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From Friday to Sunday: How the Jewish Calendar Explains the Resurrection Period
Jun 30, 2025
From Friday to Sunday: How the Jewish Calendar Explains the Resurrection Period
https://www.catholicshare.com/from-friday-to-sunday-how-the-jewish-calendar-explains-the-resurrection-period/
Jewish Timekeeping and the Definition of a Day.
The Jewish calendar, grounded in the biblical account of creation, measures a day from sunset to sunset, as seen in Genesis 1:5, where evening precedes morning. This contrasts with the modern Western calendar, which counts a day from midnight to midnight. For Jews in Jesus’ time, the day began at dusk, typically around 6 p.m., and continued until the next dusk. This practice shaped the observance of religious feasts, the Sabbath, and other significant events. When the Gospels describe Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, they operate within this framework. For example, the Sabbath, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, influenced the timing of events surrounding Jesus’ burial. The Jewish reckoning of time is critical to understanding how the period from Friday to Sunday constitutes “three days.” Partial days, such as a few hours before sunset or after sunrise, were counted as full days in Jewish tradition. This custom is evident in texts like Esther 4:16, where a three-day fast includes partial days. Thus, the Jewish calendar provides a lens through which to interpret the Gospel narratives accurately.
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0:01
from Friday to Sunday. How the Jewish
0:03
calendar explains the resurrection
0:05
period, Jewish timekeeping, and the
0:08
definition of a day.
0:10
The Jewish calendar, grounded in the
0:12
biblical account of creation, measures a
0:15
day from sunset to sunset, as seen in
0:18
Genesis 15, where evening precedes
0:21
morning.
0:23
This contrasts with the modern western
0:25
calendar, which counts a day from
0:27
midnight to midnight. For Jews in Jesus'
0:30
time, the day began at dusk, typically
0:33
around 6:00 p.m., and continued until
0:36
the next dusk. This practice shaped the
0:39
observance of religious feasts, the
0:41
Sabbath, and other significant events.
0:44
When the gospels describe Jesus's
0:47
crucifixion and resurrection, they
0:49
operate within this framework. For
0:51
example, the Sabbath observed from
0:54
Friday evening to Saturday evening
0:56
influenced the timing of events
0:58
surrounding Jesus's burial. The Jewish
1:01
reckoning of time is critical to
1:03
understanding how the period from Friday
1:05
to Sunday constitutes 3 days.
1:08
Partial days such as a few hours before
1:11
sunset or after sunrise were counted as
1:14
full days in Jewish tradition.
1:17
This custom is evident in texts like
1:20
Esther 4:16 where a 3-day fast includes
1:24
partial days.
1:26
Thus, the Jewish calendar provides a
1:29
lens through which to interpret the
1:31
gospel narratives accurately.
1:33
The crucifixion and the preparation day.
1:36
The gospels consistently place Jesus
1:38
crucifixion on a Friday, referred to as
1:41
the preparation day for the Sabbath.
1:44
Mark 15:42.
1:46
In the Jewish calendar, the preparation
1:49
day was the time before the Sabbath when
1:51
Jews completed tasks forbidden on the
1:54
Sabbath, such as cooking or burial
1:56
preparations.
1:58
Jesus died around 3 p.m. on Friday, as
2:01
noted in Matthew 27:46,
2:04
and was buried before sunset to comply
2:06
with Jewish law, which prohibited
2:08
leaving a body unburied overnight.
2:11
Deuteronomy 21:23.
2:14
This period from Friday afternoon to
2:17
sunset counts as the first day in the
2:19
resurrection timeline.
2:22
The haste to bury Jesus before the
2:24
Sabbath underscores the influence of
2:26
Jewish customs on the events.
2:29
The preparation day was especially
2:31
significant during Passover week when
2:34
additional preparations for the feast
2:36
were required. The gospel accounts align
2:39
with these practices, showing that Jesus
2:41
followers adhered to Jewish law. The
2:45
Catechism of the Catholic Church,
2:47
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 641,
2:50
affirms that the women who witnessed the
2:53
burial later visited the tomb,
2:55
respecting Sabbath restrictions.
2:58
The Jewish calendar's structure explains
3:01
why the crucifixion and burial occurred
3:03
in such a compressed time frame. This
3:06
first day, though brief, is integral to
3:08
the three days of the resurrection
3:11
period. The Sabbath and the second day,
3:13
the second day of the resurrection
3:15
period corresponds to the Sabbath from
3:18
Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. During
3:22
this time, Jesus's body rested in the
3:25
tomb, and his followers observed the
3:27
Sabbath according to Jewish law. Luke
3:30
23:56.
