The Easter season is a time when Christians reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This pivotal event in human history provides us with hope and assurance of God’s love and salvation. As part of an Easter reading plan, the 32nd day falls right in the midst of the season and offers rich Biblical passages to meditate upon.
Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 53
Isaiah 53 is one of the most well-known Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Written approximately 700 years before the birth of Jesus, this chapter contains vivid details of Christ’s crucifixion, even though crucifixion as a form of execution had not yet been invented. Verses such as “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5) clearly foretell the purpose of Jesus’s death on the cross – as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Meditating upon this passage allows us to marvel at God’s sovereignty and amazing plan of redemption through His Son.
New Testament Reading – Mark 16
Mark 16 records Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead on the third day following His crucifixion. This miraculous event is the crux of the Christian faith, confirming Jesus’ deity and proving that He had power over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Details of the empty tomb and the appearances of the resurrected Christ in Mark 16 furnish undeniable evidence for skeptics that Jesus rose bodily from the grave. His resurrection signals new life for all who put their trust in Him. Reading this account fills our hearts with hope and confidence in Christ’s victory over death.
Psalm Reading – Psalm 16
Psalm 16 is a messianic psalm attributed to King David that foreshadows Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Verses such as “you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay” (Psalm 16:10) point ahead to the resurrection of the coming Messiah. Peter quotes this verse in Acts 2:27 as evidence that David was prophesying about the resurrection of Jesus centuries earlier. Meditating on this psalm thus increases our faith that everything happened according to God’s good plan to raise Jesus from the dead.
Key Themes
Several key Biblical themes emerge from these passages that are relevant for us to reflect upon during the Easter season:
- Jesus’s death was purposeful. Isaiah 53 shows that Jesus laid down His life willingly as a sacrifice for sin, not merely as a victim.
- Jesus rose from the dead. Mark 16 provides eyewitness testimony of Jesus’s bodily resurrection from the tomb.
- God is faithful. Psalm 16 displays God’s faithfulness to raise Jesus from the dead as planned.
- Sin and death are defeated. Christ’s resurrection means victory over the power of sin and death for those who believe.
- Salvation is available. If we put our trust in the risen Savior, we can experience newness of life now and eternally.
Reflection Questions
Here are some questions to ponder and reflect upon from these passages:
- Do I fully grasp the love of God displayed through Christ’s willing sacrifice for my sins? Am I amazed at His grace?
- Do I believe with unwavering faith that Jesus rose bodily from the grave? How can this truth anchor me in difficult times?
- Am I reminded of God’s absolute faithfulness and sovereignty through Jesus’s resurrection? How should this shape my attitude in circumstances I don’t understand?
- How does the resurrection provide me hope of victory over sin and death in my own life? What sins do I need to turn from? What new life is available?
- Have I received the free gift of salvation Jesus purchased through His death and resurrection? If not, what is holding me back from trusting in Him today?
Application
In addition to reflection, Easter should also move us to action. Here are some ways we can apply the truths of Jesus’s death and resurrection today:
- Repent of any known sin and receive cleansing and forgiveness based on Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
- Trust more fully in God’s power and sovereignty over every circumstance based on the resurrection.
- Share the hope of the risen Jesus with someone who needs new life and salvation.
- Read through the Gospels to deepen your understanding of Christ’s death and resurrection.
- Thank Jesus for willingly enduring the cross to save you from the consequences of sin.
Conclusion
The Easter season provides a unique opportunity to contemplate the love of Christ demonstrated through the cross, and the power of Christ displayed in the resurrection. As part of an Easter reading plan, Day 32 gives us occasion to study key messianic passages in Isaiah 53, Mark 16, and Psalm 16. Reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice and victory over death fuels worship and praise. Additionally, we are compelled to share the hope of the risen Savior with others still enslaved to sin and despair. He is risen indeed!