Tag Archives: passover

Zola Explains the Three Days and Three Nights

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Reprinted with permission given from Zola Levitt Ministries…

The following is an essay on the most asked question that comes to Zola Levitt Ministries during the season of Lent/Easter, when you may ask it yourself.

Friday to Sunday?

QUESTION: If the Lord was crucified on Friday and rose on Sunday, how could that encompass three days and three nights?

ANSWER: The Gospel accounts indicate that the Lord was crucified on Friday at 9:00 a.m. and taken off the cross at 3:00 p.m. His body was prepared for burial and interred at sundown the same day, which was the beginning of the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The Lord then arose on Sunday morning after sunup.

According to the modern way of counting, this spans barely two days. Yet that time period seems to disagree with Jesus’ earlier prediction:

“For as Jonas (Jonah) 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.” Matthew 12:40 

The prophecy can be understood when we examine the Jewish way of counting days and nights. We must recall that the Jewish day always starts at sunset, so that Friday really begins on Thursday evening (a fact that is reflected in the language of Genesis–“the evening and the morning” are the first day). The second day, then, begins at sundown on Friday and continues through the daytime on Saturday. Finally, Sunday begins at sundown on Saturday and stretches through Saturday night and the daylight hours of Sunday, making the third day. Since the Jews counted any portion of daylight as a full day, then Friday morning through Sunday morning would have been seen as three complete days and nights.

People have sometimes struggled to move Passover (the “Last Supper”) back one day in order to get three days and three nights the way we would count them in the Western world, but that would be inaccurate. Even in the Western world we begin each day on the night before at midnight, so the concept is not strange to us. Supporting this understanding of the Lord’s crucifixion on a Friday (against those who claim that it happened on a different day) is the centuries-long history of Christians celebrating Good Friday, not “Good Thursday” or “Good Wednesday.” This evidence indicates that we can trust the accuracy of the Bible’s account, and also confirms that knowing the Jewish roots of Christianity can open a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

Do the Gospels Disagree on When Jesus Died?

QUESTION: Did Jesus celebrate the Passover and die on Passover day, or did He celebrate and die on the day before? Matthew, Mark, and Luke say He died on Passover day, but John seems to claim that He celebrated and died the day before the Passover. Why the difference?

ANSWER: The difference between John’s Gospel and the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) regarding the Passover and death of Jesus is attributable to the fact that two systems were used at that time for reckoning Passover day. The Judeans used a method of reckoning different from the Galileans (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). The Galileans and Pharisees measured days from sunrise to sunrise, whereas the Judeans and Sadducees used the sunset-to-sunset reckoning in John’s Gospel.

“And the evening and the morning were the first day.”–Genesis 1:5

Thus, Jews from Galilee celebrated their Passover on Thursday evening, with Passover day starting at sunrise Friday morning. Jews in Judea and Jerusalem, however, celebrated Passover on Friday evening at sundown. Consequently, according to John and the Jews in Judea, Jesus’ celebration on Thursday and death on Friday before sunset occurred on erev Pesach (the eve of Passover), because Passover started for them at Friday’s sunset.

The Galilean method used by Jesus and His disciples would have the Passover Lamb slain and Last Supper on Thursday, 14 Nissan. The Judean method used by John would have the Passover Lamb slain on 15 Nissan.

Most scholars agree that because of the two different methods of timekeeping, there were two days for the slaying of the lambs, which makes sense given the number of lambs being slaughtered. That task couldn’t be done in a single day.

There is no contradiction; the Gospels reflect the two different chronological systems for determining the Passover.

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Zola Levitt site:  http://www.levitt.com

Starting Passover with Missiles

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The first Passover was held in Egypt as the death angel stalked the land. This year’s Passover was held in Israel as deadly missiles rained down from the skies in yet another demonstration of the demonic hatred directed toward God’s Chosen People. We are helping widows and orphans, those who are still homeless from both the north and south, wounded IDF soldiers, families of the hostages, terrified and impoverished Holocaust survivors, and so much more. We must raise $130,000 for these urgently needed outreaches. So far 377 friends have given $37,028, so we still need $92,972. Please send your most generous gift today and share this with everyone you know.

Your Friends of Zion Center in Jerusalem is a bright light of Christian love in action. Together we are having a powerful impact on the Jewish people at a time when they are suffering and isolated. Together we are telling them—and more importantly, showing them—that they are not alone in this hour of crisis. Together we are answering the command of God, “Comfort ye My people.”

Everything we are seeing in the news is part of prophecy. And God is calling us to take a stand like Esther of old to deliver His Chosen People. The Jerusalem Prayer Team is doing everything we can to speak out on behalf of Israel, to pray for God to turn the hearts of our nation back toward Israel, and to meet the most urgent needs of the suffering Jewish people. We must not fail to answer God’s call. We must act now.

To pray/donate: http://www.jerusalemprayerteam.org

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40

The Lord of the Pillar of Cloud and Fire

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…This is being posted since Passover begins this evening…

“Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” Exodus 13:20-22

“And with a pillar of cloud Thou didst lead them by day and with a pillar of fire by night to light for them the way in which they were to go.” Nehemiah 9:12

Moses, a Hebrew by birth, was called by God to lead His Hebrew people out–from the ancient land of Egypt to a prayed-for promised land route. Through his obedience and God’s powerful hand, their burdened lives as slaves…came to be changed forever because the good Lord hears and saves.

God had heard their desperate cries–and had seen the severe oppression. After many God-sent plagues, Pharaoh finally made his concession. So hardhearted had he been, that it had taken a very mighty blow, to his own and all Egyptian families, before he would let God’s people go.

