When Jesus died on the cross, where was he the three days before he resurrected?

Wow! That’s an awesome question! And it is a question that Bible scholars have debated for years!

The Bible does not specifically state what happened during those three days. Many biblical scholars have offered different theories based on Scripture. Some say He went to Hades; others say he went to “Abraham’s Bosom” to preach the gospel. They base this on 1 Peter 3:18-20 and Luke 16:22-23.

Others claim Jesus did go to Heaven because he told the thief on the cross that, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). But, there are some Bible scholars that challenge that by quoting John 20:17. In fact, those same Bible scholars claim that “Paradise” is another name for “Abraham’s Bosom,” a place in the earth for those who were redeemed (saved) before Jesus came to earth.

One thing we are certain of is that Jesus was not giving people a second chance at salvation. The Holy Bible is very clear in that we face judgment after death, not a second chance. Hebrews 9:27 reads, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”

So, all of that to say, the truth is we just don’t know. I’m sorry, but there just isn’t a definitive answer to that question.

Why did only certain people go on the cross?

Wow, awesome question! First of all, let me be clear about crucifixion…it was basically a death sentence. Crucifixion wasn’t intended to be a punishment with set time. It wasn’t like the Roman judges said, “You will be crucified for a period of three hours.” The act of crucifying someone was meant to kill them. Not only that, but it was meant to kill them in a very slow, painful and tortuous way. Roman crucifixion was also meant to humiliate and dishonor a person.

Now, having said that, crucifixion was reserved only for the worst criminals, basically your murderers and thieves. In the Bible, we only have two instances of crucifixion mentioned. The first involves Jesus and two thieves, the second is when the Apostle Peter is told he will be crucified as a martyr (John 21:18-19).

Since the second instance is vague and has been debated by many Biblical scholars, let’s go to the first instance, which we know to be true. Here we have two thieves and Jesus who are being crucified. Do you remember what Jesus did to warrant death by crucifixion? According to the Jewish leaders, He blasphemed by claiming to be God. Even Pontius Pilate couldn’t find a reason to crucify Jesus so he handed Jesus to the Jews who had Him crucified by the Roman soldiers. So, Jesus, who was perfect and without sin and who had committed no crime, was crucified along with two thieves.

As unfair and unjust as that seems, it fulfills Old Testament prophesy about the Messiah. Jesus had to die on that cross. But, here’s the glorious and wonderful part about his death on the cross: when Jesus died He took the sins of world past, present and future with him and redeemed us. And because Christ died for us, we can have eternal life with God, the Father, in Heaven.

So, even though the cross was reserved for certain criminals, Jesus’ crucifixion was necessary to fulfill God’s unstoppable plan.