What day does the author believe Jesus was crucified? This question has intrigued scholars, theologians, and Christians for centuries. The Bible provides various accounts of the events leading up to and following Jesus’ crucifixion, but it is not entirely clear on the exact day. This article aims to explore the different perspectives and evidence surrounding this enigmatic topic.
The most widely accepted view among scholars is that Jesus was crucified on Friday, which is also known as Good Friday. This belief is primarily based on the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and the Gospel of John. These accounts indicate that Jesus was crucified on the day before the Jewish Sabbath, which would be Friday according to the Jewish calendar.
One of the key pieces of evidence supporting this view is the narrative of the Last Supper. The Gospels describe how Jesus and his disciples ate the Passover meal on the evening before his crucifixion. The Passover meal traditionally takes place on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Nisan, which corresponds to the 15th day according to the Gregorian calendar. Since the Passover meal was held on the evening before the crucifixion, it is logical to conclude that the crucifixion occurred on the following day, Friday.
Another piece of evidence comes from the Synoptic Gospels, which describe how Jesus was crucified at the third hour (9:00 AM) and died at the ninth hour (3:00 PM). This timeline aligns with the Jewish practice of dividing the day into hours, with the third hour being 9:00 AM and the ninth hour being 3:00 PM. The fact that Jesus was crucified during these hours further supports the belief that he was crucified on Friday.
However, some scholars argue that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday. This view is based on the Gospel of John, which suggests that Jesus was buried on the day before the Sabbath, which would be Wednesday according to the Jewish calendar. The argument is that Jesus was resurrected on Sunday, which would make Wednesday the day of his crucifixion.
Another perspective is that Jesus was crucified on Thursday. This view is supported by some early Christian writings, such as the Didache and the Epistle to the Hebrews. These writings suggest that Jesus was crucified on Thursday, with his resurrection occurring on Sunday.
Despite the various viewpoints, the majority of scholars and Christians agree that Jesus was crucified on Friday. The evidence from the Gospels, along with the Jewish practices of the time, strongly supports this conclusion. While the exact day may remain a matter of debate, the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection is not in question. It is a pivotal event in Christian theology and the foundation of the faith.