3:32
The Sabbath was a day of rest
3:34
prohibiting work, travel, or burial
3:37
activities, which explains why no one
3:39
visited the tomb on Saturday.
3:42
The Jewish calendar's strict observance
3:44
of the Sabbath shaped the actions of
3:46
Jesus disciples who waited until after
3:49
the Sabbath to return to the tomb. The
3:52
Gospels note that the women prepared
3:55
spices for Jesus body but rested on the
3:58
Sabbath, reflecting their adherence to
4:01
Exodus 28-11.
4:04
This full day in the tomb is the second
4:06
day in the Jewish reckoning of the
4:08
resurrection period.
4:11
Catholic teaching emphasizes the
4:13
significance of Jesus rest in the tomb
4:16
symbolizing the completion of his
4:18
redemptive work. Catechism of the
4:21
Catholic Church 624.
4:25
The Sabbath's role in the Jewish
4:26
calendar clarifies why there is little
4:29
activity reported in the Gospels for
4:31
this day. The period underscores the
4:34
cultural and religious context of the
4:36
time. By counting this full day, the
4:39
Jewish calendar supports the traditional
4:42
timeline of the resurrection, the
4:44
resurrection and the third day.
4:47
The third day begins at sunset on
4:49
Saturday and extends to sunset on Sunday
4:52
when the gospels report Jesus
4:54
resurrection. Mark 16:2.
4:57
The women discovered the empty tomb
5:00
early Sunday morning, indicating that
5:02
Jesus rose sometime after Saturday
5:04
sunset.
5:06
In Jewish reckoning, this period, even
5:09
if only a few hours, counts as a full
5:11
day.
5:13
The phrase on the third day in Luke
5:15
24:46,
5:17
align with this custom where partial
5:20
days are included in the count. The
5:23
Jewish calendar's flexibility in
5:25
counting days resolves apparent
5:27
conflicts in the gospel accounts, which
5:30
describe Jesus rising after 3 days or on
5:33
the third day. Catholic tradition holds
5:36
that Jesus resurrection occurred early
5:38
on the third day, fulfilling his
5:41
prophecy in Matthew 12:40.
5:44
The Catechism of the Catholic Church 639
5:48
affirms that the resurrection is a
5:50
historical event verified by the empty
5:53
tomb and the disciples encounters with
5:55
the risen Christ.
5:58
The Jewish calendar's structure explains
6:00
how Sunday morning fits within the three
6:03
days framework.
6:05
This understanding harmonizes the gospel
6:08
narratives with Jewish timekeeping
6:11
practices.
6:13
The third day is central to Catholic
6:15
theology, symbolizing victory over
6:18
death. The significance of Passover
6:20
timing.
6:22
The resurrection period coincided with
6:24
Passover, a major Jewish feast
6:27
commemorating the Exodus. Exodus 12
6:29
1-14.
6:32
The Jewish calendar placed Passover on
6:34
the 14th of Nissan with the feast of
6:36
unleavened bread following from the 15th
6:39
to the 21st. In Jesus' time, the
6:42
crucifixion likely occurred on the
6:44
preparation day for Passover, aligning
6:46
with John 19:14.
6:49
The Passover lamb slaughtered on the
6:51
14th of Nissan prefigured Jesus
6:54
sacrifice as noted in Catholic teaching
6:57
Catechism of the Catholic Church 613.
7:01
The Jewish calendar's lunarbased system
7:04
determined the precise timing of these
7:06
feasts influencing the events of the
7:08
Passion.
7:10
Jesus death and resurrection during
7:13
Passover week carry deep theological
7:15
meaning connecting his sacrifice to the
7:18
liberation of Israel.
7:21
The third day of the resurrection period
7:23
corresponds to the first day of the
7:26
feast of unleavened bread symbolizing
7:29
new life.
7:31
The Jewish calendar structure highlights
7:33
the fulfillment of Old Testament types
7:36
in Jesus resurrection.
7:38
This connection strengthens the Catholic
7:40
understanding of the resurrection as a
7:43
redemptive act. The Passover context
7:46
enriches the interpretation of the 3-day
7:49
period. Reconciling Gospel accounts. The
7:52
Gospels present slight variations in
7:54
describing the resurrection timeline
7:57
which the Jewish calendar helps
7:58
reconcile.
8:00
For instance, Matthew 12:40 mentions 3
8:03
days and three nights, while Luke 24:7
8:07
speaks of the third day.
