“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
The Significance of Three in Creation
We often find the number three present as we look at God’s creation and divine order. In Genesis, God created everything in six days and rested on the seventh, but there are significant triplicates, like the three days of creation concerning light, sky, and land. The number three represents completeness and is reflected in the distinct parts of creation. As we contemplate the meaning held in the number three, we see how it mirrors God’s perfection and intentionality in everything He created. By reflecting on the role of three in creation, we are reminded of God’s powerful presence in our lives and the world around us.
Genesis 1:11
“Then God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.’ And it was so.” – Genesis 1:11
Genesis 1:28
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'” – Genesis 1:28
Genesis 1:20
“And God said, ‘Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.'” – Genesis 1:20
Genesis 2:7
“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” – Genesis 2:7
Genesis 1:26
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'” – Genesis 1:26
The Resurrection and the Number Three
We know the story of Jesus and how His resurrection holds incredible significance for all believers. On the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus overcame death, marking the triumph of life over sin and darkness. The use of the number three in this story symbolizes the completion of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. It also reminds us that no matter how hopeless a situation may seem, God has the power to bring new life. As we embrace the impact of three in the resurrection, we can find hope and victory in our own lives through faith in Christ.
Luke 24:7
“‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” – Luke 24:7
Matthew 20:19
“And will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” – Matthew 20:19
1 Corinthians 15:4
“That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” – 1 Corinthians 15:4
Romans 4:25
“He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” – Romans 4:25
Matthew 28:6
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” – Matthew 28:6
The Trinity and the Number Three
As believers, we recognize the importance of the Trinity in our faith, which consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This incredible unity is encapsulated in the number three, reflecting the relationship and everyone’s distinct aspect of our God. The Trinity is a perfect example of how God operates in concert with Himself and demonstrates love in this divine relationship. Embracing the truth about the Trinity allows us to have a deeper understanding of God’s nature and His love for us, as well as His desire for us to walk in fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19
2 Corinthians 13:14
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” – 2 Corinthians 13:14
John 14:26
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” – John 14:26
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1
1 John 5:7
“For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and the three are in agreement.” – 1 John 5:7
Three Gifts from the Magi
The visit of the Magi to see baby Jesus celebrates the uniqueness of treasured gifts given at His birth. They brought three significant gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each gift had a profound meaning, symbolizing Jesus as King, God, and the one who would suffer for humanity. By reflecting on these gifts, we can appreciate how God’s plan for salvation was announced even before Jesus began His ministry. This teaches us that everything we offer, including our gifts, is meaningful. Each gift serves a purpose in pointing back to Christ in our lives, motivating us in our faith journey.
Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11
Isaiah 60:6
“Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.” – Isaiah 60:6
John 19:39
“He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.” – John 19:39
Luke 2:12
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:12
Exodus 30:34
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts.’” – Exodus 30:34
Three Denials of Peter
When we delve deeper into the stories of the New Testament, we come across the moment when Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. This event reminds us not only of our human fragility but also God’s grace towards us even when we fail. Peter’s three denials highlight the lesson of forgiveness and restoration that God offers us in Christ. After Peter’s denial, Jesus later confronted him on the beach and restored him, demonstrating that failure doesn’t define us when we continually seek His love and forgiveness. In our lives, we may stumble, but God invites us back into fellowship with Him.
Matthew 26:34
“Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’” – Matthew 26:34
Mark 14:30
“Jesus answered, ‘Truly I tell you, today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice, you yourself will disown me three times!'” – Mark 14:30
Luke 22:34
“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.'” – Luke 22:34
John 18:27
“Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.” – John 18:27
John 21:15
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.'” – John 21:15
Three Practices of Christian Life
As we seek to grow in our faith, it’s essential to recognize the three fundamental practices that should characterize our Christian life: prayer, fasting, and giving. Jesus taught about these acts in the Sermon on the Mount, making it clear that our motivation should come from a desire to honor God rather than seek human approval. By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we strengthen our relationship with God and express love for others. The number three serves as a reminder to keep these disciplines in balance, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in our walk.
Matthew 6:6
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6
Matthew 6:16
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” – Matthew 6:16
Matthew 6:2
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” – Matthew 6:2
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42
Luke 18:1
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” – Luke 18:1
Final Thoughts
As we explore the number three in the Bible, we find it embodies completeness, divine justice, and life transformation. From creation to the resurrection of Jesus, the significance of three reflects who God is and how He interacts with us. The examples of the Trinity and even the gifts from the Magi highlight the beauty of relationships and the depth of our faith. In moments of doubt or denial, just like Peter, we can remember that God offers grace and restoration. As we practice prayer, fasting, and giving, we actively walk alongside Him in our daily lives.
The number three resonates with powerful truths laying the foundation for our faith. It ushers us into a deeper understanding of God’s nature and invites us to explore how we can reflect His love to others. May we embrace the significance of three and allow it to encourage us in our divine journey.
If you wish to read more about the miraculous signs of God or delve into meanings of numbers in the Bible, I encourage you to check out Bible Verses About Signs from God and Bible Verses About Meaning of Numbers in the Bible.