Was Christ crucified on Thursday or Friday? This question has intrigued scholars, theologians, and believers for centuries. The answer to this question not only holds significant implications for the understanding of Jesus’ crucifixion but also affects the calculation of important Christian holidays, such as Easter. In this article, we will explore the various viewpoints and historical evidence to determine the day of Jesus’ crucifixion.
The Bible does not explicitly state the exact day of Jesus’ crucifixion. However, there are several pieces of evidence that can help us arrive at a plausible conclusion. One of the most compelling arguments in favor of Jesus being crucified on Friday comes from the Gospel accounts. In Matthew 27:62-66, the Pharisees ask Pilate to have the tomb sealed and a guard posted, fearing that Jesus’ disciples might steal the body and claim He had risen from the dead before the Sabbath. This implies that the crucifixion occurred on a Friday, as the Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday.
Another piece of evidence is found in John 19:31, where it states that the Jews asked Pilate to break the legs of the crucified men to ensure they would not remain on the crosses over the Sabbath. This would have been unnecessary if the crucifixion had taken place on Thursday, as the Sabbath would have already begun by then.
Furthermore, the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) indicate that Jesus was crucified on the day before the Passover, which was on a Friday. In John 19:14, it is mentioned that it was Preparation Day for the Passover, and Jesus was crucified between the third and the sixth hour of that day.
On the other hand, some scholars argue that Jesus was crucified on Thursday. This viewpoint is based on the Jewish tradition that the Passover lamb was chosen and killed on the 14th day of Nisan, which would have been a Thursday. Additionally, the Synoptic Gospels describe the Last Supper as a Passover meal, suggesting that it took place on the 14th of Nisan, which would have been a Thursday.
Despite the various arguments, it is essential to note that the exact day of Jesus’ crucifixion may never be known with absolute certainty. The historical evidence is not conclusive, and different interpretations of the biblical accounts exist. However, the majority of scholars and Christians accept that Jesus was crucified on Friday, based on the Synoptic Gospels and the Jewish tradition of the Passover lamb being killed on the 14th of Nisan.
In conclusion, while the question of whether Jesus was crucified on Thursday or Friday remains a topic of debate, the evidence and interpretations of the biblical accounts suggest that He was crucified on Friday. This day marks a pivotal moment in Christian history and is commemorated as Good Friday, a day of reflection and remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity.
