Easter is the most significant celebration in the Christian faith, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Bible provides a wealth of passages that recount the events of Holy Week, Christ’s crucifixion, and His glorious resurrection. Whether you are preparing for personal reflection, leading a Bible study, or seeking to deepen your understanding of Easter, this guide will help you navigate the key Scriptures to read during this sacred season.
The Significance of Easter in the Bible
Easter is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian belief, affirming His victory over sin and death. The Apostle Paul emphasizes its importance in 1 Corinthians 15:17 (ESV):
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”
Reading the Bible during Easter helps believers reflect on the sacrifice of Christ, the power of His resurrection, and the hope of eternal life. Below, we explore essential passages for each stage of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday.
Scripture Readings for Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed Him with palm branches, shouting, “Hosanna!” Key passages include:
A. Zechariah 9:9 (Prophecy of the Messiah’s Arrival)
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
This prophecy foreshadows Jesus’ humble yet kingly entrance.
B. Matthew 21:1-11 (The Triumphal Entry)
This passage describes how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy. The crowds praised Him, shouting:
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
C. Psalm 118:25-26 (A Messianic Psalm)
“Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
This Psalm was traditionally sung during Passover and was echoed by the crowds on Palm Sunday.
Scripture Readings for Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper and washed His disciples’ feet. Key passages include:
A. John 13:1-17 (Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet)
Jesus demonstrated servant leadership by washing His disciples’ feet, saying:
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
B. Matthew 26:26-30 (The Last Supper)
Jesus broke bread and shared wine, symbolizing His body and blood:
“Take, eat; this is my body… Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
C. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Paul’s Account of the Lord’s Supper)
Paul reiterates Jesus’ words, emphasizing the importance of remembering Christ’s sacrifice.
Scripture Readings for Good Friday
Good Friday marks Jesus’ crucifixion and death. These passages highlight His suffering and the meaning of His sacrifice.
A. Isaiah 53 (The Suffering Servant Prophecy)
This chapter vividly describes the Messiah’s sacrificial death:
“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.”
B. Matthew 27:27-54 (The Crucifixion of Jesus)
This account details Jesus’ trial, scourging, crucifixion, and death. Key moments include:
- The crowd shouting, “Crucify Him!”
- Jesus crying out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
- The temple veil tearing, symbolizing access to God.
C. Psalm 22 (A Cry of Anguish and Victory)
Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1 on the cross. This Psalm begins in despair but ends in triumph, foreshadowing resurrection.
Scripture Readings for Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is a day of waiting and reflection on Jesus’ burial and descent into death.
A. Matthew 27:57-66 (The Burial of Jesus)
Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus in a tomb, which is then sealed and guarded.
B. 1 Peter 3:18-20 (Christ’s Victory Over Death)
“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.”
This passage speaks of Christ’s proclamation to the spirits in prison, affirming His authority over death.
Scripture Readings for Resurrection Sunday (Easter)
Easter Sunday celebrates Jesus’ resurrection—the cornerstone of Christian faith.
A. Matthew 28:1-10 (The Resurrection Account)
The angel declares:
“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.”
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, confirming His victory.
B. John 20:1-18 (Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene)
Mary weeps at the empty tomb until Jesus reveals Himself, saying:
“Mary.”
This personal encounter underscores the living Christ.
C. 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (The Resurrection Hope)
Paul explains the significance of Christ’s resurrection:
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
D. Romans 6:4-11 (New Life in Christ)
Believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection:
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Additional Easter-Themed Scriptures for Reflection
- Luke 24:13-35 (The Road to Emmaus – Jesus reveals Himself in Scripture)
- Acts 2:22-36 (Peter’s Pentecost sermon on Christ’s resurrection)
- Revelation 1:17-18 (Jesus declares, “I died, and behold I am alive forevermore.”)
Conclusion: Engaging with Scripture This Easter
Reading these Bible passages during Holy Week and Easter deepens our appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Whether you follow a structured reading plan or meditate on select verses, let Scripture remind you of the hope, redemption, and new life found in Jesus.
As you reflect on these Scriptures, may you experience the transformative power of the resurrection in your own life. He is risen—He is risen indeed!
You Might Be Interested In:
