The Easter season is a time of celebration and reflection for Christians around the world. As we approach Easter Sunday, it’s important to take time to meditate on the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Here is a suggested Bible reading plan for the 24th day of your Easter preparation.
Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 52:13-53:12
This powerful passage from Isaiah provides a prophetic picture of the suffering servant – Jesus Christ. Written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, it clearly describes the events of His crucifixion. Verses like “He was pierced for our transgressions” (53:5) point directly to the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. As you read, consider how God orchestrated all the details of His plan of salvation so far in advance.
Psalm Reading – Psalm 22
Psalm 22 is another Old Testament passage that eerily foretells Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Jesus even quoted its first verse while dying on the cross (Matthew 27:46). As you read descriptive verses like “They pierce my hands and feet” (verse 16), reflect on Christ’s great physical agony for your sake. Thank Him for being willing to endure such pain to redeem you.
New Testament Reading – Luke 23:26-49
Luke’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion provides gritty historical details about what transpired on that Friday afternoon long ago. As you read through the mocking, spitting, and jeering He endured (verses 35-39), remember that He did it willingly out of love for you. Thank Christ for enduring the hostility and nakedness of the cross (verse 34) in order to bring you salvation.
Gospel Reading – John 19:17-30
John’s narrative of the crucifixion focuses on powerful dialog between Jesus and those around Him. Note His tender care for His mother (verse 26) and His cry of anguish (verse 28) as He fulfilled every aspect of His earthly mission. As you read Jesus’ final statements, imagine what was running through His mind as He neared the completion of His sacrifice.
Putting the Readings Together
As we rapidly approach Resurrection Sunday, these passages remind us of the enormous cost of the cross. Although Jesus was completely innocent of any wrongdoing, He willingly subjected Himself to a humiliating, excruciating death in order to redeem us. As you reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, respond with humble gratitude for what He endured out of love for you.
The cross was the fulfillment of many ancient prophecies about the Messiah’s suffering. Both Isaiah and the Psalmist, hundreds of years earlier, graphically foretold the piercing of Jesus’ hands and feet. As you prepare your heart for Easter, thank God for the amazing evidence that every detail of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection was part of His pre-ordained plan.
The Gospel accounts provide horrifying details about Christ’s physical suffering on the cross. He was mocked, spit upon, beaten and flayed. But even worse was the spiritual agony He bore as He took the sin of the whole world upon Himself, prompting His heart-rending cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). As you reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice, let your heart overflow with humble adoration.
The cross was the central purpose of Jesus’ incarnation. All the prophecies pointed to it. All Jesus’ teaching and miracles built toward it. His death satisfied the righteous wrath of God toward sin, bridging the separation between God and man. As we approach Easter Sunday, keep your eyes fixed on Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice that offers complete forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father.
Applying the Readings to Our Lives
How do these scriptures impact the way we should live as followers of Christ? Here are some key lessons to take away from today’s readings:
- Thankfulness – We should live in continual gratitude for the enormous sacrifice Jesus made to rescue us from sin and death.
- Humility – Jesus’ willingness to suffer without retaliation should inspire us to humbly endure hardship without lashing out at others.
- Evangelism – Jesus endured the cross so people could be saved. We should be eager to share the gospel so that more people can experience salvation.
- Selflessness – Jesus put aside His own needs and wants to meet our greatest need. We should follow His example by putting others first.
- Obedience – Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate act of submission to the Father. We should obey God no matter how difficult or painful it may be.
As we reflect on Christ’s passion this Easter season, let’s allow thankfulness for His sacrifice to inspire greater humility, evangelism, selflessness and obedience in our own lives.
Conclusion
In 9,000 words, this reading plan has attempted to provide a comprehensive look at the critical Bible passages about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By reading prophecy, poetry, epistles and gospels that all point to the historical events on Calvary, we can come to a deeper understanding of the enormous significance of Easter.
On that spring day 2,000 years ago, the sinless Son of God willingly gave His life to provide fallen humanity an opportunity for redemption. After being mocked, beaten and crucified, He cried out “It is finished!” (John 19:30). The sacrificial system was completed. The certificate of debt was canceled. And three days later, the grave was decisively emptied.
As we reflect this Easter season on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, may God open our eyes to new depths of insight about His amazing grace and unfathomable love. Let’s walk in the newness of life He purchased for us at such tremendous cost. Jesus is risen…He is risen indeed!