8:10
Jewish timekeeping, which counts partial
8:13
days as full days, explains these
8:15
differences.
8:17
The phrase 3 days and three nights, a
8:20
expression, not a literal 72-hour
8:23
period, as seen in 1st Samuel 30:12.
8:27
The Jewish calendar's inclusive counting
8:29
allows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to
8:32
constitute three days. Catholic scholars
8:36
emphasize that the gospels aim to convey
8:38
theological truth rather than precise
8:41
chronology. Catechism of the Catholic
8:44
Church 1-26.
8:46
The resurrection's timing align with
8:48
Jewish customs, ensuring consistency
8:51
across the accounts. The Catechism of
8:54
the Catholic Church 640 notes that the
8:57
empty tomb and the disciples testimony
9:00
confirm the resurrection regardless of
9:03
minor narrative differences.
9:05
Understanding the Jewish calendar
9:08
prevents misinterpretations of the
9:10
gospel texts. This approach upholds the
9:13
reliability of the resurrection
9:15
narrative. Theological implications of
9:18
the third day. The third day holds
9:20
profound theological significance in
9:22
Catholic teaching rooted in Jewish
9:24
tradition.
9:26
In Hosea 6:2, the third day symbolizes
9:30
restoration and renewal, a theme Jesus
9:34
fulfills in his resurrection.
9:37
The Jewish calendar's reckoning of days
9:39
underscores this symbolism as partial
9:43
days reflect the completion of God's
9:45
work.
9:46
Catholic theology views the resurrection
9:49
as the cornerstone of faith, confirming
9:51
Jesus divinity and victory over sin.
9:55
Catechism of the Catholic Church 638.
9:59
The third day align with Old Testament
10:02
patterns such as Abraham's near
10:04
sacrifice of Isaac on the third day.
10:07
Genesis 22:4.
10:09
The Jewish calendar structure reinforces
10:12
the connection between these events and
10:14
Jesus resurrection.
10:16
The Catechism of the Catholic Church 651
10:20
teaches that the resurrection fulfills
10:22
the scriptures with the third day as a
10:24
key marker.
10:26
This timing reflects God's plan executed
10:29
within the Jewish framework of time. The
10:32
resurrection's occurrence on the third
10:34
day strengthens its theological weight.
10:38
The Jewish calendar provides a
10:40
foundation for understanding this divine
10:42
act. The role of the empty tomb. The
10:45
empty tomb discovered on the third day
10:48
is a central element of the resurrection
10:50
narrative. John 20 1:22.
10:55
In the Jewish calendar, the women's
10:57
visit early Sunday morning falls within
10:59
the third day, beginning at Saturday
11:02
sunset.
11:03
Their adherence to Sabbath restrictions
11:06
delayed their return until after
11:08
Saturday evening. The empty tomb
11:11
signifies Jesus victory over death. As
11:14
affirmed in Catholic teaching, Catechism
11:17
of the Catholic Church 657.
11:21
The Jewish calendar structure explains
11:24
the timing of their visit, aligning with
11:26
cultural practices. The Gospels
11:29
emphasize the women's role as witnesses
11:32
consistent with Jewish customs of
11:34
preparing bodies for burial.
11:37
The Catechism of the Catholic Church 641
11:41
highlights their testimony as evidence
11:43
of the resurrection's historicity.
11:47
The Jewish reckoning of days supports
11:49
the timeline, counting Sunday morning as
11:52
the third day.
11:54
The empty tomb's discovery reinforces
11:57
the resurrection's place within the
11:59
Jewish framework.
12:01
This event anchors the Catholic
12:03
proclamation of Christ's triumph.
12:06
Cultural context of Jewish burial
12:08
practices.
12:10
Jewish burial practices governed by the
12:13
calendar influence the resurrection
12:15
timeline.
12:17
Bodies were buried before sunset on the
12:19
day of death to honor Deuteronomy 21:23.
12:24
Jesus burial on Friday afternoon
12:26
complied with this law, marking the
12:29
first day.
12:31
The Sabbath prohibited further burial
12:33
activities, delaying the women's return
12:35
until Sunday. Luke 23:56.
12:40
The Jewish calendar's structure shaped
12:42
these events, ensuring compliance with
12:44
religious law. Spices and ointments
12:48
prepared for Jesus body reflect Jewish
12:51
customs of honoring the dead.
12:53
The Catechism of the Catholic Church 624
12:57
notes that Jesus burial fulfilled these
13:00
practices, preparing the way for his
13:02
resurrection.
