There are many dates that are etched into our memory. We hear July 4, 1776 and think indpendence, December 7, 1941 – Pearl Harbor, and on and on you could go. Then we have arbitrary dates that mark historical events that are difficult to date like December 25 and Christmas. But there is another date that doesn’t make the average week-at-a-glance planner. Chances are it isn’t a postal or school holiday. Even its liturgical celebration is not on a fixed day but has been placed instead on the day of the week rather than the actual calendar day. I am talking about the dates for the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In Bruce Metzger’s New Testament: Background, Growth, and Content he believes the crucifixion of Jesus took place on April 7, 30, which would put his resurrection on April 9. We don’t have rock solid confirmation of this date but I think it is a pretty good guess. So there you have it, two dates that probably have the most significance in your life as a Christian that you most likely never heard the likely dates for.
