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Introducing the issue of the three days and three nights of Jesus entombment. Discussing the problems with the traditional view and the goals to be attained by this writing.
Dealing with the literalness of the sign, the circumstances in which it was given, and to whom it was spoken.
The meal that Jesus and his disciples took on the night of his betrayal and arrest was the traditional Passover Seder, observed on the 14th day of the first Jewish month, Nisan. Also that John reports the same meal on the same night, but in a different manner.
Stating the fact that during the week of Passover, there were two Sabbaths. This is a key element to a proper understanding of the chronology of events.
The first day of the week must be understood from a Jewish background, and not Roman.
A time-frame based upon the evidence given, and taking into account the full three days and nights of Jesus entombment.
We come now to the chronology, taking into account the full three days and nights of Jesus entombment. Our starting point will be the 9th of Nisan. It should be noted, that these dates are counted from sunset to sunset.
Ninth of Nisan: Jesus dines with Mary and Martha in Bethany. According to John 12:1, this occurred six days before Passover.
Tenth of Nisan: Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the foal of an ass. Rabbi Alexandri said, "Rabbi Y'hoshu'a ben Levi explained . . . 'If they will be righteous, (the Messiah will come) on the clouds of heaven (Dan. 7:13); If they will not be righteous, (he will come) as a poor man riding upon an ass "(Zech. 9:9) [ B.Sanh. 98a] , John 12:12-14; Mark 11:1-11; Matt. 21:1-9; Luke 19:29-40.
Twelfth of Nisan: The Great Sanhedrin plots the death of Jesus. This is two days before the feast. Matt. 26:1-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke22: 1-2.
Thirteenth of Nisan: The disciples are instructed to make the preparations for Passover. They would go to the Temple, choose and purchase a lamb, while others would make the final preparations at the house. Matt. 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13
Fourteenth of Nisan (Passover Day): Evening having come, Jesus and his disciples begin the Passover Seder. It is on this date that the events of the betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion takes place.
Some comment is necessary here. What has been commonly understood as a trial or legal proceeding against Jesus by the Council is more likely nothing more than an examination or interrogation of Jesus and his claims. This is probable for two reasons. First, due to Roman dominance, the Great Council did not have the authority to carry out the death penalty. Secondly, almost every aspect of this scene is in total opposition to commonly known Jewish jurisprudence. Edersheim addresses this,
For, alike Jewish and Christian evidence establish the fact, that Jesus was not formally tried and condemned by the Sanhedrin. It is admitted on all hands, that forty years before the destruction of the Temple, the Sanhedrin ceased to pronounce capital sentences. This alone would be sufficient. But besides, the trial and sentence of Jesus in the Palace of Caiaphas would (as already stated) have outraged every principle of Jewish criminal law and procedure.1
The charge brought against Jesus, did not have its root in Jewish law, but that he claimed to be king. This is a claim that Rome would take seriously. Such claims in the past had caused the people and the land much grief.
6. When morning had come, the Council leads Jesus to Pilate. It is here that the Jewish council refuses to enter the Praetorium, lest they be defiled and unable to eat the Chagigah. Matt. 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 23:1; John 18:28
7. Jesus before Pilate. The Roman abuse of Jesus and his short appearance before Herod. Matt. 27:11-31; Mark 15:2-20; Luke 23:2-6, 12-25
8. The crucifixion. From the third hour to the ninth hour, which is about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. our time. Matt. 27:33-51; Mark 15:25-34; Luke 23:26-44; John 19:16-40
9. After receiving permission from Pilate, Joseph of Arimathea takes down the body of Jesus, and prepares him for burial. It is at this point that the annual Sabbath of the 15th of Nisan, is fast approaching. The burial team must prepare the body of Jesus and have it in the tomb before sunset, the beginning of this Annual Sabbath. This all occurred during the time which John calls the preparation. That is, it was the preparation for the approaching Sabbath of the 15th. Matt. 27:57-58; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:38-40
10. The burial of Jesus' body. The burial team had maybe two hours to take the body down from the execution stake, anoint it and place it in the tomb. The women who followed Jesus accompanied the burial team.
It is of great interest to note that according to the Talmud, when a person died, they were first placed in a temporary burial spot until the body had decayed and only the bones remained. And in the case of a condemned criminal, the Sanhedrin provided for this burial spot. As stated earlier, although Jesus' appearance before the Council was likely nothing more than an interrogation, Joseph and Nicodemus may have felt otherwise. These men being disciples or at least sympathizers of Jesus and as members of the Council provided this temporary burial chamber for Jesus. Although, they didn't realize how temporary it would be. Matt. 27:59-61; Mark 15:46-47; Luke 23:55-56; John 19:42
While they were preparing the body, "a Sabbath was commencing". They likely had just placed the body in the tomb, as the sun was setting, beginning the Sabbath. Luke 23:54
After placing the body in the tomb, and putting the stone in place, the burial team departed, except for the women. They remained at the tomb, while the Sabbath had already begun. This is very important in the scheme of things. Matt. 27:60-61
Fifthteenth of Nisan: The First day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the first of the annual holy convocations, or Sabbaths. Lev. 23.
