When did Jesus die in the Bible? This is a question that has intrigued Christians and scholars for centuries. The Bible provides several clues about the exact date of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, which are central to Christian faith and theology.
The New Testament, specifically the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, recount the events surrounding Jesus’ death. According to these accounts, Jesus was crucified on the Friday before the Jewish Passover, which was a day of celebration and remembrance of the Exodus. The Passover feast typically began on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nisan, which corresponds to April in the Gregorian calendar.
The synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) indicate that Jesus was crucified on a Friday, which would have been the 14th day of Nisan. This date is based on the lunar calendar used by the Jews at the time. Since the Jewish calendar is based on the phases of the moon, it is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
The Gospel of John, however, presents a slightly different perspective. John suggests that Jesus was crucified on the day before the Passover, which would make it the 15th day of Nisan. This discrepancy between the synoptic Gospels and John’s account has led to various interpretations and debates among scholars.
Regardless of the exact date, the Bible consistently portrays Jesus’ death as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The Book of Isaiah, for example, contains several prophecies that Christians believe foretell Jesus’ crucifixion, such as Isaiah 53:5, which reads, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
The Bible also emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection in the context of salvation history. Christians believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection were necessary for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. The resurrection of Jesus is seen as a proof of His divinity and a source of hope for believers.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not provide a specific year for Jesus’ death, it is widely accepted that He was crucified on a Friday, the 14th or 15th day of Nisan, which corresponds to April in the Gregorian calendar. This event is of paramount importance in Christian theology, as it symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.