Many pestilences had been tried–including frogs and boils on man and beast–hail, insects, darkness, and finally, death of firstborns of the greatest man’s home to the least. That was the deciding plague, which caused the barrier to the Hebrews’ freedom to be broken–while they, in Goshen, were spared, for blood on their doorposts had “spoken.”

Yes, blood from an unblemished lamb on each lintel and doorpost was spread. This proclaimed that their lives should be preserved because of a lamb that had bled. They had shared the first Passover meal–a feast remembered to this day, which points to God’s sacrificial lamb in Christ–now the Good Shepherd who leads our way.

After the Passover, God guided His people with a pillar of cloud in their sight. And for gains through night-time travel, He led by a pillar of fire for needed light. Quick to regret, Pharaoh pursued the former captives to the brink of the great Red Sea; but the angel of God and God’s pillar of cloud kept the Hebrews secure and free.

This protection and time were needed, for Moses to stretch forth his hand. The Lord swept back the sea with a wind all night, creating, for the Hebrews, dry land. God’s people then made their way safely, with walls of water on each side. They followed the leadership of Moses, casting any fears they might have had aside.

God brought Pharaoh’s army into confusion. Then the Lord gave Moses the instruction–to stretch forth his hand again, which made way for the pursuers’ destruction. From out of the pillar of cloud, God caused the Egyptian’s chariot wheels to sway. The waters turned back and drowned them all, giving the Hebrews victory that day.

Protection and guidance were provided back then through God’s pillar of cloud and fire. Therefore, let’s seek the same Lord of those ancient days, who calls us to a life that’s higher. Today a “promised land” is yours through the leading of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Abundant life now and an eternal home with God are freely offered to everyone.

P. A. Oltrogge

(Based on the Old Testament account in the book of Exodus) 

New Testament references:

“…For, indeed, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29 NKJV

“And Peter said to them ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38

Words of Jesus:

“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” John 10:10

“And while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.’” Matthew 26:26-28

“These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He saiid, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee, even as Thou gavest Him authority over all mankind, that to all whom Thou hast given Him, He may give eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.'” John 17: 1-3

“’Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.’” John 14:1-7

Scriptures: NASB, Ryrie Study Bible, or as noted

A Basic Understanding

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For the sake of some or even one person who may not fully understand the significance of Good Friday, I’m trusting that Chris Wark would not mind at all if I share a message he sent today on its observance, with an explanation of, and its connection to, Passover.

Chris helps many at his website: http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com

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What’s so good about Friday?

…by Chris Wark

It’s Good Friday and I want to do something I’ve never done before. I want to talk about it.

Today we recognize that 2024 years ago Jesus Christ died on a cross.

But the significance of Jesus’ death doesn’t make sense until you understand Passover.

The story of Passover is found in Exodus chapter 12. The Israelites, who were slaves in Egypt, were instructed by God through Moses to sacrifice a spotless 1-year-old male lamb and put the blood of the lamb around their door frames. 

That night, the Lord killed every firstborn child and every firstborn animal in Egypt, but the Lord passed over the houses with the blood of the lamb on the door.

That was the tenth and final plague that compelled the Pharaoh to let the Israelites leave Egypt, freeing them from 400 years of slavery. The Lord provided a way for the Israelites to be saved from His judgement, but they had to follow His instructions. They had to obey. 

Exodus 12:21-30 “Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. 

When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. When you enter the land that the Lord will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’

Then the people bowed down and worshiped. 

The Israelites did just what the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron. At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.”

The Israelites were saved by the blood of the lamb. 

But this wasn’t just a one time thing. God required the Israelites to observe Passover every year and to continually sacrifice animals as a substitution for their sins. This brutal practice served as a sober reminder that the penalty for sin is death and that God continually provided a way for His people to escape this judgement. (Numbers 28:1-40)

Approximately 1300 years later, Jesus of Nazareth was born to a virgin, and because of this, He did not have a sinful nature. Jesus lead a sinless life, innocent of all wrongdoing. 

When the prophet John the Baptist saw Jesus he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John also said, “He is the son of God.” (John 1:29-34) 

Jesus spent his ministry on earth doing three things: teaching about the kingdom of God, forgiving sin, and healing the sick. Jesus showed us God’s love, compassion and mercy for us, through His words and actions.

And are you ready for this mind-blower…

The blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, was shed during Passover.

Jesus was the pure and spotless Passover Lamb, who offered himself up as a sacrifice for us. He suffered the brutality of crucifixion on a cross and God poured out His wrath on Him to pay the penalty for your sin and for my sin and to spare us from judgment, eternal separation from God, and torment in hell. 

We are saved by the Blood of the Lamb.

But the story doesn’t end there. Jesus conquered death, rose again three days later and is now seated on the throne in heaven at the right hand of the Father. His Kingdom has come. And we will all stand before Him one day and give an account for our lives.

The Hebrew name for Jesus, Yeshua, means to rescue, to deliver, to save.

No amount of good deeds can offset the sin you have committed and spare you from judgment and punishment.

The beautiful message of Jesus is that salvation is a gift from God that no one deserves and yet is available to all who believe in Him. He is our heroic savior.

“For all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God.” -Romans 3:23

“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is enteral life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 6:23

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” -Romans 5:8

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” -Romans 10:9 

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” -Romans 10:13“

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” -Romans 5:1

“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” -Romans 8:1

“For God so loved the world that He sent his only son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

This is why Good Friday is so good!

Jesus is my King. I love Him. I follow HIm. I obey Him. He is my life, my healer and my savior. And my prayer today is that you will be overwhelmed by His love for you and that you will come to know Him as I have.

May you prosper in health even as your soul prospers

(((c)))