Many questions arise this time every year as Easter approaches: Why do we call it “Good Friday” if it’s the day our Savior died? Why do we claim Jesus was buried then rose again three days later when there are only two days between Friday and Sunday… when we celebrate His resurrection?
No clocks existed to tick away the minutes and hours in the time that Jesus lived on earth. No calendars hung on the walls to keep track of the days, weeks, and months. Standardized time did not exist in the USA or Europe until the 19th century (1850s). Time was calculated either by the movement of the sun or the changing of the moon. The Jews considered one day to be from one sunset to the next. A new day began after sunset. Knowing this, let’s look at scripture to find our answer.
Friday was referred to as the ‘day of preparation.’ As for why we call it Good Friday, it was the day death was defeated and our bondage of sin was broken. Jesus paid the cost for our salvation, by taking the punishment for us on the cross at Calvary. For the first time, men were given free access to God the Father through accepting His Son, Jesus, as our Lord and Savior.
Matthew 27: 62 Now the next day, that followed the day of preparation (Saturday/Sabbath), the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate.
Matthew 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
Mark 16: 1-2 …when the sabbath had passed. 2 …very early in the morning the first day of the week (Sunday) they came to the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
Luke 24: 1 …upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning.
John 20: 1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was still dark.
According to the UMC, United Methodist Communications, the three days went as follows:
Thursday evening: The Last Supper and the Great Commandment. After sundown marks the beginning of the first day. Jesus is arrested and tried.
Friday morning: First day continues. Jesus is crucified, removed from the cross, and buried.
Friday sundown: Second day begins.
Saturday, sunrise to sunset: Jesus lies in the tomb.
Saturday at sundown: Third day begins.
Sunday morning: Third day continues and Jesus is raised from the dead.
In the Christian World View, BreakPoint, I read: “In the first century Jewish mind, part of a day counted as a whole day. So, because Jesus was buried on Friday evening and rose on Sunday morning, He was in the tomb for 3 days and 3 nights, by Jewish reckoning. By Modern reckoning, He was in the tomb only one full day, Saturday, the Sabbath.” God’s proclaimed day of rest.
How we measure time has changed, but God’s truth remains the same. Time also is a fleeting thing, and running out quickly for some of us…so let’s not waste it. As we remember His sacrifice on Good Friday and celebrate His resurrection on Sunday, let us reach out to those who still need to hear the good news. He has risen and lives in the hearts of all who know Him! According to Him, today is the day of salvation. Happy Easter!