Easter Sunday morning is a sacred celebration of the most important event in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For believers, the empty tomb is more than a moment; it is the foundation of our hope, the guarantee of eternal life, and the triumph of God’s love over sin and death.
The Bible is rich with verses that tell the story of Easter and unpack its significance. Whether you’re preparing a sermon, morning devotion, or simply seeking to reflect on the meaning of the resurrection, these 18 key Easter Sunday morning scriptures will help your heart focus on the risen Savior and the glory of His victory.
1. Matthew 28:5–6
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.’”
These joyful words, spoken to the women at the tomb, announce the heart of Easter morning: Jesus is alive! The angel confirms the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy about His resurrection, offering peace and reassurance to those seeking Him.
2. Mark 16:1–4
“When the Sabbath was over… very early on the first day of the week… they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away?’ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone… had been rolled away.”
This passage sets the scene for the resurrection. The concern over the stone highlights human limitation, while God had already made the way. Easter morning is a reminder that God goes before us in power and love.
3. Luke 24:1–3
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning… they found the stone rolled away… but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.”
The empty tomb is the first sign of the miracle. Easter morning teaches us to expect the unexpected when God is at work. Where there was death, now there is life.
4. John 20:1
“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed…”
John’s Gospel captures the intimacy of Easter morning. Mary’s love for Jesus draws her early to the tomb, and her devotion is rewarded with the revelation of the resurrection.
5. John 20:11–13
“Mary stood outside the tomb crying… she saw two angels in white… They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’”
Easter is deeply personal. Mary’s sorrow is met with heavenly comfort. The resurrection speaks into our grief and offers lasting hope.
6. John 20:14–16
“She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).”
Mary recognizes Jesus when He calls her name. This moment reveals that Jesus knows us personally. The resurrection restores not only life but relationship.
7. Matthew 28:9
“Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.”
Easter morning includes this precious meeting between Jesus and the women who loved Him. Their instinctive response—worship—is the most fitting reaction to the risen Lord.
8. Luke 24:5–6
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”
These words rebuke and uplift. The resurrection demands a shift in our perspective—we are to seek life, not dwell in places of death and despair.
9. Mark 16:6
“‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.’”
This verse confirms the miracle and puts fear to rest. The resurrection is not a myth or wish—it’s a divine reality.
10. Luke 24:12
“Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves…”
Peter’s amazement speaks to the awe of Easter. The grave clothes left behind testify that Jesus rose physically, not metaphorically.
11. John 20:19
“On the evening of that first day… Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’”
Resurrection morning continues into evening with Jesus appearing to His disciples. His greeting of peace shows that Easter brings reconciliation and rest.
12. Matthew 28:10
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’”
Jesus immediately gives purpose. Easter is not only about witnessing the risen Christ but also being sent to share the good news.
13. 1 Corinthians 15:20
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
Paul declares that Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee of our own. Easter Sunday morning is the beginning of a new harvest of life.
14. Romans 6:4
“We were… buried with him through baptism… just as Christ was raised… we too may live a new life.”
The resurrection isn’t just about Christ’s victory—it’s also our transformation. Easter morning invites us to live differently.
15. Colossians 3:1
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above…”
Believers are spiritually raised with Christ. Easter changes our identity and our focus.
16. Acts 2:24
“But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death…”
The early church boldly proclaimed the resurrection. It was the center of their preaching and the foundation of their courage.
17. John 11:25–26
“Jesus said… ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die…’”
Before Easter morning even arrived, Jesus revealed His identity as the resurrection. His power over death was not just in word—but proven in action.
18. Revelation 1:17–18
“‘I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!’”
The risen Christ speaks in glory. Easter morning is only the beginning of His eternal reign.
The Power and Purpose of Easter Morning
The resurrection of Jesus is more than a doctrine—it’s the heartbeat of our faith. On Easter Sunday morning, despair is exchanged for joy, and the finality of death is shattered by eternal life.
What These Scriptures Teach Us:
God keeps His promises. Every word Jesus spoke about His death and resurrection came true.
The resurrection brings hope. We do not mourn as those without hope. Jesus is alive, and because He lives, we will live also.
We are changed. Easter means that sin has been defeated, our debt has been paid, and new life is available for all who believe.
We are sent. Just as the women were told to go and tell, we too are called to proclaim the risen Savior.
Final Encouragement
As you reflect on these 18 key Easter Sunday morning scriptures, let the truth of the resurrection settle in your heart. Jesus is alive. His victory is complete. And through Him, we are forever changed.
Whether you’re reading these verses alone, sharing them in a sermon, or discussing them around the breakfast table on Easter morning, let them remind you of the life, love, and unshakable hope we have in our risen King.
Would you like a printable version, slideshow, or set of graphics based on these verses? I can create that next if needed!
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