Jamie Pantastico - Free Bible Study Classes - Genesis through Revelation

Was Jesus Crucified on Friday or Wednesday?

by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 5, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

Scripture trumps tradition when it comes to Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection

It is important to abide by Scripture when it comes to Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Bible indicates that Jesus had to be crucified on Wednesday and arose sometime in the Saturday evening hours before the end of the Sabbath, contrary to the popular belief that He was crucified on Friday. This is further supported by the fact that the Jewish day begins and ends at 6 P.M. (sunset), with the daytime hours beginning at the “First hour” from dawn until 8 A.M. and lasting through the “Twelfth hour” of 6 P.M. to sunset. Additionally, the six days of Passover were being observed, culminating with the yearly High Sabbath (Leviticus 23), a three-day feast beginning on Wednesday sunset.

*** I want to make it emphatically clear that this is how I was taught when it comes to the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior. I’m not dogmatic about when our Lord was crucified. But what I am dogmatic about and what truly matters is not the specific day of the week when Jesus was crucified, but rather that we believe and share that Jesus willingly died for our sins, shed His blood, was buried, and was resurrected from the dead three days later (the gospel). The Lord Jesus did all of this on our behalf and those who believe in this good news are promised eternal life. At the end of the day, this is what truly matters.

Here is a timeline of events leading up to and including the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ:

14th Day of Nisan (our Tuesday sunset to Wednesday sunset): Christ betrayed (Matthew 26:14-25), Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-29), Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:30-46), Christ on trial (Matthew 26:57-68, 27:1-31), and Our Lord and Savior crucified (Matthew 27:32-50). His body was quickly placed in the tomb on Wednesday just before sunset (Matthew 27:57-66).

15th Day of Nisan (our Wednesday sunset to Thursday sunset): The first day of the feast and the first night and first day in the tomb.

16th Day of Nisan (our Thursday sunset to Friday sunset): The second day of the feast and the second night and second day in the tomb.

17th Day of Nisan (our Friday sunset to Saturday sunset): The third day of the feast, the weekly Sabbath, and the third night and third day in the tomb. The Resurrection took place on the Sabbath, around sunset on Saturday.

18th Day of Nisan (our Sunday morning after Sabbath): The tomb was found empty (Matthew 28:1-8).

It is essential to recognize that the Resurrection is of equal importance as the Crucifixion, as without it, Christ’s death accomplished nothing. Christ spent three days and nights (nights and days) in the tomb (Matthew 12:40), arose on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:4), and the tomb was found empty on Sunday morning. Therefore, we should base our beliefs on Scripture and not on traditions such as Ash Wednesday and Lent, which are not mentioned in the Bible, and Easter, which is mentioned incorrectly only once in the KJV.

(Easter has nothing to do with Passover nor does Easter have anything to do with any of the Jewish festivals. Pesach or Passover is the word that should have been used in Acts 12:4.)

For more on the Pesach or Passover check out Chabad.org.

The King’s Arrival: Prophecy Fulfilled “the Triumphal Entry”

by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 3, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

In Zechariah 9:9, the prophecy states:

“Rejoice greatly, O people of Zion (Jerusalem and the Jews), shout for joy, O people of Jerusalem: your King is coming to you; He is just and brings salvation, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

This prophecy speaks of the arrival of Israel’s promised King (Isaiah 9:6-7), which was fulfilled during Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the Holy Week leading up to Easter (Resurrection Day). Jesus rode a colt into the city, as described in the prophecy, which was written around 500 years earlier.

The Triumphal Entry

‘So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord !’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”’

Luke 19:32-33,35-40

Fulfilling Prophecy and Covenants: The Triumphal Entry and Its Significance in the Holy Week

The Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:1–3) and the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16) are significant in understanding the fulfillment of this prophecy. The Abrahamic covenant is the promise God made to Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, and through his descendants (would come the savior of the world, Jesus, and), all nations of the earth would be blessed. The Davidic covenant is the promise God made to King David, stating that his descendants would have an everlasting kingdom. Lastly, Isaiah 9:6-7, again establishes that Israel’s promised King, Jesus the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God, will rule from David’s throne in Jerusalem forever! Praise God!

