Easter is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, proving His divinity and confirming Him as the Son of God. Christians believe that through His sacrifice on the cross and subsequent resurrection, Jesus defeated sin and death and paved the way for eternal life for all who believe in Him.
In the weeks leading up to Easter, many Christians engage in special Bible reading plans and devotionals to prepare their hearts and focus their minds on the meaning of this holy day. Here is an overview of key Scriptures and themes for the 36th day of an Easter reading plan:
Old Testament Reading
The Old Testament reading for this day focuses on the ideas of sacrifice and atonement. Two key passages:
Leviticus 16:1-34 – This chapter outlines the rituals performed by the Israelite high priest on the Day of Atonement, the one day of the year he could enter the Most Holy Place and make sacrifice for the sins of the people. This foreshadows how Christ would become the ultimate high priest and the final, perfect sacrifice.
Isaiah 53 – This prophetic chapter describes the coming “Suffering Servant” – Jesus – who would be “pierced for our transgressions” and bear the iniquity of all people to make them righteous before God. His sacrifice would justify many.
New Testament Reading
The New Testament readings emphasize how Christ fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and accomplished atonement through His crucifixion and resurrection. Two key passages:
Hebrews 9:11-10:18 – Explains how Christ’s sacrifice of Himself as the perfect Lamb of God accomplished what the Old Testament law and sacrificial system could not. His blood ratified the new covenant and cleansed people’s consciences from sin and death.
1 Peter 1:17-2:10 – We were redeemed from sin by the precious blood of Christ, the sacrificial lamb without blemish or spot. Now we have been made alive in Him, called out of darkness as God’s chosen people.
Reflecting on Christ’s Sacrifice
As we reflect on the sacrificed life and death of Jesus, we stand in awe of God’s glorious plan to redeem mankind. What wondrous love is this! Some key points about Christ’s sacrifice:
- His sacrifice was voluntary – Jesus willingly laid down His life out of love for us (John 10:18)
- It was the ultimate act of obedience to the Father to fulfill God’s divine plan (Philippians 2:8)
- He bore our sins and suffered in our place to make atonement for us (Hebrews 9:28)
- His blood established the new covenant between God and man (Luke 22:20)
- He tore the temple veil, granting us direct access to God (Matthew 27:51)
- His resurrection proved His power over death and the assurance of new life (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
As we prepare our hearts for Easter, may we be filled with awe, gratitude, and joy for what Christ accomplished through His sacrifice. It is the crux of our faith and the guarantee of salvation to all who believe.
Meditating on the Meaning
Here are some key questions to pray through and reflect on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice:
- Why was an atoning sacrifice necessary for our redemption and salvation?
- What does it mean that Jesus bore my sins and suffered in my place on the cross?
- How should Christ’s sacrifice transform how I live my life and relate to God?
- How does His sacrifice fill me with praise, gratitude, and the desire to worship?
- Because He tore the veil to God’s presence, how should I approach boldly entering His throne of grace?
- How does His resurrection give me living hope, both now and for eternity?
Take time to prayerfully meditate on these questions and let God speak to you through His word. Ask Him to increase your awe and fill you with praise as you reflect on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice for you.
Applying Christ’s Sacrifice
This Easter season, think through some ways you can apply the truths of Christ’s sacrifice to your life:
- Repentance – Allow His sacrifice to soften your heart to any lingering sin or darkness
- Obedience – Out of love and gratitude, obey and serve Him wholeheartedly
- Boldness – Draw near to Him without fear in prayer, worship, and communion
- New Life – Walk in the newness of life and resurrection power He grants you
- Assurance – Rest in the assurance of salvation His sacrifice guarantees you
- Generosity – Be generous as you have freely received His gift of grace
Daily ask God to help you apply the power and implications of Christ’s sacrifice in transforming, practical ways. Let your life be changed by what He did for you.
Living in Light of Eternity
Christ’s resurrection is our living hope. Because He rose, we have the assurance that:
- Death is defeated – it no longer has power over us (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)
- We will be resurrected one day too when He returns (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
- We can look forward to eternal life in a new body free from sin and suffering (Revelation 21:4)
- Our labor in the Lord here on earth is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)
With these glorious promises, we can live differently. The reality of eternity should inspire us to:
- Focus on what matters most
- Invest in eternal treasures, not earthly ones
- Build God’s kingdom, not our own
- Value people over things
- Share Christ intentionally and urgently
Ask God to keep eternity ever before you. May it change your perspective, priorities, and purpose in the days ahead.
Scriptures to Read and Memorize
Here are some key verses to read and commit to memory during this season:
- Isaiah 53:5 – “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.”
- John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
- Romans 5:8 – “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- 1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.”
- 1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Hide these verses in your heart. Let the promises and truths they contain dwell richly within you this Easter season.
Prayers for Easter
Close your time in God’s word with prayer. Here are some sample prayers:
Lord Jesus, I am in awe of Your sacrifice for me. Thank You for bearing my sins on the cross and enduring the judgment I deserved. Thank You for tearing the veil and making a way for me to enter boldly into God’s presence. Increase my gratitude and help me walk in new life because of Your resurrection. You are my Redeemer, my Salvation, and my Hope. I love You.
Father, open my eyes more widely to the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Help me comprehend the extent of His love shown on the cross. Grow my faith as I prepare my heart for Easter. Fill me with praise and gratitude for the gift of salvation. You are amazing, gracious, and worthy of all glory and honor.
As you go through your day, try to maintain an attitude of prayer – conversing with God, offering Him praise and thanks, confessing sin, interceding for others. Let your heart remain softened and pliable before Him because of Christ’s sacrifice for you.