What Time of Day Did Jesus Die
Today we will talk about what time of day did Jesus die. Many Christians do not know what this means. The timing of Jesus’ crucifixion and death holds rich significance in understanding the events that led to His resurrection and the foundation of our faith. Throughout history, believers have pondered this question, drawing upon the Gospels and historical accounts to grasp the timeline of this monumental moment. Theories based on Scripture suggest a timeline that connects Jesus’ last moments on the cross to significant Jewish customs and prophecies. Be in a mode of meditation as we read through God’s word, uncovering insights into the time when our Savior paid the ultimate price for our sins.
The Roman Method of Keeping Time
To grasp when Jesus died, we first need to understand how time was measured during His life. The Roman method, used in Jerusalem during Jesus’ ministry, divided the day into twelve-hour segments, starting at sunrise. Therefore, the day started at approximately 6 a.m. This system helps us pinpoint when Jesus was crucified and when He took His final breath.
According to Mark 15:25, the crucifixion of Jesus occurred at the third hour, which corresponds to about 9 a.m. The verse states, “And it was the third hour when they crucified him.” This is significant, as it frames the events that unfolded leading up to His death. Knowing that Jesus was crucified at this hour helps us understand the gravity and atmosphere surrounding His trial and the hours spent on the cross.
Furthermore, the Jewish method of keeping time would start the day at sunset, dividing it into periods that include the evening (from sunset to midnight), the midnight watch (midnight to 3 a.m.), the cockcrow (3 a.m. to sunrise), and daytime hours. The emphasis on the timing of Jesus’ death can serve as reassurance, as it aligns with prophecies and rituals, such as the Passover sacrifices that occurred around this time, connecting deeper meanings in the timeline of salvation.
This historical backdrop allows us to appreciate the cultural significance of Jesus’ death occurring at 9 a.m. His suffering and sacrifice coincide with established religious practices that reverberate through faith-filled lives today. The timing sheds light on the importance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), whose role was to fulfill God’s promise of redemption.
Jesus on the Cross: From the Sixth Hour
Following His crucifixion, Jesus hung on the cross for several hours, enduring unimaginable pain. According to Mark 15:33, “And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.” The sixth hour corresponds to noon, a remarkable time, as noonday could symbolize the climax of His suffering. This sudden darkness brings to light the gravity of the events occurring, showcasing the cosmic impact of Jesus’ sacrifice.
This darkness signifies God’s somber response to mankind’s sin and the depths of Jesus’ suffering. As He bore the weight of sin on behalf of humanity, the very creation reacted. The temporary absence of light illustrates how deeply intertwined our Savior’s sacrifice was with the celestial order. The darkness did not lift until approximately 3 p.m., marking a three-hour period of intense anguish and separation from the Father. This anguish may relate to Matthew 27:46, where Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
The darkness culminated in a moment of profound significance. At 3 p.m., also known as the ninth hour, Jesus completed His earthly ministry. Mark records His last words as, “It is finished” (John 19:30). His death at this specific time aligns with the customs of the Temple sacrifices, wherein the lambs were slaughtered for the Passover. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice signifies the completion and fulfillment of the sacrificial system established in Judaism, as He becomes the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
The Significance of 3 p.m.
Jesus’ death around 3 p.m. is crucial in understanding its implications on faith and our daily spiritual walk. As His followers reflected on His sacrifice through the years, particular attention is often placed on this time of day. Understanding this hour opens a new avenue of gratitude and devotion for what He endured for us. It brilliantly echoes the message of deliverance that resonates throughout the Bible.
The ninth hour, tied to the Temple sacrifices, serves as a reminder of God’s plan to redeem humanity. In Leviticus 23:5, God establishes the Feast of Passover, when a lamb was sacrificed in remembrance of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. This direct correlation highlights God’s intentionality in the timeline of Jesus’ death. Jesus embodies the representation of the Passover Lamb, an incredible truth that builds our faith and affirms God’s promise to His people.
Furthermore, many of our contemporaries seem unaware of the strong connection that time has to Jesus’ death. The story of redemption steadily unfolds from Old Testament prophetic writings to the New Testament’s accounts of Christ’s passion. For instance, having Jesus die at the time related to the Passover indicates the fulfillment of divine prophecy, reinforcing our belief in the integrity of God’s promises. Is it any wonder that we must celebrate the significance of His death?
The emotional, spiritual, and physical turmoil Jesus endured on the cross during these hours is a focal point of our faith. As we contemplate His suffering, we should also consider its transformative power in our lives today. Romans 6:6 states that our old self was crucified with Him, so we may no longer be enslaved by sin. This means that because of His death at that specific hour, we are called to submit ourselves anew, accepting His love and grace that flourished through His ultimate act of sacrifice.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on what time of day Jesus died, it becomes clear that these details offer us a deeper understanding of the sacrifice He made for our behalf. Through the various hours outlined in the Gospels, we see the profound connections between His suffering and the time of year in which He died. Jesus’ crucifixion resonates uniquely, as it is tied closely to both Jewish customs and the overarching theme of redemption that runs throughout scripture.
His death at 3 p.m. not only emphasizes the fulfilment of prophecies but highlights the moment where God’s plan for salvation crystallizes. The connection to the Passover reinforces the rich history of sacrifice leading to grace. Ultimately, our relationship with Christ deepens as we continue to meditate on the weight of His love displayed through such ultimate pain, culminating in glorious resurrection and hope.
May we always keep in remembrance this sacrifice, cherishing the significance of those hours spent on the cross, and aspiring to reflect that same love in our lives. It is indeed a gift to embrace as we carry forth the message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection into the world around us.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4