| In view of these factors favoring a period of less than three full days between Jesus burial and resurrection, the question arises: Why could Jesus say that the Son of man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights? Why Did Jesus Die? Jesus spoke of his own will, showed that he was voluntarily submitting himself to his Fathers will (Mt 16:21-23; Joh 4:34; 5:30; 6:38), and consciously worked toward the fulfillment of his assignment as laid out in his Fathers Word. Because both the undeserved kindness and the truth were to come to be through Jesus Christ, he had to get out among the people, let them hear him, see his works and qualities. Gods holy spirit formed, as it were, a protective wall so that no imperfection or hurtful force could damage, or blemish, the developing embryo, from conception on.Lu 1:35. . His Birth on Earth. So Peter grabs a sword and cuts off the ear of the high priests slave. What further need do we have of witnesses? Some now slap Jesus in the face and spit on him. Knowing the year, it is possible by computation in line with the principles of the Jewish calendar to ascertain the day of the week on which Nisan 14 fell, even back in the first century C.E. It is well past midnight in the early hours of Friday. Thus, . Log In (opens new window) Search JW.ORG. The angel Gabriel told the Hebrew prophet Daniel: From the going forth of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Leader, there will be seven weeks, also sixty-two weeks [of years, or 483 years].Dan. In proof of his love for God and for imperfect mankind, he then let himself be brought just like a sheep to the slaughtering, submitting to trials, being slapped, hit with fists, spit on, scourged with a whip, and finally, nailed to a stake between criminals. Jesus's death and resurrection are celebrated by Christians either in March or April (depending on the year) and there is no agreement as to the actual dates of the events. Why? PRIVACY POLICY You may have heard that he died for our sins. Summary of evidence. Does all of this affect you? Men carrying torches and lamps now approach. Happily the Bible provides enough evidence to fix the year. (Joh 4:6, 25-30) The mere claim of Messiahship would mean nothing if not accompanied by the evidence, and in the end, faith was required on the part of those seeing and hearing if they were to accept the conclusion to which that evidence unerringly pointed.Lu 22:66-71; Joh 4:39-42; 10:24-27; 12:34-36. How can that be? All the while, Jesus remains silent. (Isa 53:4; Lu 8:43-48) He did so not only in fulfillment of prophecy but because he wanted to. (Mt 8:2-4, 16,17) More important, he brought them spiritual health and forgiveness of sins, being authorized to do so because, as the Christ, he was foreordained to provide the ransom sacrifice, in fact was already undergoing the baptism into death that would terminate on the torture stake.Isa 53:4-8, 11, 12; compare Mt 9:2-8; 20:28; Mr 10:38, 39; Lu 12:50. Read Bible Scriptures about the beautiful future in a paradise on earth on 24-7info.info. Sometime after A.D. 300, Christianity managed the final coup of absorbing the Saturnalia, and with that it scored its final victory over Mithraism. (Ro 5:17,18) By his resurrection from the dead to life as a heavenly Son of God, he was declared righteous in spirit. (1Ti 3:16) Heavenly creatures proclaimed him worthy to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing, as one who was both lionlike in behalf of justice and judgment and also lamblike in giving himself as a sacrifice for the saving of others. . and C.E. (Compare Ge 16:7-11, 13; 18:1-5, 22-33; 32:24-30; Jg 6:11-15; 13:20-22.) It was in the full regal as well as priestly authority represented by Jesus name that his followers preached (Ac 5:29-32, 40-42), baptized disciples (Mt 28:18-20; Ac 2:38; compare 1Co 1:13-15), disfellowshipped immoral persons (1Co 5:4,5), and exhorted and instructed the Christian congregations they shepherded (1Co 1:10; 2Th 3:6). John 1:14 says that the Word became flesh and resided among us. For that reason he could call himself the Son of man. (Joh 1:51; 3:14,15) Some draw attention to the expression resided [literally, tented] among us and claim this shows Jesus was, not a true human, but an incarnation. 