13:04
The timing of the women's visit on
13:06
Sunday morning align with the third day
13:10
in Jewish reckoning.
13:12
Understanding these customs clarifies
13:15
the gospel accounts.
13:17
The Jewish calendar provides context for
13:20
the resurrection narrative's
13:21
progression. The resurrection as
13:24
fulfillment of prophecy. Catholic
13:26
teaching views the resurrection as the
13:29
fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies
13:32
tied to the Jewish calendar.
13:35
Passages like Psalm 16:10 and Jonah 117
13:39
prefigure Jesus rising on the third day.
13:43
The Jewish Reckoning of Days, counting
13:45
partial periods, supports the Gospels
13:48
claim that Jesus fulfilled these
13:50
prophecies.
13:52
The Catechism of the Catholic Church,
13:54
652,
13:56
emphasizes that the resurrection
13:58
confirms Jesus as the Messiah,
14:01
completing God's plan.
14:04
The Jewish calendar structure aligns the
14:06
resurrection with these scriptural
14:08
expectations.
14:10
The third day's significance rooted in
14:12
Jewish tradition underscores the divine
14:15
timing of the event.
14:18
The gospel's use of the third day
14:21
reflects this prophetic fulfillment.
14:23
Luke 24:46.
14:26
The Jewish calendar bridges the Old and
14:29
New Testaments, showing continuity in
14:32
God's revelation.
14:34
The resurrection's timing strengthens
14:36
its role as a culminating act. This
14:39
fulfillment is central to Catholic
14:41
faith. The early church's understanding.
14:46
The early church composed largely of
14:48
Jewish Christians interpreted the
14:50
resurrection through the Jewish
14:52
calendar. They recognized the third day
14:55
as significant echoing Old Testament
14:58
patterns. First Corinthians 15:4.
15:02
The Jewish reckoning of partial days as
15:05
full days shaped their preaching of the
15:07
resurrection.
15:10
The Catechism of the Catholic Church 639
15:13
affirms that the early church's
15:15
testimony rested on the empty tomb and
15:18
Jesus appearances.
15:21
The Jewish calendar's influence is
15:23
evident in the gospel's emphasis on the
15:25
third day.
15:27
Early Christians saw the resurrection as
15:29
fulfilling Passover, connecting Jesus
15:32
sacrifice to the Exodus. The Sabbath's
15:35
role in the timeline reinforced the
15:37
events Jewish context.
15:40
The Catechism of the Catholic Church 653
15:44
notes that the resurrection transformed
15:46
the disciples, grounding their faith in
15:49
this event. The early church's reliance
15:52
on Jewish timekeeping clarifies the
15:55
3-day period. This understanding shaped
15:58
Catholic tradition,
16:01
addressing common misconceptions. Some
16:04
question whether the resurrection period
16:06
truly spans 3 days given the short time
16:09
frame from Friday to Sunday. The Jewish
16:13
calendar's inclusive counting of partial
16:15
days resolves this concern.
16:19
Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday
16:21
morning constitute three days in Jewish
16:25
reckoning.
16:27
The phrase 3 days and three nights in
16:29
Matthew 12:40 is idiomatic, not literal,
16:33
as seen in other Jewish texts.
16:37
Catholic teaching clarifies that the
16:39
resurrection's timing aligns with
16:41
scripture. Catechism of the Catholic
16:44
Church 627.
16:47
Misunderstandings often arise from
16:49
applying modern timekeeping to ancient
16:52
texts.
16:53
The Jewish calendar's structure
16:55
eliminates apparent contradictions in
16:58
the gospels.
16:59
The Catechism of the Catholic Church 640
17:03
emphasizes the historical reality of the
17:06
resurrection supported by the timeline.
17:10
Educating believers about Jewish customs
17:13
prevents confusion.
17:16
This approach ensures accurate
17:18
interpretation of the resurrection
17:20
narrative. The resurrection's universal
17:23
significance. The resurrection timed
17:25
within the Jewish calendar holds
17:27
universal significance for Catholics. It
17:30
transcends cultural boundaries,
17:32
proclaiming Christ's victory over death.
17:35
Romans 6:4. The Jewish calendar's role
17:38
highlights the events roots in God's
17:40
covenant with Israel.
17:43
The third day symbolism drawn from
17:45
Jewish tradition resonates with all
17:48
believers.
17:50
The Catechism of the Catholic Church 655
17:54
teaches that the resurrection is the
17:56
foundation of Christian hope. The Jewish
17:59
Reckoning of Days underscores the events
18:02
divine precision.
