Why Was Jesus Not Resurrected On the Sabbath?

Jesus’ resurrection did not take place on the Sabbath (Saturday) because he was entombed late on Friday, and the Bible says that He rose early on Sunday, just after the Sabbath had concluded. (Mark 16:9)

This sequence ensured that Jesus remained in the grave for parts of three separate days—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—which aligns with the prophetic “three days” motif.

Additionally, the fourth commandment forbids any work, including visiting graves, on the Sabbath.

As a result, the women disciples waited until dawn on Sunday, the first day permissible according to the Law, to visit Jesus’ tomb—only to discover it was already empty.

Table of Contents

If Jesus Died on Friday and Rose on Sunday, How Is That Three Days?

A common puzzle arises from the claim that Jesus would be in the heart of the earth for “three days and three nights” (Matthew 12:40). If Jesus died on Friday afternoon and rose early Sunday morning, how does this add up to three days?

In Jewish reckoning, any part of a day was counted as a whole day.

So, Friday (day of crucifixion and burial), Saturday (the Sabbath), and Sunday (the resurrection morning) are understood as three distinct days, even though only parts of Friday and Sunday are included.

This method of counting fulfills the “third day” prophecies found throughout the Gospels.

Did Jesus Rise on the Sabbath?

The Gospels are unanimous in reporting that Jesus did not rise on the Sabbath (Saturday), but on the following day.

The Sabbath, observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, is the day of rest according to the fourth commandment. (Exodus 20:8-11)

Instead, Jesus’ resurrection took place on the “first day of the week,” which is Sunday in the Jewish and Christian calendars. (Mark 16:9)

This timing is significant—Jesus’ followers rested on the Sabbath, only visiting the tomb at dawn on Sunday, when they discovered it was already empty. (Matthew 28:1-6)

Jesus Rose on Sunday: Bible Verse

Scripture provides clear references that the resurrection occurred on Sunday. For instance, Mark 16:2 states:

And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

Similarly, Matthew 28:1 and Luke 24:1 affirm that it was “the first day of the week” (Sunday) when the women went to the tomb and found it empty.

Why Did Jesus Resurrect on Sunday?

Jesus’ resurrection on Sunday or the first day of the week fulfills the prophecy about “three days and three nights”. (Matthew 12:39-40; 16:21; 17:23)

This timing also fulfilled the prophetic symbolism of Jesus as the “firstfruits” of those resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:20), echoing the Jewish Feast of Firstfruits, which fell on the Sunday after Passover.

Mark 16:9

Mark 16:9 strengthens the understanding of the resurrection’s timing:

“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.”

This verse unmistakably places the resurrection on Sunday, not the Sabbath.

Conclusion

So, why was Jesus not resurrected on the Sabbath? Scriptural, historical, and theological evidence points toward a Sunday resurrection to fulfill prophecies.

The “three days” were counted inclusively, as per Jewish tradition.

Ultimately, Jesus’ resurrection after the Sabbath—rather than on it—highlights both the fulfillment of prophecy and the dawning of hope for believers everywhere.

My Letter To A Sunday Keeper – Sabbath Documentary