The Easter season is a time of celebration and reflection for Christians around the world. After 40 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving during Lent, Easter arrives with the joyful proclamation that Christ has risen! He has conquered sin and death, and his resurrection offers hope to all who believe in him.
As part of your Easter preparation, considering adopting a special Bible reading plan for the weeks leading up to this high holy day. Reading God’s Word daily connects us more deeply to the truths of our faith. When we meditate on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, our understanding grows. Easter takes on a richer meaning.
Here are some key Bible passages for the 14th day of an Easter reading plan:
Old Testament Reading
Isaiah 25:6-9 – This passage from Isaiah prophesies the coming kingdom of God. “On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine – the best of meats and the finest of wines” (v.6). Isaiah foresaw the day when the Lord would swallow up death forever and wipe away all tears. “In that day they will say, ‘Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation'” (v.9).
Psalm
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 – This jubilant psalm was likely used in ancient Jewish festivals. The cornerstone was the most important stone in construction, stabilizing the foundation. Jesus referenced this psalm to identify himself as the cornerstone of our faith (Luke 20:17). “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (vv. 22-23).
New Testament Reading
Luke 24:13-35 – This passage recounts Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus after his resurrection. They do not recognize him initially. Jesus explains how the Scriptures foretold his suffering and resurrection, then joins them for a meal. When he breaks bread with them, their eyes are opened and they finally recognize their risen Lord!
Gospel Reading
John 20:19-31 – Jesus appears to his frightened disciples in a locked room and offers them peace. He shows his wounds to prove his identity and breathe the Holy Spirit upon them. Thomas doubts at first, but when Jesus appears again he invites Thomas to touch his wounds. Thomas exclaims, “My Lord and my God!” (v.28). Jesus says that those who believe without seeing are blessed.
Reflection
These readings help us reflect on Christ’s resurrection and the prophecies it fulfilled. Isaiah prophesied the coming Messiah who would conquer death forever. The psalm extols the cornerstone of our faith, rejected by builders but exalted by God. Luke recounts how Jesus revealed himself to followers on the road to Emmaus. John tells of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances and invitation to believe without seeing.
As we journey through our Easter reading plan, let us rejoice in God’s marvelous plan of salvation! His written Word across centuries points to the Living Word, Jesus. Through his life, death and resurrection, Jesus makes possible our new life in him. Hallelujah!
Praying Through the Easter Season
Here are some suggestions for prayers to enrich your Easter season:
- Thank Jesus for his willingness to suffer and die for your salvation. Praise him for conquering death forever!
- Ask God to open your heart and mind to understand the Scriptures about Christ’s redemption.
- Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal more of Jesus to you daily. Ask for a greater awe at God’s miraculous power.
- Petition Christ to empower you to share the hope of his resurrection with others.
- Pray for persecuted Christians around the world, that their faith may be strengthened.
- Bring to God anyone you know who suffers grief, despair, pain or loss. Ask Jesus to comfort them.
- Thank God for the church community he has provided you. Seek ways to serve fellow Christians.
- Offer prayers of gratitude for baptism and Holy Communion, sacraments that unite us to Christ.
- Consecrate yourself anew to following Jesus every day. Offer your whole life to God.
Songs to Enliven the Soul
Add these stirring hymns to your Easter playlist for praise and reflection:
- “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” – Traditional Easter processional hymn.
- “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” – Triumphant lyrics by Charles Wesley.
- “The Day of Resurrection” – Early Greek hymn translated by John M. Neale.
- “I Know that My Redeemer Lives” – Based on Job 19:25; lyrics by Samuel Medley.
- “Christ Arose” – Robert Lowry hymn proclaiming Christ’s victory.
- “The Strife is O’er” – Medieval Latin hymn translated by Frances Pott.
- “Thine is the Glory” – French melody with lyrics by Edmond L. Budry.
- “Christ is Alive” – Modern hymn by Brian Wren.
- “Hallelujah Chorus” – From Handel’s Messiah oratorio.
Creative Ways to Celebrate
Consider these ideas for celebrating Easter with meaning:
- Hold an Easter Vigil – Attend a late-night service on Holy Saturday in anticipation of Easter Sunday sunrise.
- Decorate Eggs – Color hard-boiled eggs with dye or designs as Easter symbols.
- Create a Flower Cross – Gather spring flowers to wire into a cross shape for your wall or door.
- Plant Seeds – Start seeds for flowers or vegetables that will sprout with new life.
- Make Resurrection Rolls – Flatten marshmallows like Christ’s body in the tomb, then seal in crescent rolls that “rise” when baked.
- Sing Handel’s Messiah – Listen to a recording or attend a performance of this classic Easter oratorio.
- Donate Easter Baskets – Fill baskets with goodies for those in need to extend Christ’s love.
- Enjoy an Easter Feast – Prepare a special meal with traditional Easter foods.
Family Faith Activities
These ideas help make Easter meaningful for households:
- Read the Holy Week story from a children’s Bible or watch videos recounting Jesus’ final days.
- Act out the Easter story with kids taking different roles.
- Hold an Easter egg hunt and include Bible verses for older kids to find and read.
- Print off our free Easter scavenger hunt and make discovering God’s Word fun.
- Bake resurrection rolls together to explain Christ’s tomb being empty.
- Have kids create home Easter decorations like paper cross garlands or flower crosses.
- Let children help select canned goods and make Easter donation baskets for charity.
- Allow kids to assist with preparing parts of your Easter feast.
Easter Symbols and Traditions
Understanding the origins of Easter symbols and customs can help us celebrate more purposefully:
- Eggs – Represent new life; Jesus’ emergence from the tomb.
- Lamb – Symbol of Christ sacrificed as our Passover Lamb (Exodus 12; John 1:29).
- Lilies – Trumpet-shaped blooms signify resurrection; purity and hope.
- Butterflies – Remarkable transformations mirror Christ’s resurrection.
- Sunrise Services – Honor Christ rising at dawn on Easter morning, bringing light forever.
- Easter Lilies – White blooms adorn sanctuaries to convey joy, hope and life.
- Easter Hams – Historically, pig was not eaten during Lent. Easter feasts break the fast.
- Hot Cross Buns – Sweet rolls marked with a cross to denote Lent turning to Easter feast.
As we celebrate these traditions, may our hearts and minds be focused on Jesus Christ. His resurrection ushers in new life for all who believe! The four-fold story of Easter unfolds in the Gospels: His triumphal entry, Last Supper, suffering and death, and rising to life everlasting. We who partake of Christ are born anew, liberated from sin’s grip. Easter promises that for all who trust in Jesus, Death has lost its sting! (1 Corinthians 15:55)
An Easter Prayer
Close your Easter reflection time with this prayer from your heart:
“Lord Jesus, on the cross you defeated sin and conquered death. You are victorious, glorious and mighty! Fill me with the joy of your salvation. Increase my zeal for serving you all my days. Use my life to point others to you, that they may believe and have eternal life. As I celebrate your resurrection this Easter, imprint your story on my mind. May your Spirit dwell richly within me, so that I live as one redeemed. Thank you for making me a new creation! Amen.”