9:25) And applying that prophecy to historical data also points to 29C.E. 137, 328-331, 348. Leaving eight of the apostles at the entrance of the garden, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John farther in among the olive trees. (Mt 9:4; Mr 2:6-8; Joh 2:23-25) And he kept his ear tuned to Gods Word and sought, not his own will, but that of his Father; this assured that, as Gods appointed Judge, his decisions would always be right and righteous.Isa 11:4; Joh 5:30. Not at all. would allow for the time required by these events intervening between his birth and the death of Herod, likely in 1B.C.E. (Da 9:26, 27; compare Heb 9:9-14; 10:1-10.) This is evident from John 19:31, which shows that the following day was a great sabbath. He regularly attended the synagogue services each Sabbath. And, like the earlier prophets, he performed signs and miracles as evidence from God that he was divinely sent. Wonderful Counselor. The priest was responsible for the education of the people in Gods law and will. . The one walking in front is none other than Judas Iscariot, who comes straight to Jesus. Being present will no doubt deepen your appreciation for what our loving God and his dear Son did on the last day of Jesus human life. Jesus is taken outside Jerusalem to a place called Golgotha. Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs - Wikipedia By now it is midmorning, possibly approaching noon. According to the Gospels, Jesus was a Jewish man born in Bethlehem and raised in the town of Nazareth, in Galilee (formerly Palestine, now northern Israel) during the first century. When the time came for it, several months after beginning his ministry, he went to certain people already known to him and gave them the invitation: Be my follower. Men abandoned fishing businesses and tax office employment to respond without hesitation. Their earliest opportunity to use the spices came at daybreak Sunday morning, Nisan16. (Luke 22:15) Jesus knows that his religious enemies are intent on having him killed. Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. They mock him and hit him with a sturdy reed, pushing the crown of thorns deeper into his scalp. Annually, on the date corresponding to Nisan 14, millions of people worldwide commemorate Jesus death. To answer these questions, let us go back to the beginning of that momentous day. After questioning Jesus, Pilate announces: I find no crime in this man. (Luke 23:4) When Pilate hears that Jesus is a Galilean, he has him sent to Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, who is in Jerusalem for the Passover. I am thirsty, he says. (and remember that there is no zero year between the B.C.E. His childhood and the growing-up process, like his birth, were necessary, though incidental, means to an end. 2 to, evening feet of apostles; Judas goes out to 117, par. TERMS OF USE And here's how . Through the remaining chronological evidence an even more definite conclusion can be reached. What is the name of Jesus on account of which Christians are hated by all nations? My soul is deeply grieved, even to death, he tells the three. Why Did Jesus Die? - Jehovah's WitnessesOfficial Website: jw.org When they entered into the memorial tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side clothed in a white robe, and they were stunned. . His courage was based on faith. Jehovahs Witnesses invite you to attend the Memorial of Jesus death on March24, 2024. The popular date of December25 as the day of Jesus birth therefore has no basis in Scripture. And how cold could it be? Drink out of it, all of you, Jesus tells them, explaining: This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf. He instructs the remaining 11 faithful apostles: Keep doing this in remembrance of me.Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19, 20; 1Corinthians 11:24,25. They . Again counting back, we must conclude that Jesus was born, not on December25, but about October1, in the year 2B.C.E. Late in the eveningperhaps past midnightJesus says a memorable prayer, after which they sing songs of praise to Jehovah. It is logical, then, that this is why the Bible calls the day following Jesus death a great sabbath. Nisan 14A Day for Remembering Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY Gods purpose that there be a seed (Ge 3:15), the Messiah, who would serve as the sacrificial Lamb of God, was foreknown to Him before the founding of the world (1Pe 1:19,20), an expression considered under the heading FOREKNOWLEDGE, FOREORDINATION (Foreordination of the Messiah). While the Son had never undergone a test like that now before him, he had demonstrated his faithfulness and devotion in other ways. Jesus himself said that all the prophecies concerning the Messiah were certain of realization, must be fulfilled. (Lu 24:44-47; Mt 16:21; compare Mt 5:17.) (Isa 11:5) His love of righteousness was coupled with a hatred of wickedness, hypocrisy, and fraud, as well as indignation toward those who were greedy and callous toward the sufferings of others. The Passover, held on Nisan 14 according to the lunar calendar, was a yearly celebration; the early Christians likewise observed the Memorial once each year. Yet the lack of a specifically stated birth date for Jesus should not disturb us. (Matt. He was educated, as is shown by his ability to find and read sections from the Sacred Writings, but he did not attend the rabbinic schools of higher learning.Lu 4:16; Joh 7:14-16. (Mt 7:21-27; 23:1-8, 25-28; Mr 