As Christians around the world gathered to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ this Easter season, a theological message delivered by renowned preacher Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has stirred renewed reflection on one of the most central elements of the Christian faith: the timeline of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
In a sermon that has since gained traction online, Pastor Chris challenged the widely accepted tradition that Jesus died on Good Friday and rose early on Sunday morning, pointing instead to a more literal interpretation of “three days and three nights” in the grave.
“Friday to Sunday morning isn’t three days,” Pastor Chris told his congregation. “He died sometime on Thursday not Friday. The three days were, in fact, three full days.”
For many listeners, the teaching did not just stir biblical curiosity it brought clarity.
“It actually makes sense logically,” said Michael Obiora, a worshipper who attended the Easter service. “Faith isn’t always about logic, but sometimes it aligns. And this time, it does.”
The implications of such teachings reach beyond calendar debates. For Christians, Easter is more than a date it is the symbolism of sacrifice, victory, and divine love. It marks the cornerstone of Christian belief: that Jesus Christ, both fully God and fully man, died for the sins of humanity, and rose again defeating death itself.
“Man Jesus. Our God came in flesh to dwell among men. Was later killed by men. For my sins,” said one congregant during post-service reflections. “But death was defeated. That’s the power of today.”
In the bustling streets of Lagos, the Easter holiday means many things to many people. For some, it is a break from work. For others, it’s an opportunity to reflect on deeper spiritual truths. But among the crowd, one sentiment stood out:
“It means God can be trusted,” said a young woman as she exited a morning Easter service. “That’s what Easter means to me.”
Despite varying interpretations and traditions, the heart of the Easter message remains unchanged hope born out of suffering, and life triumphing over death.
