As we approach Easter Sunday, it’s important that we reflect on the significance of this holiday and what the Bible teaches us about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This reading plan focuses on several key passages and themes to help us prepare our hearts and minds for Easter.
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-44)
On what we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. The people welcomed Him by spreading out palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” This triumphant entry contrasts sharply with Jesus’ humble birth in a manger. The people were expecting Jesus to be a mighty political king who would overthrow the Romans. But Jesus knew His mission was not a political one, but a spiritual one. He came to save people from their sins. Still, this entry marks the beginning of the final week leading to the cross.
Jesus Predicts His Death (Luke 18:31-34)
Jesus told His disciples plainly that He would suffer, be rejected, killed, and rise again on the third day. But the disciples did not understand what He meant. Even though Jesus told them exactly what would happen, they could not comprehend a suffering Messiah. They expected a conquering king, not a crucified savior. This shows how much God’s plans differed from human expectations. We need to let go of our assumptions and rely on God’s greater wisdom.
Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17)
Right before the Last Supper, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. This menial task was usually done by slaves. By humbling Himself this way, Jesus showed that true leadership means servanthood, not status. He modeled giving up power to meet others’ needs. As His followers, we must serve one another in love just as Jesus served us by giving His life for our salvation.
The Last Supper (Luke 22:14-23)
On the Passover right before His crucifixion, Jesus shared one final meal with His disciples. He transformed the Passover into what we now call the Lord’s Supper or Communion. The broken bread represented His body given for us, and the cup of wine represented His blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins. When we take Communion today, we remember and participate in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46)
After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He was deeply troubled and anguished knowing what lay ahead of Him. But He surrendered to God’s will, asking for this cup of suffering to pass but still acquiescing to the Father’s plan. We too need to bring our struggles to God in prayer, trusting that He knows best even when it’s hard.
Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest (Luke 22:47-53)
Judas handed Jesus over to the chief priests by identifying Him with a kiss in the garden. Jesus rebuked the violent manner of His arrest, reminding them He had been with them peacefully many times before. But this was part of God’s sovereign plan, as Isaiah 53:7 predicted the Messiah would be led like a lamb to slaughter. Jesus submitted Himself fully to this unjust treatment.
Peter Denies Jesus (Luke 22:54-62)
As Jesus predicted, Peter denied knowing Him 3 times after Jesus was arrested. Out of fear, Peter did not live up to his earlier commitment to follow Jesus even unto death. We too often cowardly deny Jesus with our words and actions. But just as Jesus restored Peter with forgiveness and recommissioning, He offers us grace and second chances when we falter.
Jesus Before the Council and Pilate (Luke 22:66-23:25)
The Jewish leaders put Jesus on trial late at night and brought Him before Pilate in the morning. Though falsely accused, Jesus maintained His innocence. But Pilate, wanting to avoid a riot, sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion. This was the perfect fulfillment of the Father’s plan for Jesus to bear our punishment. Though guilty under God’s law, Jesus took our place to pay our penalty.
The Crucifixion (Luke 23:32-49)
Jesus was crucified between two criminals outside Jerusalem. Though completely innocent of any crime Himself, He identified with sinful humanity by suffering alongside criminals. Even while dying an excruciating death, Jesus forgave His enemies and promised eternal life to one of the criminals who believed in Him. God’s amazing grace and limitless love were on full display at the cross.
The Death and Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50-56)
After Jesus breathed His last breath, His body was taken down from the cross and buried in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. The women who had followed Jesus prepared spices to anoint His body. They rested on the Sabbath, not yet realizing the resurrection that would soon come. We too must wait patiently and expectantly during the Holy Saturday between death and resurrection.
The Empty Tomb (Luke 24:1-12)
On the first day of the week after the Sabbath, the women went to Jesus’ tomb to finish preparing His body for burial. Shockingly, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty except for the graveclothes. Angels appeared and told them Jesus had risen from the dead as He said! When they reported this to the disciples, the men ran to see the empty tomb themselves. Christ had conquered the grave!
On the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
That same day, two disciples were walking to Emmaus feeling sad and confused about recent events. Jesus began walking with them, but they did not recognize Him. Jesus explained from Scripture why the Messiah had to suffer and die. When He later broke bread with them, their eyes were opened and they realized it was the risen Lord! He then disappeared. They hurried to tell the others the good news.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples (Luke 24:36-49)
While the two disciples were reporting their encounter with Jesus, He suddenly appeared among them. He ate food to prove He was not just a spirit. He reminded them that Scripture foretold His suffering, death, and resurrection. He opened their minds to understand God’s plan of salvation. Repentance and forgiveness of sins would be preached to all nations because of His victory over death.
Jesus’ Ascension and the Promise of His Return (Acts 1:6-11)
Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven as His followers watched. Two angels appeared and promised Jesus would return in the same way He left. In the meantime, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses and share the gospel message. Someday Christ will come back to fully establish His kingdom on earth. We wait eagerly for that glorious day!
The Cross in Scripture
Here are some key verses about the significance of Christ’s death on the cross:
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
“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 53:5)
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)
The Resurrection in Scripture
Here are some key Bible passages about the meaning of Christ’s resurrection:
“He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” (Luke 24:6-7)
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.'” (John 11:25)
“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Romans 6:5)
Key Themes
As we reflect on the death and resurrection of Christ this Easter season, here are some key themes and truths to keep in mind:
- Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
- Jesus demonstrated true servant leadership by humbly washing His disciples’ feet.
- The Last Supper establishes Jesus as the Passover Lamb whose blood saves us from sin.
- Jesus resolved to follow God’s will even through suffering in Gethsemane.
- Jesus allowed Himself to be betrayed and arrested, knowing this would lead to the cross.
- Peter and the other disciples struggled to live up to Jesus’ call to follow Him.
- Jesus maintained His innocence during unjust trials.
- The cross exemplifies God’s amazing grace, forgiveness, and redemptive plan.
- Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death forever.
- Jesus’ appearances after His resurrection strengthened the disciples’ faith.
- The resurrection guarantees new life both now and eternally for those who believe.
- We eagerly await Christ’s promised return to fully establish His eternal Kingdom.
This Easter season, may we be amazed again by the incredible love of God demonstrated through Christ’s death and resurrection. May His sacrifice for our sins lead us to repentance, faith, and overflowing gratefulness and joy.