The Easter season is a time of hope, renewal, and reflection on Christ’s resurrection. As we approach the end of the Lenten period, it’s important to focus our hearts and minds on God’s word and promises. Here are some key passages to meditate on for Easter Reading Plan – Day 29:
Luke 24:1-12 – The Empty Tomb
On the first day of the week, the women (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and others) went to the tomb and found it empty. Two men in dazzling white clothes told them Jesus had risen! The women went and told the eleven disciples and others, but the apostles did not believe them. However, Peter ran to the tomb and saw the linen clothes laid by themselves and went away wondering what had happened.
This passage describes the miraculous discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb on Easter morning. The resurrection was first witnessed by Jesus’ female followers, who shared the good news. Even the apostles did not believe right away, but came to see the truth of it for themselves. As we read this, let’s reflect on what it would have been like to be there, to have our hope restored and lives transformed by this amazing event.
John 20:1-18 – Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw the stone had been removed. She ran to tell Peter and John, who came to see the empty tomb. They left, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. She looked inside and saw two angels who asked why she was crying. Because they had taken Jesus’ body, she replied. Then she turned and saw Jesus himself standing there, though she did not recognize him at first. When he called her by name, she realized it was Jesus risen from the dead! He told her to go tell the disciples he had risen.
This powerful story shows the intimacy and tenderness Jesus had with his followers, even after conquering death itself. Though Mary was distraught, as soon as she heard her Savior speak her name she understood. As we reflect on Christ’s personal love and care for each of us, let us echo Mary’s exclamation – “I have seen the Lord!”
Luke 24:36-49 – Jesus Appears to His Disciples
While his disciples were discussing the reports of his resurrection, Jesus suddenly stood among them and said “Peace be with you.” They were frightened and thought it was a ghost, but he showed them his hands and feet to prove it was really him. He even ate a piece of fish in their presence. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures about his death and resurrection. He told them they were witnesses of these things. Soon they would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Even Jesus’ closest followers needed help to grasp the truth of his resurrection. Jesus reassured them he was real, then opened their minds to comprehend the Scriptures. As we seek to understand Jesus’ death and resurrection, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, insight and boldness to share this good news.
1 Corinthians 15:12-28 – The Resurrection of the Dead
Paul explains that if Christ was not raised from the dead, then Christian preaching and faith is useless. All the apostles and believers would be false witnesses about God. But Christ has been raised, as the firstfruits of the resurrection harvest to come. Death came through Adam, but resurrection of the dead comes through Christ. When Christ returns, he will destroy all dominion and powers and hand the kingdom over to God the Father. He must reign until God has put all enemies under his feet, including death – the last enemy.
Paul powerfully lays out the centrality of Jesus’ resurrection for the Christian faith. Because Christ rose, we have hope of resurrection and eternal life in him. His victory over sin, evil and death is total and final. Marinate in the glorious truths of this passage about Christ’s supremacy over all enemies, including death itself.
Romans 6:1-14 – Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
What shall we say then? Should we continue in sin so grace may abound? No! We died to sin – how can we live in it any longer? Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death? Just as Christ was raised from the dead to glory, we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in his death, we shall certainly be united in his resurrection. We know our old self was crucified with Christ so that we are no longer enslaved by sin, for anyone who has died is freed from sin.
Paul argues strongly that it is ludicrous to imagine abusing God’s grace by continuing to live in sin. Through our union with Christ, we died and were raised to new life in him. This new resurrection life empowers us to walk free from slavery to sin. Reflect on what it means that your old sinful nature was crucified with Christ. How should this transform your lifestyle and choices?
Colossians 3:1-4 – Living as Those Made Alive in Christ
You have been raised with Christ! Set your hearts and minds on things above – on Christ seated at God’s right hand. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, you also will appear with him in glory.
Because we have been raised with Christ to new life, our focus should be heavenly, not earthly. Our thoughts and desires are transformed when we set our minds on Christ. Though the world may not see the full reality yet, we already share in Christ’s glory through our union with him. Let this amazing truth soak deep into your soul – you have been raised with Christ!
1 Peter 1:3-9 – A Living Hope Through the Resurrection
Praise be to God for his great mercy in giving us new birth into a living hope through Christ’s resurrection! We have an inheritance that can never perish, kept in heaven for us. Through faith we are shielded by God’s power until the coming salvation is revealed in the last time. We rejoice in this, even though we suffer grief in trials now for a short time. These prove our faith genuine and will result in praise and glory when Christ is revealed.
Our living hope comes from Jesus’ resurrection, which guarantees our glorious future inheritance. Life’s trials prove and strengthen our faith until that day. Let this passage ignite praise and joy that no suffering can suppress. We have a sure and living hope through Christ’s resurrection that no hardship can diminish.
Revelation 1:12-18 – The Living Christ’s Message to the Church
John saw a vision of the risen Christ walking among seven golden lampstands and holding seven stars. His face shone like the sun and his voice was like rushing waters. He said “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One – I was dead and now I am alive forever! I hold the keys of death and Hades.” He told John to write down this vision and send it to the seven churches.
