A study of historical Passovers during the time Jesus was alive inevitably raises the following questions: During which Passover did Jesus die? Does it even matter ?
I will answer the second question first. Yes, it matters. Because determining the correct Passover is necessary if we wish to establish with reasonable certainty the day of the week on which Jesus was crucified. The analysis is a bit complicated, but definitely worth pursuing.
At the time of Jesus’ crucifixion week, there were actually five different Jewish sects observing ‘Passovers’, each with their own day of preparation, the day for the sacrificing of their lambs. These Passovers were the Mosaic Passover, the Samaritan’s Passover, the Essene’s Passover, the Sadducees’ Passover, and the Pharisaic Passover. And while the Sadducees observed Passover based on the requirements of the Torah, others followed a timing based on the traditions of the Pharisees.
So which of these Passovers did Jesus follow as He approached the observance of His seder (‘Last Supper’) as the prelude to His sacrificial death? Based on my study of scripture and the works of other theologians, historians, and scholars, I have determined that He followed the Passover chronology set forth by God through Moses, as recorded in the Torah (the Old Testament Scripture). I also believe – for reasons discussed at length on the Truth in Scripture website – that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday afternoon of the crucifixion week in AD 30, in accordance with the Mosaic Passover.
Some say none of this really matters. But it does matter if we value biblical truth.
For a more complete discussion of this topic, please visit the following link on the Truth in Scripture website: https://truthinscripture.net/2017/02/06/jesus-death-and-resurrection-which-jewish-passover/