The Easter season is a time of celebration and reflection on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As part of an Easter reading plan, Day 11 falls right in the midst of the season and offers rich content for meditation. Here are some key Scriptures and themes to reflect upon for Easter reading on Day 11:
Jesus Predicts His Death
A key theme for Easter is Jesus’ willing submission to death on the cross. The Gospels record multiple instances where Jesus predicted and explained this to His disciples ahead of time (Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23; Mark 8:31, 9:30-32; Luke 9:22, 9:43-45). On Day 11, meditate upon Jesus’ foreknowledge and purpose in going to the cross out of love for us.
And they went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. (Mark 9:30-32)
Jesus in Gethsemane
After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. There He agonized over what was to come, yet still submitted to the Father’s will (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46). Reflect on Jesus’ humanity and sacrifice in this moment of anguish before His arrest and crucifixion.
And going a little farther he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:35-36)
Judas’ Betrayal
After time in prayer, the Gospel accounts say Judas arrived with soldiers to betray and arrest Jesus. The betrayal by one of His own disciples was deeply painful, yet Jesus submitted for our sake (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-12). Reflect on Jesus’ sense of abandonment, yet willingness to forgive.
And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. (Mark 14:43-45)
Peter’s Denial
During Jesus’ arrest, Peter denied knowing Him 3 times out of fear (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18). Jesus had predicted this would happen, yet He forgave and restored Peter. Reflect on human weakness, failure, and God’s grace.
And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:72)
Before the Sanhedrin
After His arrest, Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin – the Jewish ruling council – for questioning. The accounts portray their hostility, yet Jesus maintained wisdom and composure (Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:63-71; John 18:19-24). Consider Jesus keeping His purpose during unjust interrogation.
But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:61-62)
Peter’s Weeping
The Gospels tell of Peter breaking down in remorseful tears after denying Jesus 3 times. The exact timing differs slightly between accounts, but the moment expresses Peter’s deep sorrow and regret (Matthew 26:75; Mark 14:72; Luke 22:62). Reflect on the pain of failure, but also the gift of repentance.
And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:72)
Before Pilate
After condemning Jesus, the Sanhedrin brought Him before the Roman governor Pilate to authorize the death sentence (Matthew 27:2, 11-26; Mark 15:1-15; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-19:16). Jesus maintained His innocence, yet still submitted Himself to unjust punishment for us. Contemplate His willing sacrifice.
And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” And the chief priests accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. (Mark 15:2-5)
Jesus’ Crucifixion
After speaking with both Jesus and the crowd, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified (Matthew 27:32-56; Mark 15:21-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-37). Yet Scripture says Jesus endured the cross willingly for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). Contemplate Christ’s sacrifice for you.
And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). (Mark 15:21-22)
Mocking Jesus
As Jesus hung on the cross, the Jewish leaders, Roman soldiers, and thieves all mocked and insulted Him (Matthew 27:39-44; Mark 15:29-32; Luke 23:35-37). Yet Jesus responded with grace and forgiveness. Consider how He bore our sins so we could know God’s love.
And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” (Mark 15:29-30)
Forgiving the Soldiers
While suffering on the cross in agony, Jesus cried out asking the Father to forgive those responsible, for they did not fully understand their actions (Luke 23:34). Even in intense pain, Jesus showed grace. Reflect on His merciful heart for sinners like us.
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. (Luke 23:34)
Jesus’ Death
Jesus willingly gave His life as a sacrifice, bearing the sins of the world, so that those who believe can be forgiven and have eternal life with God (Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-37). Reflect in awe on the love displayed through Christ’s death for you.
And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:37-39)
Jesus’ Burial
After His death, Jesus was taken down from the cross and buried in a tomb offered by Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42). Jesus truly died and was buried, yet death could not hold Him. Contemplate His mortal body at rest, waiting for resurrection.
And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. (Mark 15:46)
Guarding the Tomb
The Jewish leaders placed a guard at Jesus’ tomb because they remembered His claim to rise again after 3 days (Matthew 27:62-66). Little did they know, no amount of human strength could stop the power of God to raise Christ from the dead. Be in awe of what is to come!
So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. (Matthew 27:66)
The Scriptures covered on this Easter reading plan for Day 11 take us through the critical events of Jesus’ suffering, death, and burial. As we meditate on Christ’s sacrifice for us, may our hearts be filled with worship, gratitude, and hope of the resurrection. The story will continue tomorrow!