Traditional Christianity holds that Jesus was crucified Friday and rose Sunday morning. Yet prophets and Jesus Himself said he would be dead 3 days and 3 nights. Friday to Sunday may cover 3 days on a calendar, but in fact that is only 1 day and 2 nights (less than 48 hours). How do we reconcile this? What I share below is a possible explanation. I do not put it forth as an idea that I strongly believe in, nor do I claim that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches this, because AFAIK it doesn’t. Nevertheless, I believe it fits the doctrine better than the conventional tradition. Let me know what you think in the comments.

The Bible records Jesus Christ’s promise of a singular sign for His Messiahship: spending three days and three nights in the grave, mirroring the prophet Jonah’s ordeal (Matthew 12:38-40). This prophecy, echoed in John 2:19 (“in three days”), Mark 8:31 (“after three days”), and Luke 24:46 (“the third day”), demands a precise 72-hour fulfillment. Traditional Good Friday to Easter Sunday timelines fall short, spanning only about 36 hours. A closer examination of Scripture, Jewish holy days, and historical context reveals a Wednesday crucifixion aligns perfectly.

Key Context from Scripture

• Passover and High Holy Days: Leviticus 23:5-7 describes Passover followed by the First Day of Unleavened Bread as an annual Sabbath (High Day), separate from the weekly Saturday Sabbath. In AD 31, Passover fell on Tuesday evening, with the High Day starting Wednesday at sunset (Luke 22:1, 7; John 19:31).
• Book of Mormon Corroboration: The Book of Mormon affirms this duration through prophetic signs. Helaman 14:20, 27 foretells three days of darkness in the Americas from Christ’s death to resurrection, underscoring the global witness to the exact timeframe (see also 3 Nephi 8:23 for the fulfillment). Modern LDS prophets, like those in general conference addresses, emphasize this three-day period as a testament to Christ’s atoning sacrifice (e.g., “Three Days in the Tomb,” General Conference, April 1974).

The Detailed Timeline

Assuming AD 31 alignment (supported by biblical astronomy and holy day calendars), here’s the sequence:

• Tuesday Evening: Jesus observes Passover with disciples (Luke 22:13-15). Betrayed and arrested overnight.
• Wednesday Morning: Tried before Pilate (Mark 15:1), crucified at 9 a.m. (Mark 15:25), darkness from noon to 3 p.m. (Mark 15:33), dies at 3 p.m. (Mark 15:34-37).
• Wednesday Evening (Before Sunset): Buried by Joseph of Arimathea (Mark 15:42-47), just as the High Day Sabbath begins at sunset. Start of the first night.
• Thursday (High Day Sabbath): First full day in the tomb (sunrise to sunset). Women rest (Luke 23:56).
• Thursday Night: Second night.
• Friday (Preparation Day): Second day. Women buy spices after High Day ends (Mark 16:1).
• Friday Night: Third night, as weekly Sabbath approaches at sunset.
• Saturday (Weekly Sabbath): Third day. Women rest again.
• Saturday Evening (Before Sunset): Resurrection after exactly 72 hours (Luke 24:6-7).
• Sunday Morning: Women find empty tomb (Luke 24:1-3; John 20:1).

This framework resolves apparent contradictions by distinguishing annual and weekly Sabbaths, ensuring literal fulfillment of Christ’s words. While some traditions hold to Friday-Sunday, scriptural and prophetic evidence—including LDS sources—supports scrutinizing the 72-hour mandate for deeper understanding.

Additional resources

Video Timeline Explaining 3 Days & Nights – Easter / Passover | Tomorrow’s World