Christ, The Final Passover Lamb

Christ, The Final Passover Lamb

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 15, 2026 (Donate)

Passover is fulfilled in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It points forward to Jesus. Jesus is our final “Passover Lamb”. Thus, we no longer need to sacrifice lambs (or anything else). We, ourselves, are treading as living sacrifices as the Bible calls us (Romans 12:1).

Lamb without blemish being led to the slaughter; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

What Was The Passover Lamb In The Old Testament?

The Passover originated when God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). God commanded each Israelite household to select a male lamb without blemish, kill it, and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintel of their homes. That night, the Lord struck down the firstborn throughout Egypt, but He ‘passed over’ (hence the name Passover) the homes marked by the lamb's blood (Exodus 12:12-13).

The lamb had to be without blemish (Exodus 12:5), foreshadowing the sinless perfection of Jesus Christ (the Son of God, who is the second person of the one triune God). The Israelites were instructed not to break its bones (Exodus 12:46), another detail fulfilled at Christ's crucifixion (John 19:33-36).

Passover was then an annual memorial of God's deliverance celebrated yearly (e.g., Exodus 12:14). Yet it also pointed forward to something far greater: the coming Messiah, who would deliver His people not just from physical slavery but from something far greater: bondage to sin and death (John 8:34-36).

As sinners since Genesis 3, we have all been enemies of God. We deserve the full punishment from an infinite God. Only God was in a position to solve this problem. Let’s jump back for a moment.

Why Were Animal Sacrifices Insufficient For Eternal Punishment?

Sin entered the world through Adam's disobedience (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). Since God is perfectly holy, infinite, eternal, and just, sin deserves death (even an eternal death) and an infinite judgment (Romans 6:23). Even before the Passover, God demonstrated the seriousness of sin and the necessity of covering man's shame when He clothed Adam and Eve with garments of skin (Genesis 3:21)—the first animal sacrifice! Abel later offered an acceptable animal sacrifice (Genesis 4:4; Hebrews 11:4). Noah did, Abraham did, and so on.

Noah offering sacrifices after the Flood as depicted in the Creation Museum; Photo by Bodie Hodge

Under the Mosaic Law, God established animal sacrifices to address ceremonial uncleanness sacrifices for sin, and provide atonement within God’s covenant with Israel (Leviticus 1-7; 16-17). However, these sacrifices were never sufficient to permanently remove sin or satisfy the eternal, and infinite judgment deserved by sinners. Hebrews 10:4 declares, 

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. (NKJV).

Animals aren’t made in God's eternal image as mankind is (Genesis 1:26-27). Nor are they infinite or eternal. Their deaths could symbolically demonstrate the seriousness of sin, but they couldn’t serve as an eternally sufficient substitute for sinful humanity. Repeated sacrifices revealed their limitations (Hebrews 10:1-3, 11) and they were temporary coverings at best.

These sacrifices were ‘types and shadows’ pointing forward to the perfect sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9:9-14; 10:1).

Why Is Christ Our Eternal Passover Lamb?

As mentioned before, Christ is our final Passover Lamb. The one that was sufficient to cover payment for our debt of sin against God. John the Baptist points to Jesus saying:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29, NKJV).

The Apostle Paul also said,

Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. (1 Corinthians 5:7, NKJV).

Unlike the Old Testament animal sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27; 9:26-28; 10:10-14). His sacrifice never needs repeating because it accomplished what animal sacrifices could never accomplish.

Christ bore the infinite and eternal punishment deserved by us sinners—past, present, and future (Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 Peter 2:24). Christ, being God is infinite and being eternal, He could take the eternal punishment in a moment! At His death, He took the full brunt of God’s wrath for us. Essentially, Christ became sin for us, though He knew no sin, so believers could receive God's righteousness through Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

His blood secures eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). His resurrection also proves His victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 54-57). For death couldn’t contain the God of Life.

Why Was Christ Alone Qualified?

