What Day Did Jesus Die and Rise Again? A Biblical and Historical Perspective

For over two millennia, Christians around the world have commemorated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, events that are central to the Christian faith. But what day did Jesus actually die? And on what day did He rise again?

These questions are not only spiritually important but also historically intriguing. In this blog post, we’ll explore the timeline of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, based on biblical accounts and historical understanding, and clarify the meaning behind Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

What Day Did Jesus Die?

Jesus Died on a Friday — Commonly Known as Good Friday

According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified the day before the Sabbath, which in Jewish tradition begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday. This places His death on a Friday.

Key Bible Verses Supporting a Friday Crucifixion:

Mark 15:42 – "It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath)..."
John 19:31 – "Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there."

The term “Preparation Day” refers to the day before the Sabbath — Friday. Thus, Jesus was crucified and died on Friday afternoon, around 3 p.m., which aligns with the Jewish preparation for the Sabbath.

What Day Did Jesus Rise Again?

Jesus Rose on a Sunday — Celebrated as Easter Sunday

The Gospels agree that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. This is why Christians celebrate Easter Sunday as the day of the Resurrection of Christ.

Key Bible Verses Supporting a Sunday Resurrection:

Matthew 28:1-6 – "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb... He is not here; He has risen!"
Mark 16:2 – "Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb..."

The Resurrection Timeline:

Friday: Jesus dies and is buried before sunset.
Saturday: Jesus remains in the tomb — the Sabbath.
Sunday morning: Jesus rises from the dead.

How Do Friday to Sunday Add Up to “Three Days”?

One of the most common questions people ask is: “How is it three days if Jesus died Friday and rose on Sunday?”

Biblical Interpretation of “Three Days”:

In Jewish culture, any part of a day was considered a full day. Therefore:

Friday (day 1) – Jesus died and was buried.
Saturday (day 2) – Jesus was in the tomb.
Sunday (day 3) – Jesus rose from the dead.

This understanding satisfies Jesus' prophecy:

“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

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding the timeline of Jesus’ death and resurrection deepens our appreciation of the Gospel message. It connects Christians today with the real historical events that form the foundation of their faith.

Good Friday reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus made.
Easter Sunday celebrates the victory over death and sin, offering hope of eternal life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Jesus really crucified on Friday?

Yes. All four Gospels reference the crucifixion occurring on the day before the Sabbath, which is Friday in the Jewish week.

Could Jesus have died on a Thursday or Wednesday?

Some scholars propose alternate theories (e.g., Wednesday crucifixion) to reconcile a literal 72-hour interpretation of “three days and three nights,” but the traditional view of Friday to Sunday remains the most widely accepted by biblical scholars and the early Church.

Why is it called “Good Friday” if it commemorates Jesus’ death?

The term “Good” likely evolved from “God’s Friday” or reflects the good that came from Jesus’ sacrifice — the redemption of humankind.

Conclusion

To summarize:

Jesus died on Good Friday, likely around 3 p.m.
Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, early in the morning.
The time between His death and resurrection is traditionally referred to as “three days,” understood through Jewish reckoning of days.

This Holy Week timeline is more than just a historical marker — it’s a reminder of God’s love, sacrifice, and promise of new life.