By connecting these covenants and promises to Zechariah 9:9, we can see that the prophecy demonstrates the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and King David. The arrival of the promised King of Israel in the form of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem shows that God kept His promises to His people. The covenants and the prophecy all point to the same conclusion: the coming of a just and righteous King who would bring salvation and establish an everlasting kingdom (which will be still future and be fulfilled at the Lord’s second coming). This event is a pivotal moment in the Holy Week, as it sets the stage for Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, which is at the core of Christianity and the culmination of all that God does.

Resurrection Day! Matthew 28

Want to Be Happy? Have Joy in the Lord and Be Happy

by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 1, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

Joy and happiness are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference between the two. Happiness is a temporary feeling of pleasure that is often dependent on our circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is a deep-seated sense of contentment and peace (Romans 5:1) that comes from our relationship with God.

‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ‘

Romans 5:1

The Bible talks about joy in several verses, including Psalm 16:11, which says, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” This verse emphasizes that joy comes from being in the presence of God, not from external circumstances.

Another verse that distinguishes between joy and happiness is Romans 15:13, which says, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This verse shows that joy and peace come from believing (or having faith in) what? The gospel, and being indwelled with the power of the Holy Spirit, not from anything external.

In Galatians 5:22-23, joy is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit, emphasizing that it is a spiritual attribute. James 1:2-3 also speaks about joy in the midst of trials, showing that joy can be present even when circumstances are difficult.

‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ‘

Galatians 5:22-23

‘My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ‘

James 1:2-3

While happiness is a good thing, it is fleeting and dependent on external factors; Money in the bank, bills paid, a nice running car, etc. But the moment the bank account is at zero, bills are piling up and the car breaks down happiness is out the window. Joy, on the other hand, is a deep-seated contentment that comes from our faith in and relationship with God. As believers, we can experience joy (and be happy) even in difficult circumstances because we know that God is with us and that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ‘

Romans 8:28

Pushing Through a Tough Day by Trusting God

by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 29, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

This passage reminds us to trust in God completely and not rely on our own limited understanding. Sometimes, we may not understand why we are going through difficult situations, but we can trust that God has a plan for us and that He will guide us through it.

In Philippians 4:13, the Apostle Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

This verse reminds us that we can face any challenge with the strength that comes from Christ Who is our Redeemer, the Creator, and sustainer of everything, all Mighty Sovereign, Son of God, Who is God. So no matter how hard our day may be, we can trust in God’s power and find the strength we need to push through.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we come to you today in Jesus’ name, and with thanksgiving asking for your strength and wisdom as we face the challenges of the day. Help us to trust in you completely, knowing that you have a plan for us and that you will guide us through every difficulty. Give us the strength we need to push through any obstacles that come our way and help us to rely on your wisdom rather than our own understanding. We thank you for your love and your grace, and we trust in your power to carry us through this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rejoicing in God’s Steadfast Love and Faithfulness

by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 27, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

Two Bible Verses to Start your Day!

God’s love for us does not waiver!

Verse 1: Psalm 136:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

Verse 2: Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.”

In Psalm 136, the writer repeatedly declares the steadfast love of the Lord throughout the entire chapter. This love does not change, it does not waver, and it endures forever. We can take comfort in knowing that no matter what we face in life, God’s love for us remains steadfast and true. He will never abandon us or leave us to face our struggles alone.

Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 4:4 when he tells us to rejoice in the Lord always. No matter what challenges we may face, we can choose to rejoice in the fact that we have a loving God who is always with us.

So, as we start our day, let us take a moment to give thanks to the Lord for his steadfast love and faithfulness. Let us rejoice in the fact that we serve a God who is always with us, no matter what. And let us face the day ahead with confidence, knowing that we can trust in God’s unwavering love for us.

Heavenly Father, we thank you in Jesus name for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Help us to rejoice in your presence today and trust in your plan for our lives. Give us the strength and courage to face whatever challenges may come our way, knowing that we are never alone. Amen.

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