Easter is the most significant event in the Christian faith, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It marks the victory of life over death and the hope of eternal life for all believers. The resurrection is not only a foundational moment in the Gospels but also a profound theological event that has reverberated throughout Christian history. When preparing to celebrate Easter, many believers turn to the Bible for inspiration, reflection, and deeper understanding of the significance of this pivotal moment. But what exactly should you read in the Bible for Easter? In this article, we will explore key passages from the Scriptures that reflect the core meaning of Easter and help guide your reflections during this sacred time.
Understanding the Significance of Easter
Before delving into what to read, it is important to understand why Easter holds such a central place in the Christian faith. Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, an event that occurred three days after His crucifixion. This moment is the culmination of God’s plan of salvation for humanity. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offered redemption and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Easter, therefore, is more than a historical event—it is a celebration of hope, renewal, and the triumph of God’s love over sin and death.
The Bible provides numerous passages that reflect on the resurrection and its meaning, and they serve as the foundation for the Easter message. Let us explore these passages to understand better what to read during this special season.
1. The Resurrection Accounts in the Gospels
The most direct readings for Easter come from the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books provide the detailed accounts of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, making them essential to Easter reflections.
Matthew 28:1-10 – The Resurrection of Jesus
Matthew’s Gospel offers a beautiful account of the resurrection, focusing on the women who came to Jesus’ tomb early on the third day after His crucifixion. They find the stone rolled away and an angel who announces that Jesus has risen.
“He is not here; for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:6, KJV)
This passage emphasizes the power of God’s promise and highlights the joy and amazement of those who were the first witnesses of the resurrection. This passage is powerful for reflecting on God’s faithfulness to His promises.
Mark 16:1-8 – The Empty Tomb
Mark’s account of the resurrection shares similarities with Matthew’s but provides a slightly different angle. In Mark, the women come to the tomb and are confronted by a young man in white who tells them that Jesus has risen and is no longer there.
“But he said unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.” (Mark 16:6, KJV)
Mark’s Gospel emphasizes the moment of discovery and the initial fear and awe of the women. It is a reminder that resurrection is both a mystery and a revelation that transforms those who witness it.
Luke 24:1-12 – The Road to the Resurrection
Luke’s version of the resurrection narrative includes the moment when the women find the tomb empty, and two angels appear to them, reminding them of Jesus’ words that He would rise on the third day.
“Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee.” (Luke 24:5-6, KJV)
Luke then goes on to describe how the disciples were initially skeptical about the women’s report, but when Peter went to the tomb and saw it empty, he was amazed. This passage teaches us the importance of remembering the words of Jesus and holding on to the hope of His resurrection.
John 20:1-18 – Mary Magdalene Encounters the Risen Christ
In the Gospel of John, the resurrection is uniquely personal. Mary Magdalene is the first to discover that the tomb is empty. She encounters Jesus but does not initially recognize Him. After a moment of clarity, Jesus calls her by name, and she realizes that He is indeed risen.
“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” (John 20:17, KJV)
John’s account is significant because it emphasizes the personal nature of Jesus’ resurrection and how it affects individuals on a deep and intimate level. It also speaks to the importance of recognizing Jesus in our lives.
2. The Apostle Paul’s Teachings on the Resurrection
Paul’s letters, particularly 1 Corinthians, provide rich theological reflections on the resurrection. These passages are vital for understanding the deeper significance of Easter and the theological importance of the resurrection in the life of a believer.
1 Corinthians 15:12-22 – The Importance of the Resurrection
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians contains a profound discourse on the resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul explains the foundational nature of the resurrection for the Christian faith. He argues that without the resurrection, Christianity loses its meaning.
“Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen.” (1 Corinthians 15:12-13, KJV)
Paul emphasizes that the resurrection is not just an event of the past but a promise for the future. The resurrection is the guarantee of eternal life for believers and serves as the basis of Christian hope.
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 – The Victory Over Death
In the same chapter, Paul also speaks about the transformation that occurs in believers due to the resurrection.
“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:53-54, KJV)
Paul provides a powerful reflection on how the resurrection changes everything for the believer. It is not only the victory of Christ over death but also the victory of all believers who will share in that victory at the end of time.
3. Jesus’ Words on the Resurrection
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus Himself speaks about His resurrection and its importance. These words provide a profound foundation for Easter reflections.
John 11:25-26 – Jesus’ Promise of Resurrection
In the story of the resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus makes a powerful statement about Himself being the resurrection and the life.
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26, KJV)
This passage is a reminder that Jesus’ resurrection is not just a historical event but also a present reality for those who believe in Him. It highlights the spiritual renewal and eternal life that Jesus offers to all who trust in Him.
John 14:19 – Jesus’ Resurrection Promise
Jesus also speaks about the resurrection in a more forward-looking sense in John 14, where He reassures His disciples that, though He will die, He will rise again.
“Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.” (John 14:19, KJV)
This passage reinforces the idea that Jesus’ resurrection is the key to believers’ own resurrection and eternal life.
4. Easter Psalms and Prophetic Passages
Finally, for those seeking a broader biblical reflection on Easter, Psalms and prophetic passages also offer insight into the death and resurrection of Jesus. Many Old Testament prophecies point forward to the resurrection and the hope it brings.
Psalm 16:9-11 – The Hope of Resurrection
This Psalm is a prophetic text that speaks to the hope of resurrection, particularly in reference to the Messiah’s victory over death.
“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” (Psalm 16:9-10, KJV)
This passage is traditionally understood by Christians as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ resurrection.
Conclusion
Easter is a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible offers a wealth of readings that deepen our understanding of this pivotal event. From the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ resurrection to Paul’s theological reflections on its significance, the Scriptures provide a rich foundation for contemplating the victory of life over death. As you prepare to celebrate Easter, these passages will help guide you in reflecting on the transformative power of the resurrection and the hope it brings to all believers.
