Where was Jesus for the three days between His death and resurrection?
Where Was Jesus for Three Days After His Death?
After Jesus declared, “It is finished” on the cross, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit (John 19:30, NKJV). His physical body remained on the cross until it was taken down and placed in a nearby tomb (John 19:40–42, NKJV). However, His spirit did not remain inactive during the three days before His resurrection. To understand where Jesus was and what He did during this time, we must examine Scripture and theological teachings that address these profound events.
Jesus' Words on the Cross: A Glimpse of Paradise
The clearest indication of Jesus’ destination after His death is found in His words to the repentant thief on the cross:
“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43, NKJV).
This Paradise is often understood as the place of comfort and blessing where the righteous awaited redemption before Jesus’ resurrection. In Jewish thought, this area of Sheol (the Hebrew term for the realm of the dead) was known as Abraham’s Bosom. Jesus assured the thief that they would both be in Paradise that very day, signifying that Jesus descended to the realm of the righteous dead after His death.
Sheol and Abraham’s Bosom: The Old Testament Understanding
In the Old Testament, Sheol is depicted as the place where all human souls went after death, divided into two distinct areas:
Abraham’s Bosom (Paradise):
This was the place of comfort and rest for the righteous. In Luke 16:19–31, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. In this account, Lazarus, a righteous man, is carried to Abraham’s Bosom, while the rich man finds himself in torment in Hades. These two areas were separated by a great chasm that could not be crossed (Luke 16:26, NKJV).The Place of Torment (Hades):
The unrighteous were held in a place of anguish and awaiting final judgment.
The division of Sheol reveals that, prior to Christ’s atoning sacrifice, even the righteous did not ascend to heaven but were held in a temporary place of blessing.
Jesus' Proclamation to the Spirits in Prison
1 Peter 3:18–20 provides further insight into Jesus’ activities during these three days:
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared...” (NKJV).
This passage is commonly interpreted to mean that Jesus, after His death, proclaimed a message to imprisoned spirits. These spirits could be:
Fallen Angels:
These are likely the angels who sinned grievously before the flood, as referenced in 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 1:6. Jesus’ proclamation to them was not one of salvation but a declaration of victory over sin, death, and Satan (Colossians 2:15, NKJV).The Wicked Dead:
Another interpretation is that Jesus’ proclamation was a spiritual message delivered through Noah during his time on earth. According to this view, the spirits are now in prison because they rejected the message of repentance and salvation during Noah’s day.
Both interpretations highlight Jesus’ sovereign authority and triumph over evil.
Leading Captivity Captive
Ephesians 4:8–10 adds another dimension to Jesus’ activities:
“Therefore He says: ‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.’ (Now this, ‘He ascended’—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things)” (NKJV).
This passage is often understood to mean that Jesus, after His death, descended to Abraham’s Bosom and led the righteous souls who were there into heaven. These included Old Testament saints such as Abraham, David, and Daniel, who had been justified by faith but could not yet enter heaven until Christ’s atoning work was complete. By His death and resurrection, Jesus opened the way to heaven for the righteous.
Paradise to Heaven: The Fulfillment of Redemption
Jesus' actions during these three days transformed the afterlife for the righteous. Before His death, the righteous dead awaited redemption in Abraham’s Bosom. After His resurrection:
The Righteous Now Enter Heaven Directly:
Jesus' completed work allows believers to go directly into God’s presence. 2 Corinthians 5:8 declares, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (NKJV).The Wicked Remain in Hades:
The unrighteous dead remain in Hades, awaiting the final judgment at the Great White Throne:
“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death” (Revelation 20:14, NKJV).
Theological Implications and Assurance
Christ's Victory Over Death and Sin:
Jesus’ descent to Abraham’s Bosom and proclamation to the spirits in prison signify His complete triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Colossians 2:15 says, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” (NKJV).Direct Access to God:
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers now have direct access to the Father. Hebrews 10:19–20 states, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh” (NKJV).Hope Beyond Death:
The events of these three days assure us that Christ has prepared a place for His followers. John 14:2–3: “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (NKJV).
Conclusion
Where was Jesus for the three days between His death and resurrection? He descended to Abraham’s Bosom, comforted the righteous, proclaimed His victory to the spirits in prison, and led the redeemed into heaven. This triumphant work demonstrates His sovereignty, fulfills Old Testament promises, and provides assurance of eternal life for all who believe. Through His death and resurrection, Christ opened heaven for the righteous, forever changing the course of eternity. As believers, we can rest in the confidence that, through Jesus, death has been defeated, and eternal life is secure.
