The question "What happened to Jesus during the three days of His death?" is one that has intrigued Christians, theologians, and scholars for centuries. While the Bible offers a clear account of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, the details of what transpired during those three days remain a subject of deep interest and mystery. In this blog post, we will explore the biblical perspective on Jesus’ activities during these three days and why this part of the Passion narrative holds great significance for the Christian faith.
1. Jesus’ Death and Burial: A Brief Overview
Before delving into what happened during the three days, it’s essential to review the events surrounding Jesus’ death and burial. According to the Gospels, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, around the ninth hour (3:00 PM). After His death, His body was taken down from the cross, wrapped in a linen cloth, and placed in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57-60, Mark 15:40-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:31-37).
2. The First Day: Jesus' Soul Departed
The first day of Jesus' death was marked by His soul departing from His physical body. The moment Jesus died, He cried out, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46). His body lay in the tomb, but His soul was no longer present in the physical world. This moment is significant because it highlights the separation between the spirit and the body, a temporary state that would be reversed upon His resurrection.
During this time, Jesus’ soul was not simply in a state of rest. The Bible teaches that He went to a specific place called Hades or Sheol, which was divided into two sections: the bosom of Abraham (or Paradise), where the righteous dead waited for the Messiah, and the place of torment for the unrighteous (Luke 16:22-26). Jesus' purpose in going there was to declare His victory over death and sin, and to proclaim the good news of salvation to those who had died before His earthly ministry.
3. Jesus' Proclamation to the Spirits in Prison
1 Peter 3:18-20 gives us a glimpse into what happened during this time, stating:
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water." (1 Peter 3:18-20 KJV)
This passage suggests that Jesus, during His time in Hades, preached to the "spirits in prison" – those who were disobedient in the days of Noah. Some scholars believe that this proclamation was a declaration of Jesus’ victory, while others suggest it was an opportunity for repentance. Either way, this is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ dominion over all realms, including death and hell.
4. The Second Day: Jesus in the Tomb
On the second day, Jesus’ body remained in the tomb, as was customary according to Jewish burial practices. The Gospel writers emphasize that the tomb was securely sealed, and Roman guards were stationed outside to prevent any tampering or theft of the body (Matthew 27:62-66).
While His body lay in the tomb, Jesus' followers were grieving, and His disciples were hiding in fear. This was a time of intense sorrow and uncertainty, as even those closest to Jesus had not fully understood or grasped the significance of His death. Yet, it was all part of God's divine plan.
5. The Third Day: Jesus’ Resurrection and Victory Over Death
On the third day, the most pivotal event in Christianity occurred: the resurrection. Early on Sunday morning, women followers of Jesus, including Mary Magdalene, discovered that the stone had been rolled away, and the tomb was empty (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18).
Jesus had risen from the dead, fulfilling the prophecy that He would rise again on the third day (Matthew 16:21, Luke 24:46). This victory over death proved that Jesus was indeed the Son of God and that His sacrifice for the sins of humanity had been accepted by the Father. His resurrection was the ultimate confirmation of His divinity and the foundation of Christian hope.
6. Theological Significance of the Three Days
The three days between Jesus' death and resurrection hold profound theological meaning for Christians. It symbolizes Jesus’ victory over sin, death, and the grave.
-
Victory Over Sin: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was necessary to atone for the sins of humanity. His death and burial signify the complete payment for the penalty of sin, and His resurrection confirms that sin and death no longer have dominion over those who believe in Him.
-
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, such as those in Psalm 16:10, Isaiah 53, and Hosea 6:2, that pointed to a suffering Messiah who would die and rise again for the redemption of God's people.
-
The Hope of Resurrection for Believers: The resurrection of Jesus assures believers that they, too, will be resurrected after death. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
7. Conclusion: The Importance of Jesus’ Three Days in the Grave
The three days between Jesus’ death and resurrection are essential to the Christian faith. They reflect not only the fulfillment of prophecy but also the victory of Christ over sin and death. Jesus' time in Hades and His proclamation to the spirits in prison demonstrate His power over all realms, and His resurrection provides the hope of eternal life for all who trust in Him.
As we reflect on what happened during these three days, let us remember the profound impact of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection in our lives. Through His sacrifice, we are reconciled to God and given the hope of eternal life.