3:1-5; 12:38-40; compare vss 41-44.) (Eph 1:8-10; 2:20; 1Pe 2:4-8) Because of the vital role he thus plays in Gods purpose, Jesus could say, rightly and without exaggeration: I am the way and the truth and the life. | PRIVACY POLICY b Listed here are numbers identifying chapters in the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Listen! Jesus, on the other hand, gave his life as a ransom to pay the price for mankinds sin and death, thus providing a basis for God to extend mercy and favor. Counting back seventy-two hours from early Sunday morning, we would come to early Thursday morning. Why Did Jesus Die? These books are published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. PRIVACY SETTINGS, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/502016853/univ/art/502016853_univ_sqr_xl.jpg. But since Jesus died about 3:00 p.m., he would have had to be laid in the tomb on Wednesday afternoon. He thereby became the Chief Agent [Prince, KJ; JB] of life for all mankind. (Compare Mt 16:21-23.) Suddenly, the apostles realize what is happening. He was a commander, and the chief of his commands was that they love one another even as he had loved them. (Joh 15:10-14) He was able to control crowds numbering into the thousands. Clue #1: The High Priesthood of Caiaphas The gospels indicate that Jesus was crucified at the instigation of the first century high. Many scholars have concluded that these words refer to a beam or an upright stake made of one piece of wood. Their Lord and dear friend is about to be arrested! As faithful Judean kings had waged campaigns to eliminate false worship from the realm (2Ch 15:8; 17:1, 4-6; 2Ki 18:1, 3-6), so, too, the ministry of Jesus, Gods Messianic King, had a devastating effect on false religion in his day.Joh 11:47,48. The sacred secret. Gods purpose as revealed in Jesus Christ remained a sacred secret [or, mystery] . The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2001, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom (Public)2016, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1999, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2015. Share (Mt 5-7) In it his counsel showed the way to true happiness, how to settle quarrels, how to avoid immorality, how to deal with those showing enmity, the way to practice righteousness free from hypocrisy, the right attitude toward the material things of life, confidence in Gods generosity, the golden rule for right relationships with others, the means for detecting religious frauds, and how to build for a secure future. Jehovah fully knew his Son from his intimate association with him during countless ages past (Mt 11:27; compare Ge 22:12; Ne 9:7,8) and could therefore assign him to fulfill the unerring prophecies of His Word. (PICTURE, Vol. Others hit him with their fists and heap abuse on him. (Joh 7:45,46) He presented matters of great weight and depth with simplicity, brevity, and clarity. This would mean a ministry of three and a half years duration (half of a week of seven years) for Jesus Christ. The sacred secret did not simply involve an identification of Gods Son as such. In the fall of 455B.C.E., during the 20th year of King Artaxerxes, when that Persian monarch decreed that Jerusalem and its walls should be rebuilt. 2:1-8) Accordingly, that period of 69 weeks (483 years) ended in the fall of 29C.E. Then, by the light of a full moon, they make their way out of the city and across the Kidron Valley.John 17:118:1. Leader and Commander. Jesus demonstrated his qualifications as a leader and commander as well as a witness to the national groups. (Isa 55:3,4; Mt 23:10; Joh 14:10, 14; compare 1Ti 6:13,14.) TERMS OF USE The death of his friend Lazarus and the resulting grief to Lazarus sisters caused Jesus to groan and give way to tears. (Joh 11:32-36) Thus, in an anticipatory way, Jesus the Messiah carried the sicknesses and bore the pains of others, doing so at the cost of power from himself. The issue raised by Gods Adversary, however, required that the Son, as the promised Messiah and future King of Gods Kingdom, now undergo a test of integrity under new circumstances. He is Gods High Priest who can effect full cleansing from sin and liberation from sins death-dealing effects (Heb 3:1,2; 4:14; 7:23-25; 8:1-3); he is the appointed Judge into whose hands all judgment is committed, so that he judiciously administers his ransom benefits to individuals among mankind according to their worthiness to live under his kingship (Joh 5:22-27; Ac 10:42,43); through him the resurrection of the dead also comes. Christianity portal v t e The crucifixion of Jesus occurred in 1st-century Judaea, most likely in AD 30 or AD 33. He was, in substance and fact, the true one that had been prefigured.Ro 15:8-12; compare Ps 18:49; 117:1; De 32:43; Isa 11:10. (Mt 20:25-28; 1Co 11:1; 1Pe 2:21) He, their Lord, washed their feet. He'd spent the