Easter is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, proving that He was truly the Son of God. As we approach Easter, it’s valuable to spend time reflecting on the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection, as told in the Gospels. Here is a suggested reading plan to help you prepare your heart for Easter.
Day 7 Reading
On the seventh day of the Easter reading plan, we’ll focus on John 18-19. This passage covers Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial. It provides important details that the other Gospels leave out.
The story begins with Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas betrays Him with a kiss (John 18:1-11). Jesus willingly allows Himself to be taken into custody, setting in motion the events that will culminate in His sacrificial death.
Jesus is first brought before the former high priest Annas, who questions Him about His disciples and teachings (John 18:12-14, 19-24). He is then brought before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, who condemn Him to death but lack the authority to execute Him (John 18:24).
The Jewish leaders then bring Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea (John 18:28-38a). Pilate questions Jesus and finds no basis to charge Him with a crime. However, the angry mob calls for Jesus’ crucifixion, so Pilate capitulates in order to avoid a riot (John 18:38b-19:16).
Jesus is savagely flogged and mocked by the Roman soldiers (John 19:1-3). Pilate presents the bloodied, weakened Jesus to the crowd saying, “Behold the man!” (John 19:4-7). Still unsatisfied, the people scream for Him to be crucified.
Pilate continues questioning Jesus but can find no guilt in Him. Finally, he yields to the crowd’s demands and hands Jesus over to be crucified (John 19:8-16).
John’s account includes several interactions between Jesus and Pilate that underscore Jesus’ innocence and divine identity:
- Jesus declares that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36)
- Pilate finds no basis for a charge against Jesus (John 18:38)
- Jesus asserts that Pilate’s authority comes from God (John 19:11)
- Pilate presents Jesus as the long-awaited king of the Jews (John 19:14)
Despite Jesus’ claims of divine authority, Pilate cowardly sends Him to the cross to pacify the Jewish authorities.
John then provides a detailed account of the crucifixion itself (John 19:17-27). The key events include:
- Jesus carries His own cross to Golgotha (John 19:17)
- Pilate refuses to change the inscription identifying Jesus as King (John 19:19-22)
- The soldiers gamble for Jesus’ seamless tunic (John 19:23-24)
- Jesus arranges for His mother Mary’s future care (John 19:25-27)
Even in His final agonizing moments, Jesus selflessly cares for others – evidencing His loving, sacrificial nature.
After Jesus breathes His last, a soldier pierces His side with a spear to confirm His death (John 19:31-37). Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, both secret followers of Jesus afraid to publicly show support earlier, now boldly ask Pilate for Jesus’ body (John 19:38-42). They wrap His body in linen cloths and bury Him in a nearby tomb.
John highlights how these events fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s death (John 19:24, 28, 36-37). Though Jesus’ enemies meant His crucifixion for harm, God intended it all along as part of His redemptive plan.
As you reflect on John 18-19, consider these discussion questions:
- What details stood out to you the most about Jesus’ various trials and interactions with the Jewish leaders and Pilate? What do they reveal about both Jesus’ character and the hearts of the people condemning Him?
- Why do you think Pilate kept trying to release Jesus, even though he eventually succumbed to the crowd’s demands? What does this say about the tension between human leadership and doing what’s right?
- How does Jesus’ composure and compassion despite enduring tremendous suffering challenge or inspire you personally? What specific examples did you find meaningful?
- Have you seen God work redemptively, turning what was meant for harm into good in your own life? How might reflecting on Jesus’ crucifixion give you hope?
The crucifixion of Jesus was horrific and unjust. Yet God used it to accomplish the greatest act of love and redemption the world will ever know. As Easter approaches, may the truth of Christ’s sacrifice stir your heart to worship and gratitude. Though Jesus bore unimaginable pain, separation, and shame, He willingly did so that you might be reconciled to God and filled with His indestructible life and joy. Reflecting on the cross positions us to celebrate Jesus’ victory over sin and death on Resurrection Sunday.
Here are some additional recommended verses from John 18-19 to supplement your reading today:
John 18:4-9 – Jesus protects His disciples from arrest
John 18:15-18, 25-27 – Peter denies knowing Jesus
John 19:16-17 – They took Jesus, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.
John 19:28-30 – Jesus’ words on the cross: “It is finished”
Spend time prayerfully meditating on Jesus’ passion today. Thank Him for willingly giving His life for you, even unto death on a cross. Ask God to deepen your gratitude and love for Christ as you prepare your heart to celebrate His resurrection.
Tomorrow we will look at the final chapters of John’s Gospel covering the resurrection and post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. As you read, reflect on Jesus’ complete victory over sin and the grave. The crucifixion broke the power of evil, and the resurrection opened the door for us to experience new resurrection life in Christ today and for eternity. This is truly good news worth celebrating!