Where Did Jesus Go Between the Cross and the Resurrection?

One of the most profound mysteries of our faith is what happened during the three days between Jesus’ death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. 

As King’s Daughters, rooted in the Word and led by the Spirit, let’s explore this often overlooked yet deeply significant part of our Lord’s redemptive journey.

1. Jesus Truly Died – Spirit Separated from His Body

First, we affirm this truth: Jesus really died. His death was not symbolic or a temporary state—His physical body was lifeless in the tomb, and His spirit departed. Luke 23:46 records Jesus saying:

“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” (Luke 23:46, NKJV) 

 At death, Jesus’ human body was placed in Joseph’s tomb, but His spirit was active, fulfilling the divine purpose of those three mysterious days. 

 2. Jesus Descended into the Lower Parts of the Earth 

 Ephesians 4:9 gives us a clue: 

  “(Now this, ‘He ascended’—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?)” (Ephesians 4:9, NKJV) 

This verse suggests Jesus descended into Sheol or Hades—the realm of the dead, often referred to in Hebrew thought as the place where souls went after death. 

In ancient Jewish understanding, Sheol had two compartments: 

•  Abraham’s Bosom (Paradise) – for the righteous dead. 
•  A place of torment – for the unrighteous. 

 This interpretation is supported by Jesus’ own parable in Luke 16:19–31, where the rich man is in torment, and Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s Bosom. 

 3. Jesus Proclaimed Victory 

 1 Peter 3:18–19 offers powerful insight: 

 “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison…” (1 Peter 3:18–19, NKJV) 

Jesus didn’t go to hell to suffer again—He went as a victorious King, proclaiming His triumph over sin, death, and Satan to the fallen angels and spirits in bondage. This was not a message of salvation, but of judgment and divine authority. 

Colossians 2:15 confirms: 

 “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” 

4. Jesus Led Captivity Captive 

Ephesians 4:8 says: 

“When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” 

This likely refers to Jesus taking the souls of the righteous dead—those in Abraham’s Bosom—to heaven. Until His atoning work was completed, even the righteous were held in Paradise awaiting full redemption. 

Jesus told the thief on the cross: 

 “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43, NKJV) 

 This further confirms Jesus descended to Paradise (not the hell of torment) and brought those saints into the presence of God. 

5. The Grave Couldn’t Hold Him 

Peter, preaching at Pentecost, quotes Psalm 16: 

 “You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” (Acts 2:27, NKJV) 

Jesus was never abandoned in death. His body didn’t decay. On the third day, He rose in power and glory, breaking the chains of death forever. 

What This Means for Us as King’s Daughters 

 As daughters of the Most High, this truth should set our hearts on fire: 

•  Jesus conquered death in every dimension—spiritually, physically, eternally. 
•  He fulfilled the law, judged evil, and freed the righteous—proving His absolute dominion. 
•  We have no need to fear death—because Jesus has already passed through and emerged victorious. 

Let us rejoice in the complete work of the cross, not just in His death and resurrection, but in those mysterious three days when Jesus descended, proclaimed victory, freed the captives, and triumphed over darkness. 

Now, as resurrected daughters of grace, we live in resurrection power, seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). 

Hallelujah!  

...P 🌹🌹🌹