Jesus Christ alone could accomplish this eternal redemption because He is both fully God and stepped into history and took on flesh to be fully man (e.g., John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:14-17).

As a man, He could represent humanity and die as our substitute, (often called a “kinsman redeemer”). As the eternal Son of God, His sacrifice possessed a worth no mere creature could provide.

Furthermore, Jesus was completely sinless (per Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22). Unlike every other descendant of Adam, He had no personal sin or original sin requiring atonement—though He came in the likeness of sinful flesh—He was the lamb without blemish.

Jesus was not merely another sacrificial victim—He is God. He willingly laid down His life (John 10:17-18). He is also our great High Priest, who offered Himself and now lives forever to intercede for His people (Hebrews 7:24-27). He is the new federal head of the saved (unlike Adam who led us into sin); thus, we will never fall into sin again (in Heaven) because our federal head won’t sin in Heaven.

No prophet, priest, angel, or ordinary human could accomplish this. Salvation is found in Christ, the Son of God, alone (e.g., Acts 4:12).

Conclusion: The Significance Of The Crucifixion

The crucifixion wasn’t simply the tragic death of an innocent man. It was the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan enacted by the high priest of Israel no less (e.g., John 18:24)! It was prophesied and anticipated since Genesis 3:15—the first prophecy of Jesus.  

At Cross on Calvary, God's justice and mercy met. Christ willingly suffered the infinite penalty for sin, satisfying God’s infinite justice and providing forgiveness and eternal life for those who turn to God and believe (e.g., John 3:16-18; Romans 10:9).

During the first Passover, the angel passed over the godly due to the blood of a lamb properly placed. In the instance of eternity, the blood of the eternal lamb of God, Jesus Christ is was properly and timely placed about 2,000 years ago. The godly were either looking forward to Christ or looking back to Him as we do today.

The repetition of the Old Testament Passover lambs pointed forward to once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. Their blood temporarily protected Israelite households from physical judgment, but Christ's blood provides eternal redemption.

Jesus Christ is the final Passover Lamb, whose once-for-all sacrifice is sufficient for all who trust in Him. His resurrection confirms His victory, and His sacrifice will never need repeating (Hebrews 10:12-14).

As Revelation 5:12 declares,

saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (NKJV).

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Image by generative program as requested by Bodie Hodge

 

Does The Old Testament Hint That Christ Would Be Crucified?

Does The Old Testament Hint That Christ Would Be Crucified?

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 14, 2026 (Donate)

God knows everything—even before it happens. When God gave hints about Christ’s death, it was all-too-easy for Him! What can we learn from the Old Testament about Jesus’ prophesied death? Actually, a lot.

The Old Testament never uses the word "crucifixion," since Roman crucifixion as practiced in intertestamental and New Testament times developed much later. Nevertheless, several Old Testament passages describe specifics of the suffering and death of the Messiah (i.e., Christ) in ways that remarkably resemble Christ's crucifixion.

Thomas inspecting the piercings of Jesus' hands; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Psalm 22: Why Have You Forsaken Me

Psalm 22 is especially powerful for this. Written by David nearly 1,000 years before Christ, it describes a righteous sufferer undergoing terrible physical suffering while surrounded and mocked by enemies. Psalm 22:1a begins:

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? (NKJV)

These are the very words Jesus spoke from the cross (Matthew 27:46). Why is this so powerful? It is because Christ was declaring at that moment on the cross that Psalm 22 was about Him.

As you continue in the Psalm, verses 7-8 describes people ridiculing the sufferer—who is Christ. They are shaking their heads, and saying:

All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, “He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!” (NKJV).

At the crucifixion, Jesus' enemies used familiar words:

“He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” (Matthew 27:43, NKJV).

Later, Psalm 22:14-15 describes terrible physical suffering:

I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death. (NKJV).

These descriptions are consistent with the extreme physical trauma and thirst associated with crucifixion. Then comes Psalm 22:16c:

They pierced My hands and My feet (NKJV).

