November 5th~Death Has Been Defeated!

Mark 15:42-47

Matthew 27:57-61

Luke 23:50-56

John 19:38-42

Matthew 27:62-66

Mark 16:1-8

Matthew 28:1-7

Luke 24:1-12

Mark 16:9-13

John 20:1-18

Matthew 28:8-15

We witnessed the greatest event in all of history — the resurrection of Jesus. Paul considered the resurrection as the lynchpin for the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15). Before we expand the significance of this truth, I would like to clear up two issues that are oftentimes confusing to believers, that of the timing of the resurrection and the ending of the book of Mark.

First, did you notice that there were two endings to the book of Mark — a shorter one and a longer one? What’s going on here? The earliest and oldest manuscripts of the book end the resurrection story with the women who were afraid (16:8). Later manuscripts of the book include the extended ending (v.9-20). Bible scholars have noted that the additional verses reflect a different style than the rest of the book, which means that Mark probably did not write it; an unknown author completed the story for the benefit of the reader. Since there has been so much debate over what to do about the passage, modern translations include both of them.

Another confusing issue that needs to be addressed in this passage is the timing of the resurrection. We know that Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week, which is Sunday; but, on what day of the week was He crucified? Traditionally, Christians have held to Friday as the day of His death; thus, we annually commemorate Good Friday just before Easter. The scholars behind the New Living Translation inserted Friday into the story (Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54), although the Bible’s original manuscripts do not give us a specific day. The reason why Friday seems to be the obvious day of Jesus’ death is that there are several mentions of the Sabbath (Saturday) in the story, which the characters involved would have honored.

However, inserting Friday into the passage is a bit misleading because it does not allow for the prophecies of Jesus’ death and resurrection to be completely fulfilled. Jesus said Himself, “As Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so I, the Son of Man, will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights” (Matthew 12:40). A Friday crucifixion might allow for the three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) but it does not allow for the three nights. What is the solution then?

A possible solution to the confusion is that there were two Sabbath days in that week, the normal one on Saturday and a second one associated with the Passover celebration (Leviticus 16:29- 31; 23:24-32, 39). Holy days, like Passover Sabbath, do not have to fall on Saturday; they can be any day of the week. Therefore, Jesus’ crucifixion could have occurred on a Wednesday or Thursday.

Daily Reflection

In the resurrection, Jesus confronted and conquered your greatest enemy — death. The penalty for Adam’s rebellion in the Garden was death, spiritually and physically. But Christ, after having died on the cross, was placed in a grave, where He did not rot. Rather, He rose from the dead and broke the power of the grave over men’s lives. Because Christ was able to defeat death, He then had the right and the power to extend everlasting life to His followers. His resurrection was and is the hope for all mankind. Because He defeated death, you can have hope that death is not the end. “Don’t be afraid,” the angel said. “Jesus isn’t here. He has been raised from the dead, just as He said would happen” (Matthew 28:5, 6). Jesus also said that He was going to prepare a place for you, so that you might be where He is. The resurrection of Christ guarantees your resurrection!

BiAY.org | Day 309 — 56 Days to Go