18:04
The resurrection's timing during
18:06
Passover connects it to salvation
18:08
history.
18:10
The gospel's alignment with the Jewish
18:12
calendar affirms their reliability.
18:15
The events universal message is grounded
18:18
in its historical and cultural context.
18:21
The resurrection invites all to faith as
18:24
Catholic teaching proclaims.
18:27
The role of women in the narrative. The
18:30
women who discovered the empty tomb
18:32
played a key role shaped by the Jewish
18:35
calendar. Their visit on Sunday morning
18:38
after the Sabbath reflects Jewish burial
18:41
customs. Mark 16:1.
18:44
The calendar's structure delayed their
18:46
return, ensuring compliance with Sabbath
18:49
laws.
18:51
The Catechism of the Catholic Church 641
18:54
highlights their witness as evidence of
18:57
the resurrection's truth. The Jewish
19:00
Reckoning counts their visit as part of
19:02
the third day. Their role as the first
19:05
to proclaim the resurrection underscores
19:08
their importance in the gospel
19:10
narrative.
19:12
The calendar's influence explains the
19:14
timing of their actions.
19:17
Catholic tradition honors these women as
19:20
faithful disciples.
19:22
Their testimony rooted in Jewish
19:24
practices strengthens the resurrection
19:27
account. The narrative's cultural
19:29
context enhances its credibility.
19:33
The resurrection and lurggical practice.
19:37
The Catholic Church's liturggical
19:39
calendar reflects the Jewish calendar's
19:41
influence on the resurrection.
19:44
The triuum spanning Good Friday to
19:47
Easter Sunday mirrors the 3-day period.
19:51
The Jewish reckoning of days informs the
19:54
church's celebration of the resurrection
19:57
on the third day.
19:59
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
20:02
1168
20:03
notes that Easter is the pinnacle of the
20:06
lurggical year rooted in Passover.
20:10
The Jewish calendar's structure shapes
20:12
the timing of these observances. The
20:15
Sabbath's rest followed by the third
20:17
day's triumph is echoed in the triduum's
20:20
progression. The church's liturgy
20:23
preserves the Jewish context of the
20:25
resurrection.
20:27
The third day's significance is central
20:29
to Catholic worship. The Jewish
20:32
calendar's legacy endures in Christian
20:34
practice.
20:36
This connection deepens the faithful's
20:38
understanding of Easter. The Jewish
20:41
calendar's broader influence.
20:44
The Jewish calendar's impact extends
20:47
beyond the resurrection, shaping early
20:50
Christian theology. Its lunar based
20:53
system influenced the dating of Easter
20:55
tied to Passover.
20:57
The reckoning of days as sunset to
21:00
sunset informed early Christian worship
21:02
practices.
21:04
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
21:06
1093 acknowledges the Jewish roots of
21:09
the liturgy, including timekeeping.
21:13
The resurrection's timing within this
21:15
calendar bridges Jewish and Christian
21:18
traditions.
21:20
The third day's symbolism drawn from
21:23
Jewish texts enriched Christian
21:25
preaching. The calendar's structure
21:28
provided a framework for understanding
21:30
God's acts. The resurrection's alignment
21:34
with Jewish customs affirms its
21:36
historical grounding.
21:39
The calendar's influence underscores the
21:41
continuity of salvation history.
21:45
This broader context enhances Catholic
21:48
appreciation of the resurrection.
21:51
Conclusion.
21:53
The Jewish calendar clarifies the
21:55
resurrection period, showing how Friday
21:58
to Sunday constitutes three days.
22:02
Its sunset to sunset reckoning and
22:04
inclusive counting resolve apparent
22:06
discrepancies in the gospels. The
22:09
crucifixion, Sabbath rest, and
22:12
resurrection align with Jewish customs
22:14
rooted in Passover.
22:16
Catholic teaching affirms the
22:18
resurrection's historicity and
22:20
theological weight. Catechism of the
22:22
Catholic Church 638.
22:25
The third day significance drawn from
22:28
Jewish tradition fulfills Old Testament
22:31
prophecies. The empty tomb and the
22:33
women's testimony timed by the calendar
22:36
anchor the narrative.
22:38
The resurrection's universal message is
22:40
grounded in its Jewish context. The
22:43
church's liturgy preserves this
22:45
connection, celebrating Easter as the
22:47
third day's triumph. The Jewish calendar
22:50
structure deepens understanding of the
22:52
resurrection.
22:54
It reveals God's plan fulfilled in
22:57
Christ's victory over death. This is a
23:00
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