The Third Day

By studying the Bible, it is clear to see the “Third Day” pattern that runs through Scripture. God certainly is declaring prophetic significance to the “Third Day” because it is mentioned almost 50 times in the Bible.

When studying the Third Day, it is important to know what Scripture says about “a day”.

Psalm 90:4
For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

2 Peter 3:8
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

For further study in this matter, it is imperative to understand the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Luke 10:25-37
And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

The parable is about God’s plan of Salvation. It begins with Adam (who is the certain man) and ends with Jesus (who is the certain Samaritan) and His Second Coming. If we take a closer look at the payment made to the innkeeper, we learn key information about the return of Christ.

Let’s take a closer look at Luke 10:35 again.
On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’

In this verse we see that when Jesus departed, He paid two denarii, which is wages for two days work (see Matthew 20:2) to the innkeeper. The innkeeper represents the ministers of the Church that was birthed on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1). Then Jesus says when He comes again, He will repay whatever else was spent.

When viewing this through spiritual eyesight, one can easily see the significance of the two denarii paid for two days wages. A day is like a 1,000 years thus two days wages is payment for 2,000 years of labor. After 2,000 years, Jesus will then come again.

We can know when 2,000 years (or two days) have passed by studying the Bible and Jewish History. First, Israel belongs to God. This includes the City of David, known today as Jerusalem. Understanding the history of Jerusalem is the key to unlocking the prophetic future promised in God’s Word.

The starting point of counting 2,000 years began when King David united the Hebrew tribes into one nation, captured the city from the Jebusites, and made Jerusalem the capital (2 Samuel 5:1-10). Most scholars agree this was accomplished between 1005-999 BC. According to Scripture, day 1 began 1,000 years later at approximately 5 BC. Day 2, occurred 1,000 years later at approximately 995 AD. Day 3 occurred 1,000 later at approximately 1995 AD.

It is very interesting to note that the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated Jerusalem’s 3,000th year in 1996 Reference Link.

Additionally, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism celebrated Jerusalem’s 3,000th year in 1995 Reference Link.

We can see that scholars are very close in agreement as to when Israel’s 3,000th year, or Third Day, began.

In Bible Scripture, the Third Day is extremely significant.

· Jonah was in the whale’s belly – Until the Third Day!
· Esther entered the King’s inner court and saved the Jewish people – On the Third Day!
· Jesus performed His first miracle at a Wedding Feast – On the Third Day!
· Jesus rose from the dead – On the Third Day!

In Scripture, the Third Day pattern always denotes that God is completing something spiritual. Today…. right now…. is Jerusalem’s Third Day! There can be no doubt that God is unfolding the final hours of His great plan. Make sure you’re ready for Jesus, the "certain Samaritan", when He returns.