This is particularly significant in light of Jesus being nailed to the cross. After His resurrection, Jesus showed His disciples His hands and feet (Luke 24:39-40) where He had been pierced, and Thomas specifically referred to the nail-prints in Jesus' hands (John 20:25, NKJV).

Psalm 22 even describes what happened to Christ's clothing:

They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. (Psalm 22:18, NKJV).

John 19:23-24 points out the soldiers' actions at the cross were fulfilling this very Scripture.

Notice that this type of described death isn’t what would occur if someone was stoned, or died in battle, or was bedridden of a wasting disease. Instead, it is a public event, while beaten and mocked, and pierced while hanging in from of an onlooking crowd.

Isaiah 53: The Suffering and Death of Jesus Christ

Christians have historically understood Isaiah 53 as one of the clearest Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering, sacrificial death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was written approximately 700 years before Christ's earthly ministry. This chapter (often avoided as the forbidden chapter in Jewish thought) describes the coming Messiah as the Suffering Servant who would bear the sins of His people.

Isaiah as depicted at a discontinued exhibit at the Creation Museum; Photo by Bodie Hodge

Isaiah 53:3 says:

He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. (NKJV)

This was fulfilled in Jesus, who was rejected by many of His own people (e.g., John 1:11). Isaiah 53:5 says:

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. (NKJV)

This points to Christ's substitutionary atonement, suffering and dying in the place of sinners (e.g., 1 Peter 2:24). Isaiah 53:7 reveals that the Messiah is to be a lamb led to slaughter, remaining silent before His accusers (consider Matthew 27:12-14 and Acts 8:32-35). Isaiah 53:9 foretells His burial with the rich, fulfilled when Joseph of Arimathea placed Jesus in his own tomb (Matthew 27:57-60).

Amazingly, Isaiah 53:10-12 prophesied that the Servant's (Christ) life will continue and have ultimate victory after His sacrificial death, which we understand as pointing toward Christ's resurrection. That is, His victory over death!

Ultimately, the entirety of Isaiah 53 is a powerful prophetic testimony about Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus Christ willingly suffered and died for sinners—taking the full brunt of God’s infinite punishment that we deserve.

Christ fulfilled God's redemptive plan that was predicted before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:19-20). But again, God knows everything, and by doing all this is, it shows God is all-powerful too!

Other Passages

Other Old Testament passages reinforce the crucifixion picture. Zechariah 12:10 says,

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. (NKJV)

The Holy Spirit through John applies this directly to Christ (John 19:37)! Psalm 69:21 says:

They also gave me gall for my food, And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. (NKJV)

This corresponds with those lifting up sour wine at the cross (John 19:28-30). Psalm 34:20 says:

He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. (NKJV),

And this relates to John 19:33-36. It connects with the soldiers not breaking Jesus' legs nor breaking any bones in the crucifixion. And crucifixion itself is a manner of causing an extremely painful death without breaking bones anyway when done right. The Romans knew how to do it right.  

Finally, Deuteronomy 21:22-23 associates being hung on a tree with bearing a curse. In Galatians 3:13-14, Paul applies this passage to Christ:

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (NKJV).

Christ “became sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21) and took the punishment we deserved for the curse of sin (Isaiah 53:12).

Taken together, the Old Testament presents a striking prophetic picture:

·       a righteous sufferer is rejected

·       mocked, public humiliation

·       judged falsely (e.g., Isaiah 53: 7-8; Psalm 27:12)

·       thrown in prison and brought our unjustly (Isaiah 53:7-8; Psalm 109:2-3)

·       pierced in His hands and feet

·       experiences terrible suffering and thirst

·       has His garments divided by lot

·       is numbered with transgressors

·       dies without His bones being broken

·       bears the sins of others.

The Holy Spirit through New Testament writers repeatedly identify these passages as being fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The word crucifixion wasn’t use in the Old Testament (as the word wasn’t invented yet). Nevertheless, the devices of crucifixion were and details surrounding Christ’s death were accurately predicted with amazing detail.

