The death of Jesus Christ is one of the most pivotal events in Christian history. Understanding the timeline of Jesus’ crucifixion helps deepen our appreciation of the Gospel narrative and the fulfilled prophecies. This blog post offers a comprehensive timeline of the events leading to Jesus’ death, from His arrest to His burial, based on accounts in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
📜 The Significance of Jesus’ Death
Before diving into the timeline, it’s important to grasp why Jesus’ death matters. According to Christian theology, Jesus’ crucifixion was the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and establishing a new covenant between God and mankind.
📖 Isaiah 53:5, Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Hebrews 9:26
🕯️ Thursday Evening: The Last Supper
Jesus shared His Last Supper with the disciples on Thursday evening, during Passover week.
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Event: The Last Supper
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Time: Likely after 6:00 PM
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Location: Upper Room in Jerusalem
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Significance: Jesus institutes the Holy Communion, predicts His betrayal
📖 Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-23, John 13:1-30
🌙 Late Thursday Night: The Arrest in Gethsemane
After the supper, Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed in agony. Judas arrived with a crowd and betrayed Him with a kiss.
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Event: Jesus' agony and arrest
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Time: Late Thursday night, possibly around midnight
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Location: Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane
📖 Matthew 26:36-56, Mark 14:32-50, Luke 22:39-53, John 18:1-12
⚖️ Early Friday Morning: Trials Before Jewish Leaders
Jesus was taken to Annas, then to Caiaphas, and finally to the Sanhedrin for an illegal night trial.
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Event: Religious trial
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Time: Early morning hours, likely between 1:00 AM – 5:00 AM
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Charges: Blasphemy
📖 Matthew 26:57-68, Mark 14:53-65, Luke 22:63-71, John 18:12-24
🏛️ Friday Morning: Trial Before Pilate and Herod
The Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, because only Rome could execute someone. Pilate sent Him to Herod Antipas, who mocked Him and sent Him back.
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Event: Political trial
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Time: Around 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
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Outcome: Pilate ultimately sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion
📖 Matthew 27:1-26, Mark 15:1-15, Luke 23:1-25, John 18:28–19:16
🔨 Friday Morning: The Crucifixion
Jesus was crucified at Golgotha (also known as Calvary).
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Time: Crucifixion began at the third hour (9:00 AM)
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Details: Jesus was nailed to the cross between two criminals
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Words from the Cross: “Father, forgive them...”, “Today you will be with me in paradise…”
📖 Matthew 27:27-44, Mark 15:16-32, Luke 23:26-43, John 19:17-27
⛅ Friday Noon to 3:00 PM: Darkness and Death
A supernatural darkness covered the land from noon to 3:00 PM. At the ninth hour (3:00 PM), Jesus cried out and breathed His last.
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Event: Jesus’ death
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Final words: “It is finished.”, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
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Immediate signs: Temple veil torn, earthquake, graves opened
📖 Matthew 27:45-54, Mark 15:33-39, Luke 23:44-49, John 19:28-30
🪦 Friday Evening: Jesus is Buried
Before sunset, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. He and Nicodemus wrapped the body and laid it in a new tomb.
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Time: Before 6:00 PM (start of the Sabbath)
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Location: Garden tomb near Golgotha
📖 Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42
✨ Conclusion: Why the Timeline of Jesus’ Death Matters
The timeline of Jesus’ death underscores not only the historical accuracy of the Gospel accounts but also the fulfillment of divine prophecy. Every hour of that day reveals the depth of God's love and the cost of redemption.
📖 Luke 24:25-27, John 19:36-37, Acts 2:23-24, 1 Peter 2:24
📌 Key Takeaways
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Jesus was arrested Thursday night and crucified Friday morning
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He died around 3:00 PM on Good Friday
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His burial took place before the Sabbath began at sunset
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The events fulfill numerous Old Testament prophecies