
Summary of the Three Days
In summary, here is what is believed to have happened during the three days between Jesus’ death and resurrection:
- Jesus was crucified and buried on the day of Preparation before the Sabbath
- Jesus’ body remained in the sealed tomb on the Sabbath day
- The women bought burial spices after the Sabbath and prepared them
- Early Sunday morning the women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body
- They found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty
- An angel announced that Jesus had risen from the dead
- The women hurried to tell the disciples the good news
- That same day Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, the other women, two followers on the road to Emmaus, and to the disciples (minus Thomas)
So although Jesus’ body was in the tomb for part of this time, we do not have a precise account of his experiences and activities during the three days between his death and resurrection. The Gospel writers focused instead on bearing witness to his death, burial, empty tomb, and resurrection appearances.
Why This Period Was Significant
This three-day period holds great theological significance for several reasons:
- It fulfilled Jesus’ predictions that he would rise after three days in the tomb (Matthew 12:40, Mark 8:31).
- It allowed time for Jesus to announce his victory over death to captive spirits (1 Peter 3:19).
- It completed his atoning sacrifice for sin on the cross (Romans 4:25, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
- It confirmed the reality and power of his resurrection from the dead (Acts 10:40, 1 Corinthians 15:4).
- It demonstrated his power over death and the grave (Acts 2:24, Ephesians 1:19-20).
Jesus’ resurrection was the central event and absolute proof that he was who he claimed to be – the Son of God and Savior of the world. His emerging from three days in the tomb demonstrated his authority over sin, death, and Satan. The resurrection confirmed his identity as the Messiah and Son of God (Romans 1:4).
Prophecies About Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
The events of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection were the fulfillment of many prophecies written hundreds of years before his birth. Here are some key messianic prophecies related to this three-day period:
- Psalm 16:10 – You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
- Psalm 22 – This entire psalm prophetically describes Jesus’ crucifixion. Verse 1 highlights his cry of despair from the cross.
- Psalm 30:3 – You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.
- Psalm 110:1 – The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” Indicates resurrection and ascension to the Father’s right hand.
- Isaiah 53:9 – He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.
- Jonah 1:17 – Jonah in belly of fish for 3 days foreshadowed Christ’s period in the tomb.
- Hosea 6:2 – After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.
Jesus often predicted that he would suffer, die, and rise again on the third day (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31, Luke 9:22). He referred to the sign of Jonah, who spent three days in the belly of a fish (Matthew 12:39-40). So his resurrection on the third day was a specific fulfillment of messianic prophecy about the coming Messiah.
Theological and Historical Significance
As mentioned above, the three days between Jesus’ death and resurrection hold great theological and historical significance. Here are some key reasons why:
- The resurrection is proof that Jesus is the Son of God and Savior (Romans 1:4).
- It confirms his victory over sin and death on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
- It testifies to his authority and power over all creation (Philippians 2:8-11).
- It provides hope for believers that they too will be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
- It sets Jesus apart as radically different from every other religious leader or philosopher.
- It prompted the growth and spread of the early church (Acts 2).
- All four Gospels devote extensive space to Jesus’ death, burial, empty tomb, and resurrection appearances.
Without the resurrection, Jesus’ death would have been meaningless. As Paul states, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). The resurrection reversed the curse of death brought by Adam’s sin and provided spiritual life for all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:21-22). It authenticated Jesus’ claims and set in motion the ultimate victory over Satan, sin, and death.
Appearances of the Risen Christ
Jesus appeared to many different people over a 40-day period following his resurrection, providing convincing proof he had risen from the dead. Here are some of his key post-resurrection appearances:
- To Mary Magdalene at the tomb (Mark 16:9-11, John 20:11-18)
- To the other women returning from the tomb (Matthew 28:9-10)
- To Peter later in the day (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5)
- To two disciples on the Emmaus Road (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-32)
- To 10 of the apostles, Thomas absent, on Sunday evening (Mark 16:14, Luke 24:36-43, John 20:19-23)
- To all 11 apostles, including Thomas, 8 days later (John 20:26-29)
- To 7 disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14)
- To 500 followers on a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20, 1 Corinthians 15:6)
- To James (1 Corinthians 15:7)
- To 11 disciples at his ascension (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:3-11)
The varied circumstances, locations, and people involved in these resurrection appearances add to their historical credibility. Their extraordinary transformation following seeing the risen Christ confirms the reality of his resurrection.
Impact on the Disciples
The period between Jesus’ death and resurrection had a tremendous impact on the lives of his disciples. Here are some key ways they were affected:
- Grief and despair – They were devastated at the death of their Messiah (John 16:20-22).
- Fear and hiding – They feared for their lives and hid from the authorities (John 20:19).
- Confusion and unbelief – They did not expect or understand Jesus’ resurrection at first (Mark 16:11, Luke 24:11).
- Shock and amazement – The tomb being empty and Jesus appearing to them was shocking (Luke 24:41).
- Joy and relief – They were overjoyed to see Jesus alive again (John 20:20).
- Commissioned to ministry – Jesus sent them out to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).
The disciples went from the depths of despair at the crucifixion to the heights of joy, relief, and empowerment because of the resurrection. They were transformed into bold witnesses and proclaimers of the risen Christ (Acts 4:33).
Significance for Believers Today
This three-day period has tremendous implications for believers today. Here are some of the key meanings for Christians:
- Assurance of forgiveness and freedom from sin through the cross.
- Confidence in Jesus’ power over death and victory over Satan.
- Hope in our future resurrection and eternal life because he lives.
- Motivation to share the amazing news with others.
- Reason to worship Jesus for who he is and what he has done.
- Comfort that Christ intercedes for us as he did for the captives.
- Inspiration to persevere in suffering and trial because of his proven faithfulness.
Because Christ rose from the dead, believers can live with hope, purpose, and confidence that this life is not the end. We can trust him to bring us safely through death to resurrection and eternal life with him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The resurrection is the basis for the Christian faith and provides an anchor for life and eternity.
Conclusion
The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ form the central event in redemptive history. His emergence from the tomb on the third day validated his identity as the Son of God, completed his atoning work, demonstrated his authority over Satan and death, and provided the basis for salvation through faith in him. The good news of Christ’s resurrection transformed the apostles into bold proclaimers of the gospel and offers hope to all who trust in him. The resurrection is the foundation and cornerstone of the Christian faith, equipping followers of Jesus to live with radical hope and confidence.