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Image by generative program as requested by Bodie Hodge

 

Did Jesus Predict His Own Death And Resurrection?

Did Jesus Predict His Own Death And Resurrection?

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 13, 2026 (Donate)

When Jesus began His public ministry at about the age of 30 (Luke 3:23), we suddenly get amazing insights from Him. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John records specifics and any who read these gospels accounts should be left in awe at the wisdom of God.

One piece of predictive knowledge that Jesus revealed was about His life. He said that He would be put to death, but that He would also rise on the third day. Jesus repeatedly and explicitly predicted both His death and His resurrection from the dead. 

Christ and the two thieves on their respective Crosses; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Jesus Predicted His Own Death and Resurrection

Let’s take look at the passages where Jesus prophesied about His own excruciating death. It makes you wonder why the disciples were in such a gloom after His death. Did they really not understand that Jesus said He would rise? Not long before this, they saw Jesus raise Lazarus form the dead!

Christ spoke to the apostles openly about this resurrection. It shows the nature of our feeble, sinful minds caught up in broken moments where fear takes hold. But Christ Conquered nonetheless. Let’s start with Matthew’s account.

From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. (Matthew 16:21, NKJV)

Jesus was clear! Yet Peter’s reaction (via Satan’s influence) immediately after this was to rebuke Jesus. Not only did disciples like Peter disbelieve it, but this also shows that Satan knew God’s plan!

Satan must’ve have believed Jesus could come back to life either. As we know, the devil continued in his attempt to destroy Christ using Judas to betray Him. Even so, Satan had no power to stop the resurrection of Jesus.

Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, “and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful. (Matthew 17:22-23, NKJV)  

Here, they were sorrowful—very sorrowful! But at the crucifixion, this sorrow turned to loss of hope and fear set in.

“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, “and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.” (Matthew 20:18-19, NKJV)  

This seemed to fall on deaf ears—as the mother of Zebedee's sons immediately asked if her sons could sit next Christ on His throne in His kingdom. Did they really not hear what He said. Christ answers graciously, pointing out that she didn’t know what she was asking.

Of course, James and John were not worthy to sit on the throne of God—the throne that Jesus sits. This shows an earthly focus, where Christ was talking about something far greater.

And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke this word openly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Mark 8:31-33, NKJV)  

This is parallel of the Matthew 16 passage already discussed. But note, it points out that Jesus spoke this word openly—there should have been no mistaking that He would be put to death and rise.

For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.” But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him. (Mark 9:31-32, NKJV)  

Notice something here. Although they were exceeding sorrowful before, this shows they didn’t understand. They were afraid to ask for clarification, and yet, Jesus often spoke of this openly! Were they expecting Jesus to be a mere earthly king—who can’t die yet—as opposed to the King of King who sits on an eternal heavenly throne? Sadly, they probably had their sights set far too low.

“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; “and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” (Mark 10:33-34, NKJV)  

Jesus again predicted His death and again, it would come from the chief priests, scribes, and the gentiles doing their bidding. The high priest also got involved and delivered Jesus to sacrificed. The ultimate Passover Lamb—Jesus Christ—was being led like lamb to the slaughter on Passover.

saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” (Luke 9:22, NKJV)  

Again, Jesus predicted His own death as recorded by Luke.

Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. “For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. “They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” (Luke 18:31-33, NKJV)  

All 12 disciples were told that He would suffer, die, and rise again. This includes Judas—who knew! It also included the disciples who struggled with doubts—even after the Resurrection (e.g., Matthew 28:17; John 20:24-29)

Jesus Also Used Figurative Language

There were also instances where Jesus wasn’t as direct. In other words, he used figurative language sometimes as well—but He was still discussing His death and resurrection. Let’s take a look at the power of some of these passages.

Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said. (John 2:19-22, NKJV)

Here Christ figuratively compared the Temple to His body. And in parallel, when we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, our bodies become the Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Matthew 12:39-40, NKJV)  

Notice this simile as a comparison to Jonah (a type of metaphorical language; see the link for an extended discussion).

“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” (John 10:17-18, NKJV)  

Christ willingly and lovingly (John 3:16-18) laid down His life to save mankind from their sins and the punishment we deserve from an infinite and eternal God for our sin and thus, high treason, against Him.

“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die. (John 12:32-33, NKJV)  

Being lifted up is discusses the manner of death he would die—being lifted up ion the cross, was horrible way to die by the way…It is excruciating—even the word excruciating has the same root as crucifixion, showing the painful nature of this suffering and death.

But another point needs to be made. Jesus would draw all people unto Himself. No on has an excuse.  All people are drawn to Christ (see also John 6:44)—every Muslim, every person on a remote Island, Kings and politicians, murderers, Hindus, cultists…everyone. See What about those who never hear the gospel?

Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ “But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” (Matthew 26:31-32, NKJV)  

Quoting from Zechariah 13:7, here Jesus uses both figurative language and direct language. The point is that Jesus repeatedly predicted His death and resurrection. And this time He point out the timing, “this night”—which is when they later captured Him and began His suffering, trials, and crucifixion.  

Conclusion

Jesus didn’t merely predict that He would eventually die. He foretold His rejection, betrayal, suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection on the third day. These predictions were made before the events occurred. This also shows that His death wasn’t an unexpected defeat but part of God's redemptive plan the whole time (e.g., John 10:17-18; Acts 2:23-24).

Importantly, Jesus also revealed that His resurrection would also be bodily, not merely spiritual (e.g., Luke 24:39; John 2:19-22). In the same way He resurrected Lazarus, He too would return to life. But unlike Lazarus, Jesus would be glorified in body and eternal, all-powerful kingship.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Image by generative program as requested by Bodie Hodge

 

What Spices Were Used In Jesus' Burial?

What Spices Were Used In Jesus' Burial?

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 9, 2026 (Donate)

When someone is sentenced to be put to death on a cross, those who cared were already preparing for their death and burial.[1] Jesus was different. There were indeed many who cared—even if they were fearful for their own lives.

But because of the sudden arrest, judgment, and immediacy of the cross. Many weren't prepared for the sudden burial of Christ. Even so, the burial of Jesus Christ involved a remarkable quantity of aromatic spices, particularly myrrh and aloes. This was because a wealthy and respected man stepped in at the last moment—Nicodemus.

Dried Myrrh Saplings; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

These spices, like myrrh and aloes, were hard to come by and thus, they were expensive. But they were fragrant, which helps mask the smell of a rotting corpse. So certain spices were traditionally associated with the dead.

What Does The Bible Say?

The Gospel of John probably provides the clearest account of the spices used in preparing Jesus' body for burial. John 19:39-40 (NKJV) records:

"And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury."

The passage reveals two main burial spices: myrrh and aloes. However, it doesn't specify how much of each was used but we can do some estimates.

How Much Was Used?

Nicodemus brought approximately 100 Roman pounds (Greek: litras) of myrrh and aloes combined. A Roman pound weighed approximately 327 grams, making the total about 32.7 kilograms, or 72 modern American pounds—if the conversion ratios are correct historically.

This was an extraordinary quantity of burial aromatics. Such an abundance meant it was costly. Nevertheless, the exact proportions are unknown. For example, the mixture could have contained 50 Roman pounds of myrrh and 50 Roman pounds of aloes; it could have been 90 Roman pounds of aloes and 10 Roman pounds of myrrh. But Scripture simply doesn’t say.

The 100 pounds refers to the combined weight of the aromatic burial spices. They may have a variety of dried resins, oils (e.g., Song of Solomon 5:5), powdered aromatics, and fragrant wood.

Then there are the spices that were never used—later brought but Christ had already resurrected. Consider Luke 23:56a (NKJV): 

Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils.

