The Easter season is a time of reflection, renewal, and rejoicing as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As part of an Easter reading plan, the 5th day offers rich biblical truths to meditate on. Here are some key passages and themes to reflect on for day 5 of an Easter reading plan:
The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
This poignant story depicts two disciples walking along the road to Emmaus shortly after Jesus’ crucifixion. As they are walking, Jesus joins them but they do not recognize him initially. Jesus walks with them, listening to their confusion and hopelessness following his death. When they invite him to stay with them, Jesus breaks bread and their eyes are opened – they recognize him in that moment. This story illustrates Jesus’ compassion, his continued presence with disciples even in the midst of confusion and despair, and the power of Christ being revealed through the breaking of bread in communion.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples (Luke 24:36-49)
In this passage, Jesus appears to his disciples, showing them his hands and feet to prove he has risen bodily. He eats a piece of broiled fish to further show he is not just a spirit. Jesus opens their minds to understand the Scriptures concerning him. He reminds them that repentance and forgiveness will be preached in his name to all nations. This text reveals the physicality of Jesus’ resurrection, his commitment to opening the minds of disciples, and the global mission of repentance and forgiveness following his resurrection.
Jesus Restores Peter (John 21:15-25)
This intimate conversation depicts Jesus asking Peter repeatedly if he loves him, each time commissioning Peter to care for his flock. This passage shows Jesus’ intent to fully restore Peter following his denials before the crucifixion. It shows the depth and completeness of God’s forgiveness and Jesus’ trust in Peter’s love despite previous failings. Jesus calls every disciple, even those who have faltered, to feed and tend his precious sheep.
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
After his resurrection, Jesus met his disciples in Galilee and commissioned them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey Christ’s commands. Jesus promises his presence will be with them until the end of the age as they participate in this world-wide mission. This text encapsulates Jesus’ global vision for spreading the gospel through the work of disciples empowered by the Spirit.
Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41)
This text depicts the coming of the Holy Spirit in power on the disciples at Pentecost. Tongues of fire rest on believers and all are filled with the Holy Spirit, beginning to speak in diverse languages. Peter preaches boldly to the crowd about Jesus, leading to 3,000 accepting his message and being baptized. Pentecost reveals the promised power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower disciples for gospel mission.
Life in the Early Church (Acts 2:42-47)
This passage provides a beautiful picture of the early church following Pentecost – steadfast in apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. There was care for one another’s needs, sharing of possessions, worship in the temple courts, and praising God. The Lord added to their number daily. This text displays the ideals for the church flowing from the Spirit – unified, missional, worshipful, generous, and devoted to discipleship.
The God of All Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
Paul begins 2 Corinthians praising God as the Father of compassion and all comfort, who comforts us in affliction so that we can comfort others. Participating in Christ’s sufferings allows us to receive God’s comfort and to become channels of God’s comfort to others in their adversity. Easter gives us hope that as we join in the suffering and death of Christ, comfort awaies all who believe.
Living as a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)
This passage discusses how in Christ believers become a new creation. All in Christ are now to live in service to him, committed to the ministry of reconciliation where we implore others to be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus. At the cross, Jesus became sin so we could become the righteousness of God. As Easter people we have died and been raised with Christ to walk in newness of life for his glory.
The Mystery of God’s Will (Ephesians 1:3-10)
This doxology praises the blessings believers have through Christ – chosen, redeemed, forgiven, lavished with grace. God’s ultimate purpose is to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and on earth. All of history is working towards this cosmic unity under the headship of Jesus. Easter inaugurates this age of fulfillment of God’s glorious plan in Christ.
Made Alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10)
This passage describes how we were dead in sin but have now been made alive in Christ. It is by grace we have been saved through faith in Jesus. We are God’s workmanship, created for good works. Whereas we once walked in darkness and disobedience, we now walk in the light and good works. Easter represents this passage from spiritual death to eternal life through the resurrection of Christ.
These passages provide rich theological depth and insight into the meaning of Easter for the life of faith. Themes of restoration, reconciliation, mission, new creation, and comfort run throughout these texts. Reflecting on them will connect readers more deeply to the power of Christ’s resurrection.