The exalted Christ appeared in power to John to give messages to the churches. He is the eternal one who defeated death forever and now lives to comfort and correct his people. As you read Revelation, see it through this lens – the living Christ caring for his churches throughout history. He is alive forevermore!
Revelation 21:1-8 – A New Heaven and Earth
Then I saw a new heaven and earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away. The holy city of New Jerusalem came down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride for her husband. A loud voice from the throne said “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man! He will be their God, and they will be his people. He will wipe away every tear and make all things new. It is done! I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.”
John saw an incredible vision of the new creation to come, where God would dwell intimately with his people and restore all things. This was made possible by Christ’s death and resurrection. All of history has been moving towards this beautiful culmination. As we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection during Easter, let this passage fill you with awe and eager hope for the glorious future Jesus inaugurated.
Philippians 3:7-16 – Knowing Christ in the Power of His Resurrection
I count all things as loss compared to knowing Christ. I want to know him, the power of his resurrection, and fellowship in his sufferings. I strive to be like him in his death so I may attain resurrection from the dead. I forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead – the goal of God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. All who are mature should embrace this same perspective.
Paul valued a deep, intimate knowledge of Christ above everything else. He longed to experience Jesus’ resurrection power in his life, even amidst suffering. This is a worthy aspiration as we reflect on Easter. Let’s strain ahead towards deeper knowledge of and intimacy with our risen Lord during this season.
Romans 8:9-11 – Alive in the Spirit
You do not live according to the flesh but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. Though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life to your mortal bodies through His presence within you.
The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives inside every believer! He is the Spirit of resurrection, and the guarantee that we too will share in Christ’s conquering of death. As you celebrate Holy Week, ask the Spirit to stir His life more fully within you, to empower and transform you increasingly into Christ’s image.
John 11:17-27 – The Resurrection and the Life
When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been dead and in the tomb for four days. Martha went out to meet him, saying “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus told her “Your brother will rise again.” Martha replied, “I know he will rise in the resurrection at the last day.” Then Jesus declared “I am the resurrection and the life! Whoever believes in me will live, even if he dies.”
Even before raising Lazarus, Jesus proclaimed himself the source of resurrection. Physical death cannot separate us from the author and conqueror of life. Take hope and comfort in Jesus’ power over death. Even when we feel despairing like Martha, he remains the resurrection and the life.
John 14:1-7 – The Way, the Truth, and the Life
“Do not let your hearts be troubled,” Jesus said. “You believe in God; believe in me as well. There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I am going to prepare a place for you and will come back to take you with me, so we may be where I am. You know the way to where I am going.” Thomas asked how they could know the way. Jesus answered “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death, but wanted to give them hope and assurance. He is the way, truth and life – the only access to the Father and dwelling with him forever. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, death was not the end. There is eternal life with him awaiting all who trust in Christ. Let this promise bring you comfort and confidence.
John 20:24-31 – Believing Without Seeing
Thomas was not with the disciples when Jesus appeared to them after his resurrection. When they told Thomas they had seen the Lord, he refused to believe it without physical proof. A week later, Jesus appeared again and showed Thomas his wounds. Thomas exclaimed “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Unlike the other apostles, Thomas needed visual evidence before he would believe Jesus had risen. Jesus pronounced a blessing on all who would have faith without such direct personal encounter. That includes all later believers like us! As we wrap up the Easter season, may our faith remain strong even without seeing Jesus face to face.
Acts 1:6-11 – The Ascension of Jesus
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his apostles over a period of forty days and spoke to them about the kingdom of God. They asked if this was when he would restore the kingdom to Israel. But he told them only the Father knows times and dates. Instead they would soon receive power from the Holy Spirit to witness to the world. After saying this, Jesus was taken up into a cloud as they watched. Two men in white promised Jesus would return just as he ascended.
Luke records the dramatic ascension of Christ back into heaven after his resurrection. But this was not the conclusion of his work – just a transition. Jesus promised Holy Spirit power so his followers could spread the good news globally. And he will return again in the Father’s perfect timing. Marinate on this eyewitness account of one of the most important events in history!
Acts 13:26-39 – Forgiveness and Justification Through Christ
Paul proclaimed to the people of Antioch: “Through Jesus forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you! Everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Beware those who scoff at this! We bring you the good news that the promise to the fathers, God has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus. The fact he raised him from the dead, never to decay, has been stated in Scripture!”
The resurrection completed God’s promise to forgive and justify all who believe in Christ. We cannot be made righteous by the law, but are redeemed through Jesus’ conquest of death. This was God’s plan all along, culminating on that first Easter. Praise God for this incredible gift of justification, forgiveness and new life through Christ!
Acts 17:1-4 – Proclaiming Christ’s Resurrection
When Paul came to Thessalonica, he reasoned in the synagogue that Jesus had to suffer and rise from the dead. He proclaimed, “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” Some Jews, Greeks, and leading women believed and joined Paul. But other Jews became jealous and formed a mob.
Wherever Paul went, he used the Scriptures to prove Jesus is the Messiah and had to die and be resurrected. This core truth of Easter transformed Paul’s own life, as it has for millions since. As we conclude our Easter reflections, may we be ready like Paul to make known the power of Christ’s resurrection to all who need this life-changing good news.