The Easter season is a time of reflection, celebration, and anticipation of Christ’s resurrection. As we approach Easter Sunday, it’s important that we spend time reading and meditating on God’s word, focusing on the events surrounding Christ’s death and resurrection. Here is a suggested reading plan for the 15th day of your Easter preparation.
Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 53
Isaiah 53 is one of the most well-known messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, pointing to Jesus as the suffering servant. This chapter foretells in vivid detail the rejection, suffering, and death of Christ for our sins. Key verses include:
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53:3)
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4-5)
As you read this chapter, reflect on Christ’s suffering on your behalf and the incredible gift of salvation made possible through His sacrifice.
New Testament Reading – Mark 14:1-15:47
For the New Testament reading, we will read Mark’s account of Jesus’ passion – His arrest, trial, death and burial. This extensive passage covers:
- The plot to kill Jesus (14:1-2)
- Jesus anointed at Bethany (14:3-9)
- Judas agrees to betray Jesus (14:10-11)
- The Last Supper (14:12-25)
- Jesus predicts Peter’s denial (14:26-31)
- Jesus prays in Gethsemane (14:32-42)
- The betrayal and arrest of Jesus (14:43-52)
- Jesus before the Sanhedrin (14:53-65)
- Peter denies Jesus (14:66-72)
- Jesus delivered to Pilate (15:1-15)
- The soldiers mock Jesus (15:16-20)
- The crucifixion (15:21-41)
- The burial of Jesus (15:42-47)
As you read Mark’s account, contemplate Jesus’ sacrifice and the events that took place to secure your redemption. What details stand out to you? What verse or passage resonates most deeply with you today?
Psalms – Psalm 118
Psalm 118 is a Messianic psalm that celebrates God’s mercy and salvation. Verses like “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (v.22) point directly to Jesus. Other key verses include:
“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” (Psalm 118:5)
“I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.” (Psalm 118:17)
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
As you read, rejoice in the salvation that comes through Christ alone and thank Him for the mercy and redemption He purchased for you.
Gospel – Luke 22:1-6
Our Gospel reading comes from Luke 22:1-6:
“Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.”
This short passage sets the stage for Jesus’ betrayal. Reflect on Judas’ tragic decision and the schemes of the religious leaders against Jesus. Praise God that although events were moving to crucify Jesus, this was all part of God’s sovereign plan to redeem mankind.
Epistle – Philippians 2:5-11
Our epistle reading comes from Philippians 2:
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)
This powerful passage is a beautiful picture of Christ’s humility, obedience, and exaltation. As you read, worship Jesus for His sacrifice and commitment to redeem you by dying on the cross when He deserved only glory and honor.
Reflection Questions
Here are some questions for reflection as you read and meditate on God’s word today:
- What details about Christ’s suffering and death on your behalf stand out to you from the Isaiah and Mark passages?
- What verse or phrase from the readings today resonates most deeply with you? Take time to meditate on it and write down your reflections.
- How has your understanding of or appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice grown through today’s readings?
- In what ways are you compelled to worship, honor, and obey Jesus after meditating on His humility and obedience unto death?
- Take time to praise Jesus specifically for 5 different things you encountered through today’s readings.
Additional Reading
If you have time for additional reading, here are some other suggested passages to read and reflect on today:
- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 – The suffering servant
- Psalm 22 – The psalm of the crucified One
- Mark 15 – Jesus’ trial, death and burial
- Luke 23:26-49 – The crucifixion
- John 19:16-42 – The crucifixion and burial
- Hebrews 9:11-10:18 – Redemption through Christ’s blood
- 1 Peter 1:18-21 – Redeemed by Christ’s blood
As you read God’s word and reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, may your heart be filled with praise, gratitude, and hope through the gift of salvation we have in Jesus.