Josephus, a first century Jewish historian, had this comment to make about the year Jesus was crucified. He said that in Jerusalem, the day Jesus was crucified, there were approximately 256,500 lambs slaughtered. That year the lambs were prepared at 9:00 a.m. on the morning of the 14th. They were prepared at 9:00 a.m. and they were killed at 3:00 p.m. so that everything could be completed by 6:00 p.m.
At the exact time that the Jews were preparing their lambs, Jesus was being nailed to the cross. I’ve always wondered why these times in the Bible were mentioned. Why is it important to us what time of day it was?
Here’s the reason. Everything in the Word of God has a purpose. Everything in the Word of God has a reason. Everything is there, not by accident, but with great purpose.
In Mark 15:25 it says, “Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him.” The third hour is 9:00 a.m. At 3:00 p.m. as the people were slaughtering the lambs, that’s when Jesus died.
Mark was extremely careful to note the time as the ninth hour when Jesus breathed His last breath. It is recorded in Mark 15:33-37.
And it was the third hour (about nine o’clock in the morning) when they crucified Him. Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!” Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.” And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.
(Mark 15:33-37 AMP)
Excerpt permission granted by Larry Ollison Ministries
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.