The Hidden Meaning of the 3rd and 6th Hours in Jesus’ Crucifixion
Introduction
Good morning. Today, we delve into a powerful truth hidden within the details of Jesus’ crucifixion. In the Gospels, we read that Jesus was crucified at the third hour (9 AM) and that darkness fell over the land at the sixth hour (noon). These references are not random, nor are they mere historical markers. Each of these times holds deep symbolic significance. Through understanding these specific times, we uncover a profound message about Jesus’ sacrifice, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the plan of redemption.
Scripture Reference: Mark 15:25 & Luke 23:44
"And it was the third hour, and they crucified Him." (Mark 15:25)
"It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon." (Luke 23:44)
The Third Hour: The Hour of Sacrifice
1. Jewish Tradition: The Time of the Morning Sacrifice
- The third hour in Jewish tradition corresponds to the time of the morning sacrifice. Every day, a lamb would be sacrificed in the temple at the third hour as part of the daily offerings. It is no coincidence that Jesus, the Lamb of God, was crucified at the third hour, signifying that He was the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the law and the need for daily sacrifices.
- Scripture Reference: "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)
2. The Beginning of Redemption
- The third hour represents the start of Jesus’ journey toward fulfilling His mission of redemption. The crucifixion at this hour marks the moment when Jesus took upon Himself the sins of humanity. As the Lamb was sacrificed for the atonement of Israel’s sins, so Jesus was sacrificed to atone for the sins of the entire world.
The Sixth Hour: The Hour of Judgment and Darkness
1. Darkness at the Sixth Hour: A Sign of Judgment
- At the sixth hour (noon), the Gospel tells us that darkness covered the land for three hours. This supernatural event was a sign of God’s judgment, not upon Jesus, but upon the sins of the world that Jesus bore. It was as if creation itself was mourning the death of the Son of God, and the darkness symbolized the weight of sin being carried by Christ.
- Scripture Reference: "It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon." (Luke 23:44)
2. Echoes of Passover and the Judgment of Egypt
- The darkness at the sixth hour also recalls the darkness that fell over Egypt during the final plague in the book of Exodus. Just as that darkness signified the coming of judgment on Egypt, the darkness over the land at Jesus’ crucifixion was a foreshadowing of the judgment that Jesus bore on behalf of all humanity. In both instances, the darkness preceded deliverance—Israel’s freedom from Egypt and our freedom from sin through Christ.
- Scripture Reference: "So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days." (Exodus 10:22)
The Hidden Meaning: The Timeline of Redemption
1. From Sacrifice to Judgment to Completion
- The third hour (9 AM) marks the moment of sacrifice, where Jesus is nailed to the cross as the perfect Lamb. The sixth hour (noon) brings darkness and judgment upon the sin of the world. Finally, at the ninth hour (3 PM), Jesus utters the words, “It is finished,” marking the completion of His redemptive work. This timeline represents the full arc of redemption—from sacrifice, to judgment, to the ultimate victory over sin and death.
- Scripture Reference: "It is finished." (John 19:30)
2. Prophetic Fulfillment
- The hours mentioned in the Gospels—third, sixth, and ninth—carry prophetic significance. They align with the times of the daily Jewish sacrifices, showing that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. His death completed what the sacrifices could only foreshadow, and in Him, all things were brought to completion.
- Scripture Reference: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." (Matthew 5:17)
Application for Our Lives Today
1. Living in the Reality of Jesus’ Sacrifice
- As we reflect on the specific hours of Jesus’ crucifixion, we are reminded of the immense sacrifice He made for us. The third hour teaches us that Jesus became our sacrifice so that we could be redeemed. The sixth hour shows us that Jesus took on the judgment that we deserved. And the ninth hour reminds us that His work is finished, and we can now live in freedom.
- Scripture Reference: "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." (John 3:17)
2. Gratitude for the Completed Work of Christ
- Understanding the timeline of Jesus’ crucifixion leads us to deeper gratitude for His completed work. He fulfilled the law, bore our judgment, and secured our salvation. Let us live each day in the light of this truth, knowing that our sins are forgiven and we are free because of the work He completed on the cross.
- Scripture Reference: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
Conclusion
The mention of the third and sixth hours in the Gospels holds deep meaning. These hours remind us of the unfolding plan of redemption—from the moment of sacrifice at the third hour, to the darkness and judgment at the sixth hour, to the completion of salvation at the ninth hour. As we reflect on these moments, let us live in gratitude for the sacrifice Jesus made and the freedom we now have through Him.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice and for the depth of meaning in every detail of His crucifixion. Help us to live in the reality of His finished work, and may we always be grateful for the redemption He secured for us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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