7 Things That Happened Between Crucifixion and the Resurrection of Jesus
He is Risen! Easter and the New Beginning
The period between Jesus’ crucifixion and Easter, also known as the Easter Triduum, is a significant time in the Christian calendar. Here are some of the events that took place during this period:
1. Jesus’ burial
After Jesus was taken down from the cross, his body was prepared for burial and placed in a tomb.
Matthew 27:57–60: “When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.”
2. The guards at the tomb
The tomb where Jesus was buried was guarded by Roman soldiers to prevent his body from being stolen.
Matthew 27:62–66: “The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, ‘Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, “After three days I will rise.” Therefore, order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, “He has risen from the dead,” and the last fraud will be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.’ So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.”
3. The Sabbath
Jesus’ death and burial took place on Friday, and the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, began at sundown on that day.
Mark 15:42–47: “And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.”
4. The women visit the tomb
On the morning of the third day, which is Easter Sunday, several women, including Mary Magdalene, went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. They found that the stone had been rolled away, and the tomb was empty.
According to the Gospels, there were several women who visited the tomb of Jesus after his burial. The specific names of the women mentioned in each Gospel vary slightly, but the following women are commonly mentioned:
- Mary Magdalene — She is mentioned by name in all four Gospels as one of the women who went to the tomb of Jesus. She is often described as a follower of Jesus who was present at his crucifixion and burial.
- Mary, the mother of James — She is also mentioned in all four Gospels. Sometimes referred to as “Mary the mother of James the Less” or “Mary the mother of Joses,” she is believed to be the wife of a man named Clopas or Cleophas, who is mentioned in the Gospel of John.
- Salome — She is mentioned by name in Mark’s Gospel as one of the women who went to the tomb of Jesus. She is often identified as the mother of James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples.
- Joanna — She is mentioned by name in Luke’s Gospel as one of the women who went to the tomb of Jesus. She is described as a follower of Jesus who was also present at his crucifixion and burial.
Other women who are mentioned in one or more of the Gospels include Mary, the mother of Jesus, and various unnamed women who accompanied the other women to the tomb.
These women played an important role in the events surrounding Jesus’ death and Resurrection, and their presence at the tomb is a key part of the Christian tradition surrounding the Easter story.
5. The resurrection
According to Christian belief, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, which is celebrated as Easter Sunday.
6. Jesus appears to his disciples
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and others, including Mary Magdalene and two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Matthew 28:1–10: “Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.’ So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.”
7. The Great Commission:
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to spread the good news of the gospel throughout the world.
Matthew 28:18–20: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
These events are commemorated by Christians during the Easter Triduum, which includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. The resurrection of Jesus is considered to be the most significant event in Christianity, as it represents the triumph of life over death and provides hope of eternal life for believers.
Written with AI-assistance
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