Third Time’s the Charm
Why God Swears by Three (and You Should Too)
Let’s talk numbers. No, I’m not talking about how much money you need to pay your rent or how many coffees it takes to get through a Monday. I’m talking about the number Three—Three as in the magic number, the Holy Trinity, the number that shows up more in the Bible than your aunt’s unsolicited advice at Thanksgiving. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve read something about Three in the Bible, I could probably buy myself a fancy coffee (one with whipped cream and a cherry on top, of course). But I digress.
So, why is Three such a big deal? Why does it pop up everywhere, like that one friend who always seems to be in the background of your photos? Let me take you on a journey through this divine, perfectly balanced, and seriously impressive number. Get ready for some fascinating tidbits with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of sass.
Three: The Number of Divine Completeness and Resurrection (and Really Good Timing)
First off, let me just clear something up before we get too deep into the Three-ness of it all: no, the Bible never actually says there were Three Wise Men. I know, I know—mind blown, right? But it’s true. Matthew 2 simply says “some wise men,” but because they brought Three Gifts—Gold, Frankincense, And Myrrh—we assumed there were Three of them. So, there’s that little biblical plot twist.
Now, let’s talk about why Three is so special. Three is a number that screams “complete” in the Bible. Let’s start with the obvious—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity. One God, Three Persons. And just like that, your head starts spinning faster than a toddler who’s had too much candy. But here’s the kicker: the number Three symbolizes divine completeness. It’s not just a random number that got picked out of a hat; it’s the number that represents wholeness, unity, and balance. The universe isn’t just a series of random events. It’s got order. And that order loves the number Three.
But wait, it gets better. Jesus was 30 when He started His ministry and 33 when He was crucified (a number that also makes for a killer trivia question). He rose on the Third Day—what a dramatic comeback, right? Like, “I’ll just leave you hanging for Three Days and then, BOOM—resurrection.” Jesus faced Three Temptations from the devil (because who doesn’t love a good challenge, right?). There were Three Hours of Darkness during His crucifixion. He fell Three Times while carrying the cross (don’t worry, He got back up, like the champ He is). And who could forget the infamous Three–Time denial by Peter? Peter, buddy, it’s time to stop digging yourself into a hole! Jesus even asked Peter Three Times, “do you love me?” (Peter must’ve been feeling like a broken record by the end of that exchange).
More Threes Than You Can Shake a Stick At
As we all know, the Bible loves a good pattern, and Three is no exception. Let’s take a quick tour of some other notable appearances of this holy number in Scripture:
- Jonah spent Three Days and Nights in the belly of a great fish. It was like the world’s first escape room, but with way less fun.
- Moses was called to Mount Sinai on the Third Day. Talk about dramatic timing!
- Noah had Three Sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. You know, the ones who survived the flood. No biggie.
- The Ark of the Covenant contained Three Sacred Objects: the Golden Pot of Manna, Aaron’s Budding Staff, and the Stone Tablets of the Ten Commandments. Three Objects, one major deal.
- Daniel prayed Three Times A Day. You know, just casually checking in with the Big Guy.
- Queen Esther fasted for Three Days before going to the king. Because, hey, if you’re going to change history, you might as well fast for a solid Three Days, right?
- There are Three Stages of Christian Life: Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification. Yes, it sounds like a theological rap group, but it’s real.
- The Three Main Christian Feasts: Christmas (Birth), Easter (Resurrection), and Pentecost (Holy Spirit’s Descent). You can’t make this stuff up.
- Paul laid out Three Key Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Love. (A solid trio, if I do say so myself.)
And, just for fun (and because I’m feeling particularly cheeky), let’s throw in a Revelation reference: There are Three Woes, Three Angels who proclaim judgment, and the Unholy Trinity—Satan, the Beast, and the False Prophet. They’ve got their own team of Three. Talk about a divine rivalry.
So, What’s the Big Deal About Three?
You might be thinking, “Alright, we get it, Three is important.” But why should we care? Why is Three so significant in our lives, other than the fact that it makes for some very satisfying patterns in Scripture? Well, here’s the thing: Three isn’t just some arbitrary number—it’s a divine signature, a rhythm that echoes through the Bible, through life, and yes, even in the world of pop culture.
So, the next time you find yourself noticing something in Threes, like the fact that you’ve received Three email reminders about a deadline you’re pretending to ignore, or you spot a group of Three birds flying by (is that a sign?), take a second to pause. Because Three is not just a number; it’s a reminder that something bigger, something divine, is at work behind the scenes.
Three’s Not Just a Crowd—It’s a Party!
In conclusion, Three is not just a number; it’s a statement. It’s divine, it’s powerful, and it’s everywhere, from the pages of the Bible to your morning coffee routine. Whether you’re counting the days until your next vacation (only Three More Months, right?), reflecting on your own journey, or just enjoying the rhythm of life, remember—Three’s Company, Not A Crowd. And the next time you see something in Threes, take a moment to appreciate the holy significance of it all.
Until next time, keep your eyes peeled for Three, and remember—there’s always more going on than you think!
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