We also read in Luke:

Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. (Luke 24:1, NKJV)

Mark 16:1-4 (NKJV) also reveals:

Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.  Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away — for it was very large.

So the women came back to Christ’s tomb on early Sunday morning bringing spices to anoint His body. After his initial burial, they prepared spices and oils (remember, they were initially unprepared). Then, they came to the gravesite early in the morning with the spices they prepared.

We don’t know the quantity of spices they brought—it could have been a lot. The ladies bought more spices besides what they initially mustered. Did they carry the spices, did they use wheeled cart, did they use a donkey? We simply don’t know.

Did the women know that Nicodemus already used spices at the last moment when Christ was wrapped in linens? Did they think they needed to bring the full portion to treat a body? Or were they bringing supplemental spices because the initial spices used may not have been enough since the job was rushed as Sabbath approached? These are all good questions to which we may not know the answer this side of heaven!

What Was Myrrh?

Myrrh is an aromatic gum resin (i.e., harvested and dried sap). We get it from certain trees of the genus Commiphora, especially Commiphora myrrha. These trees grow in northeastern Africa and Arabia. So getting myrrh was rare in Israel and had to be imported as great cost. Can you see why it was an expensive gift given to Christ at His birth?

Myrrh has a distinctive bittersweet fragrance and was used in perfumes, incense, for medicines (e.g., pain dulling), and obviously burial practices. Its pleasant aroma helped mask the odors associated with death and decomposition of the body.

Myrrh was very valuable and often associated with wealth and royalty. Interestingly, myrrh appears at both the beginning and end of Jesus' earthly life.

• Matthew 2:11: The Magi presented the young Jesus with gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
• Mark 15:23: Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh before His crucifixion, but He refused it.
• John 19:39: Nicodemus brought myrrh for Jesus' burial.

The myrrh presented by the Magi has traditionally been understood as foreshadowing Christ's suffering and death, and specifically the Office of the Prophets, who were often wrongly shamed and put to death.

What did Mary and Joseph do with Christ’s myrrh? Great question. Is it possible it was saved and used for Christ’s burial? Though it is a nice thought, the shelf life of dried myrrh is usually less than 5 years.

What Were The Aloes?

The aloes mentioned in John 19:39 were probably aromatic wood, often identified with Agarwood (also called aloeswood ) or Aquilaria, rather than the succulent Aloe vera commonly used today.

Aloeswood or Agarwood is an aromatic wood; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

As a fragrant wood, it was highly prized. It could be ground or shaved and was used in perfumes and burial preparations. Its smelly, delicate fragrance complemented the aroma of myrrh.

Psalm 45:8 lists myrrh, aloes, and cassia with royal garments. Cassia is groups of flowering trees and some associate cinnamon-producing trees to this name as well. This shows an interesting biblical connection between fragrant substances and kingship or wealth. Christ is King of Kings after all. 

Ground Cassia spice; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Why Were These Spices Significant?

The spices are a way of honoring Jesus in death. Joseph of Arimathea provided a new, unused tomb, while Nicodemus supplied an unusually large quantity of costly burial spices.

The abundance of spices could be appropriate for someone of royal importance. Whether the Romans realized it or not, as Jesus was mocked as the King of the Jews during His crucifixion (Matthew 27:29, 37), His burial included honors that could be considered royal and with dignity.

These preparations show that Christ’s followers genuinely expected to bury a dead body and it remain in the grave. They weren’t preparing for His resurrection.

The fact that spices were prepared and/or put on the body also reveals the state of mind that the apostles and Jesus’ followers anticipated. Yet, they failed to remember! Jesus Christ bodily rose from the dead on the third day, just as He had foretold (e.g., Luke 24:6-7).

The burial spices reveal the love shown to Jesus in honoring His body. But His empty tomb reveals His love for us and testifies to His victory over death.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Image by generative program as requested by Bodie Hodge

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[1] Although many poor criminals were likely short of those who cared for them and their grave was likely a common pit as disposed of by the Romans.