night before on trial for crimes he did not commit, received no sleep, had sweat blood even prior to the torture, and he died very . It does not seem reasonable that Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome would have purchased spices immediately after Nisan 15 (Thursday evening, according to such reckoning) and then waited until early on the morning of Nisan 18 (Sunday) to go to Jesus tomb. The day after Passover was always a sabbath, no matter on what day of the week it came. (Joh 8:46,55) Righteousness and faithfulness girded him like a belt. (Lu 2:8,12) Already by the autumn month of Bul (October-November) the rainy season was starting (De 11:14), and flocks were brought into protected shelters at night. Reaching forward, he heals the slave and commands Peter: Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword. (Luke 22:50, 51; Matthew 26:52) The officers and soldiers grab hold of Jesus and bind him. 9:25; Num. His Son must do his part to make the prophecies come true. (John 19:31, 42; Mark 15:42, 43; Luke 23:54) As soon as that sabbath was over (which would be at sundown, Nisan15) Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome bought additional spices for greasing Jesus body. Christ did so on the last night of his earthly life, shortly before he gave his soul a ransom in exchange for many. (Matt. (Joh 17:1-3) Or he may have addressed Jesus as my God in a way similar to expressions made by his forefathers, recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures, with which Thomas was familiar. (Ac 4:12; Eph 1:19-23; Php 2:9-11) They must, sincerely and without hypocrisy, line up with the standards Jesus exemplified and, in faith, obey the commands he gave.Mt 7:21-23; Ro 1:5; 1Jo 3:23. (Mt 22:37-39) Love was therefore to be the distinguishing mark identifying his disciples. EVENTS GREATEST MANb, 14 Thursday Passover celebration; Jesus washes 113, par. (Mt 2:13-15; Lu 3:23) As Hebrews 10:5 states, Jehovah God prepared a body for him, and Jesus, from conception onward, was truly undefiled, separated from the sinners.Heb 7:26; compare Joh 8:46; 1Pe 2:21,22. Although most Christians celebrate December 25 as the birthday of Jesus Christ, few in the first two Christian centuries claimed any knowledge of the exact day or year in which. Even more agonizing to Jesus is the thought of the reproach that would be heaped on his dear heavenly Father if he failed this excruciating test. The full significance of his name. It can be seen that, while Jesus death on a torture stake plays a vital part in human salvation, acceptance of this is by no means all that is involved in putting faith in the name of Jesus. (Ac 10:43) Following his resurrection, Jesus informed his disciples, All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth, thereby showing that he heads a government of universal domain. His Baptism. Podcast Media Publications April 3, AD 33: Why We Believe We Can Know the Exact Date Jesus Died Andreas Kstenberger / Apr 8 In our book, The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived, Justin Taylor and I assume but do not argue for a precise date of Jesus's crucifixion. These and related matters will be discussed on Thursday evening, April1, at tens of thousands of places around the world when millions of people will gather to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. kept in silence for long-lasting times. (Ro 16:25-27) For over 4,000 years, since the rebellion in Eden, men of faith had awaited the fulfillment of Gods promise of a seed to bruise the head of the serpentlike Adversary and thereby to bring relief to mankind. How can events of 1,966 years ago affect you now at the threshold of the 21stcentury? How does the ransom provide redemption from sin? Corporations; History; . He showed keen discernment of principles, of the real meaning and purpose of Gods laws, emphasizing the weightier matters thereof, justice and mercy and faithfulness. (Mt 12:1-8; 23:23,24) He was impartial, displaying no favoritism, even though he felt particular affection for one of his disciples. You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you. (John 15:13-15) Yes, the 11 apostles have proved that they are true friends by sticking with Jesus during his trials. It comes after Lent and encompasses the death of Jesus on . Jesus proved himself to be the promised Wonderful Counselor (Isa 9:6) by his knowledge of Gods Word and will, by his understanding of human nature, by his ability to get to the heart of questions and issues, and by showing the solution to problems of daily living. According to Luke 3:1, John the Baptist began his ministry in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. As Luke used a Greek word literally meaning governorship, some have concluded that the fifteenth year should be counted as starting from the time that Tiberius was a coregent with Augustus.