Christ's Crucifixion: Proving Scholars Wrong

Did You Know Some Scholars Believe Christ Was Crucified on a Wednesday or Thursday?

You may have heard that Jesus Christ was crucified on a Friday, as taught by James E. Talmage in Jesus the Christ (Chapter 35), where he states, "Jesus was nailed to the cross during the forenoon of that fateful Friday, probably between nine and ten o’clock." This aligns with LDS teachings and is widely accepted. However, some scholars propose that the crucifixion occurred on a Wednesday or Thursday instead. Let’s explore why they hold these views and why the Friday crucifixion is correct.

Wednesday Crucifixion: Why Some Scholars Believe It

The Wednesday crucifixion theory is the least accepted among scholars and rests on two key claims:

1. Jesus rose from the dead on Saturday.
2. Jesus was dead for exactly 72 hours.

These ideas stem from a specific interpretation of Matthew 12:40, which reads:

"For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

At first glance, “three days and three nights” might suggest a precise 72-hour period (3 days x 12 hours + 3 nights x 12 hours). Scholars supporting a Wednesday crucifixion argue that if Jesus rose on Saturday, a Wednesday death would fit this timeline.

Debunking the Theory:

• Claim 1: Resurrection on Saturday? Scripture consistently states that Jesus rose on the first day of the week, which is Sunday, not Saturday. For example, Mark 16:2 says, "And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun" (see also Matt 28:1, Luke 24:1, John 20:1). This alone disproves a Saturday resurrection.
• Claim 2: Exactly 72 hours? The phrase “three days and three nights” isn’t a rigid countdown. Jesus Himself used varied expressions for His resurrection timeline:
  • “In three days” (John 2:19-21)
  • “After three days” (Mark 8:31)
  • “On the third day” (Matt 16:21)

Frank B. Holbrook, a biblical scholar, notes in his article "Wednesday Crucification" that these phrases indicate a general period, not a literal 72-hour clock. If Jesus died on Friday morning and rose early Sunday, it fulfills the “third day” prophecy without requiring a full 72 hours. Thus, the Wednesday theory doesn’t hold up under scriptural scrutiny.

Thursday Crucifixion: Why Some Scholars Support It

The Thursday crucifixion theory hinges on the belief that Jesus rose on Saturday, adjusting the timeline slightly from the Wednesday view. Proponents might argue this still allows for a longer burial period closer to 72 hours.

Debunking the Theory:

• Resurrection Day: As with the Wednesday theory, scripture is clear that Jesus rose on Sunday, the first day of the week. Matthew 28:1 states, "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." This event marks Sunday, not Saturday.
• Sabbath Context: The Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual (Chapter 27) explains that before Christ’s resurrection, the Sabbath was observed on Saturday, the seventh day. After His resurrection, followers shifted worship to Sunday, the first day, to honor this pivotal event. This shift confirms Sunday as the resurrection day, making a Thursday crucifixion incompatible with a Sunday rising.

If Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday, the timeline—Friday (day 1), Saturday (day 2), Sunday (day 3)—fits the “third day” prophecy perfectly, as taught in LDS scripture study.

Good Friday: The Sacred Standard

The Friday crucifixion, often called Good Friday, is upheld by LDS teachings and most Christian traditions. But why “Good”? The term doesn’t celebrate the crucifixion’s brutality; rather, “good” in English can mean “holy” or “sacred.” Good Friday is a day to reflect on the sacred significance of Christ’s sacrifice, a cornerstone of LDS Easter traditions.

Location of the Crucifixion: A Bonus Insight

Beyond timing, some debate the crucifixion’s location. Most Christians point to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem as Golgotha, the hill where Jesus died. This site includes a stone niche believed to mark the cross’s spot, part of the Via Dolorosa’s 14 stations—a path tracing Jesus’s final steps. Walking this route is a spiritual highlight for many Christians.

While LDS members often emphasize the resurrection over the crucifixion, learning about the Via Dolorosa can enrich your LDS Easter traditions. President Nelson has urged us to make Easter “the most important religious observance for followers of Jesus Christ,” and exploring these historical elements can deepen your appreciation of His ministry, death, and resurrection.

Conclusion: Why Friday Prevails

So, why do some scholars argue for a Wednesday or Thursday crucifixion? They misinterpret the resurrection day (claiming Saturday instead of Sunday) or insist on a literal 72-hour burial, despite scriptural flexibility on timing. The Friday crucifixion, supported by James E. Talmage and consistent with LDS crucifixion beliefs and LDS resurrection teachings, aligns with the Bible’s account: Jesus died on Friday, rested in the tomb on Saturday (the Sabbath), and rose on Sunday, the third day.

For more insights, explore Jesus the Christ or other LDS books at cedarfort.com, perfect for enhancing your Come Follow Me resources and LDS scripture study this Easter season!

** The opinions and views expressed herein belong solely to Jayden Jeppson and do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of Cedar Fort, Inc.