Three Times Wrong

The Use of "3" In the Passion Narrative

During passion week we ponder the brutal crucifixion of Jesus. Each gospel account gives us a window into this most significant event in human history. In this article, I offer a brief observation of the number 3 in the accounts.

I suggest:

• Peter denies Jesus 3 times.

• Jesus is tried 3 times (Council, Pilate, and Herod)

• Pilate declares Jesus to be innocent 3 times, followed by 3 cries of “crucify.”

• Jesus was crucified on the third hour (Mark 15:25)

• The entire crucifixion process moves in 3 hour cycles—Jesus was crucified on the third hour (Mark 15:25), darkness covered the land at the sixth hour (Luke 23:44), and Jesus died on the ninth hour (Luke 23:44-49).

• They mocked Jesus’ own prophetic word that he would build the temple in 3 days (Mark 15:29).

• There are 3 mockeries of Christ on the cross—the rulers scoff (Luke 22:35), the soldiers mock (22:36), and the inscription above Jesus joins the mockery (22:38).

• Jesus was nailed to the cross with presumably 3 nails (Luke 24:39-40).

• Jesus was crucified along with 2 robbers, making 3 deaths.

The use of 3 adds to the “supposed” surety of the verdict and the crucifixion. Three times over they examined him, and the unanimous cry is “i don’t know him” and “crucify him.” The use of 3 also draws out the excruciating process. Three times rejected by his best friend, three trials, three nails, three executions, three mockeries. Jesus dies, and it’s anything but quick and pain-free. It seems that surely Jesus has been defeated.

The only verdict not yet rendered is God’s. This came three days later, when God raised Jesus from the dead. Christ’s resurrection mocks the trial and execution. Rather than defeating Jesus, Jesus defeated death on the third day. This verdict, of Christ’s righteousness and victory over death, continues. Jesus rose and reigns still, making it clear that his reign cannot be defeated. Modern attempts to put Jesus to death will end up being as embarrassing and counter productive as the crucifixion; even if attempted 3 times over.

“Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54).