The question of whether Jesus was betrayed on Wednesday or Thursday might seem like a small detail, but it carries important implications for understanding the flow and depth of events during Passion Week. Most Gospel accounts place the Last Supper—and thus the betrayal—on Thursday evening, immediately preceding Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion on Friday. This traditional timeline aligns well with Jewish customs of counting partial days and helps preserve the powerful symbolism of the Passover in the context of Jesus’ sacrificial death.
Still, some scholars propose a Wednesday betrayal, aiming to reconcile Jesus’ “three days and three nights” in the tomb with a literal interpretation of Matthew 12:40. This perspective invites us to consider how ancient Jewish timekeeping and language shape our reading of scripture. Whether one leans toward Wednesday or Thursday, the key takeaway is that each event in Jesus’ final days was deeply intentional and rich in meaning. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the scriptures and scholarly views that shape this compelling debate.
If you’ve ever delved into the timeline of Jesus’ final days, you’ve probably come across differing opinions about the exact day He was betrayed. This question might seem minor at first glance, but understanding the chronology helps us grasp the significance of each event during Passion Week. So, let’s explore whether Jesus was betrayed on Wednesday or Thursday, using the Bible as our guide.
Understanding the Passion Week Timeline
To figure out the day of Jesus’ betrayal, we first need a clear picture of the Passion Week. According to the Gospels, Jesus’ final week on earth started with His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, known as Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19). Here’s a brief breakdown of key events:
- Palm Sunday: Jesus enters Jerusalem.
- Monday: Jesus cleanses the temple (Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-18, Luke 19:45-48).
- Tuesday: Jesus teaches in the temple and confronts religious leaders (Matthew 21:23-24:51, Mark 11:27-13:37, Luke 20:1-21:36).
- Wednesday: The Bible is somewhat silent about specific activities on this day, which is why it’s sometimes called “Silent Wednesday.”
- Thursday: The Last Supper and Jesus’ betrayal (Matthew 26:17-56, Mark 14:12-50, Luke 22:7-53, John 13:1-18:11).
- Friday: Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 18-19).
- Saturday: Jesus’ body lies in the tomb.
- Sunday: The resurrection (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20).
Scriptural Evidence
To narrow down the day of the betrayal, we must focus on the events of Thursday night. According to the Gospels, Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples on the night He was betrayed.
The Last Supper
All four Gospels agree that the Last Supper occurred on the evening before the crucifixion. Matthew 26:17-20 states:
“On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ He replied, ‘Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, “The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.”‘ So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.”
Mark 14:12-17, Luke 22:7-14, and John 13:1-2 provide similar accounts, emphasizing that the meal took place in the evening. It’s during this meal that Jesus predicts His betrayal (Matthew 26:21-25, Mark 14:18-21, Luke 22:21-23, John 13:21-30).
The Betrayal
The betrayal itself happens after the Last Supper, in the Garden of Gethsemane. Matthew 26:47-50 recounts:
“While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Jesus replied, ‘Do what you came for, friend.’ Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.”
This event is mirrored in Mark 14:43-46, Luke 22:47-48, and John 18:2-8, all indicating that the betrayal happened on the same night as the Last Supper, which is Thursday night.
The Case for Wednesday
Some scholars suggest that Jesus was betrayed on Wednesday, positing that He spent three full days and nights in the tomb before the resurrection, aligning with Matthew 12:40:
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
However, this interpretation hinges on the exact meaning of “three days and three nights.” In Jewish reckoning, any part of a day can count as a full day. Thus, Jesus’ time in the tomb from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning can still be considered “three days.”
The Traditional View: Thursday
The traditional view, supported by most biblical scholars, places the betrayal on Thursday night. This timeline fits the sequence of events described in the Gospels:
- Thursday Evening: Jesus and His disciples share the Last Supper.
- Late Thursday Night: Jesus is betrayed and arrested in Gethsemane.
- Early Friday Morning: Jesus is tried by Jewish leaders.
- Friday: Jesus is crucified and buried.
Conclusion
While the debate over whether Jesus was betrayed on Wednesday or Thursday continues among some scholars, the evidence strongly supports Thursday as the day of the Last Supper and betrayal. The Gospel accounts consistently place these events on the evening before the crucifixion, aligning with the traditional Christian understanding of the Passion Week timeline.
By examining the scriptures closely, we see a coherent narrative that underscores the profound significance of each moment in Jesus’ final days. Whether you’re reflecting on the events of Passion Week or diving deeper into biblical studies, understanding this timeline helps illuminate the extraordinary sacrifice Jesus made for humanity.
FAQs: Was Jesus Betrayed on Wednesday or Thursday?
1. Why is there confusion about the day of Jesus’ betrayal?
The confusion arises from different interpretations of the biblical timeline and the phrase “three days and three nights” mentioned in Matthew 12:40. Some scholars argue for a Wednesday betrayal to fit a literal interpretation of this phrase, while others adhere to the traditional Thursday timeline based on the sequence of events described in the Gospels.
2. What do the Gospels say about the day of Jesus’ betrayal?
The Gospels indicate that Jesus was betrayed on the night of the Last Supper, which was the evening before His crucifixion. This points to a Thursday evening betrayal, as Jesus was crucified on Friday.
3. How do we reconcile “three days and three nights” with a Friday crucifixion?
In Jewish tradition, any part of a day is considered a full day. Therefore, Jesus’ time in the tomb from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning counts as “three days,” even if it’s not three full 24-hour periods.
4. What is the significance of knowing the exact day of Jesus’ betrayal?
Understanding the timeline of Jesus’ final days helps provide context and deeper insight into the events of Passion Week. It enhances our appreciation of the sacrifice He made and the fulfillment of prophetic scripture.
5. Why do some scholars argue for a Wednesday betrayal?
Some scholars suggest a Wednesday betrayal to accommodate a literal interpretation of “three days and three nights” in the tomb. However, this view is less commonly accepted and requires reinterpreting several events described in the Gospels.
6. What does “Silent Wednesday” refer to?
“Silent Wednesday” refers to the day during Passion Week where the Gospels are largely silent about Jesus’ specific activities. It’s the day between His teachings on Tuesday and the Last Supper on Thursday.
7. Can the exact timeline of Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion be definitively determined?
While the exact timeline can be debated, the traditional view of a Thursday betrayal and Friday crucifixion is widely supported by biblical scholarship and the sequence of events described in the Gospels.
8. How do the events of Passion Week unfold according to the traditional view?
- Palm Sunday: Jesus enters Jerusalem.
- Monday: Jesus cleanses the temple.
- Tuesday: Jesus teaches and confronts religious leaders.
- Wednesday: No specific activities recorded (Silent Wednesday).
- Thursday: Last Supper and betrayal.
- Friday: Crucifixion and burial.
- Saturday: Jesus’ body in the tomb.
- Sunday: Resurrection.
9. Where can I read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion?
You can read about these events in the following passages:
- Matthew: Chapters 26-28
- Mark: Chapters 14-16
- Luke: Chapters 22-24
- John: Chapters 13-20
10. How can understanding the timeline of Jesus’ final days impact my faith?
Understanding the timeline of Jesus’ final days deepens our appreciation of His sacrifice, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the events leading to the resurrection. It helps us reflect on the significance of each moment and the profound love demonstrated through Jesus’ actions.
