The question of when Jesus died is both a matter of historical inquiry and theological reflection. The New Testament Gospels provide us with some details that allow us to approximate the time of Jesus' death. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus' crucifixion took place on a Friday, the day before the Jewish Sabbath, during the Passover festival. To understand the timing more precisely, we need to delve into the Gospel narratives and consider the cultural and historical context in which these events occurred.
Biblical Accounts
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all offer insights into the timeline of Jesus' crucifixion and death. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) provide more specific time markers compared to the Gospel of John.
The Synoptic Gospels
The Gospel of Mark, considered by many scholars to be the earliest written Gospel, provides a detailed timeline. Mark 15:25 states, "It was nine in the morning when they crucified him." This corresponds to the third hour of the Jewish day, which begins at sunrise (approximately 6 a.m.). Mark 15:33-34 further notes, "At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?')." Finally, in Mark 15:37, it is recorded, "With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last."
Matthew and Luke corroborate Mark's timeline. Matthew 27:45-50 and Luke 23:44-46 also describe darkness from noon to 3 p.m. and Jesus' death occurring around the ninth hour (3 p.m.).
The Gospel of John
The Gospel of John offers a slightly different perspective but does not contradict the Synoptic timeline. John 19:14 mentions that Jesus was handed over to be crucified "about noon" on the day of Preparation for the Passover. This has led to some debate among scholars, but it is generally understood that John is emphasizing the theological significance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb rather than providing an exact chronological timeline.
Historical and Cultural Context
Understanding the Jewish reckoning of time is crucial to interpreting these passages accurately. The Jewish day begins at sunset (around 6 p.m.) and is divided into twelve hours of night and twelve hours of daylight. The third hour corresponds to 9 a.m., the sixth hour to noon, and the ninth hour to 3 p.m.
The Passover festival, during which Jesus was crucified, adds another layer of significance. The Passover lambs were typically slaughtered in the afternoon of the 14th day of Nisan (the first month of the Jewish calendar), which would be around 3 p.m. This timing aligns with the Gospel accounts of Jesus' death, symbolically presenting Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
Theological Implications
The timing of Jesus' death is not merely a historical detail but holds deep theological significance. The darkness that fell over the land from noon to 3 p.m. is often interpreted as a sign of God's judgment and the cosmic significance of Jesus' sacrificial death. This period of darkness recalls the plague of darkness in Egypt before the first Passover (Exodus 10:21-23), further linking Jesus' death to the theme of deliverance and redemption.
Moreover, Jesus' cry of abandonment, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34), is a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1. This Psalm, which begins with a cry of despair, ends with a note of triumph and trust in God's deliverance. By quoting this Psalm, Jesus identifies with human suffering and abandonment while also pointing to the ultimate victory and hope found in God.
Scholarly Perspectives
Many scholars have explored the timing of Jesus' death, considering both biblical texts and historical data. In his book "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses," Richard Bauckham emphasizes the importance of eyewitness testimony in the Gospel accounts, lending credibility to the reported timeline. N.T. Wright, in "The Resurrection of the Son of God," discusses the theological implications of Jesus' death and resurrection within the context of first-century Judaism and early Christian belief.
Summary
In summary, the Gospels collectively indicate that Jesus was crucified at around 9 a.m. and died at approximately 3 p.m. on a Friday during the Passover festival. The darkness that covered the land from noon to 3 p.m. underscores the profound significance of this event. The timing aligns with the slaughter of the Passover lambs, highlighting Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb who brings redemption to humanity.
This timeline is not just a historical detail but a profound theological statement. It connects Jesus' death to the larger narrative of God's redemptive work in history, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing a new covenant through His blood. As we reflect on the timing of Jesus' death, we are invited to contemplate the depth of God's love and the transformative power of the cross.
