Easter is the foundation of the Christian faith—the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. But before the triumph of Resurrection Sunday, there is a journey: one filled with prophecy, betrayal, sacrifice, grief, and ultimately, glory.
Leading up to Easter, Christians often reflect on Scripture to understand the depth of what Jesus endured and accomplished. These verses offer a chronological journey, starting from prophecy and Jesus’ ministry to His passion, death, and victorious resurrection. This spiritual preparation enhances our understanding and gratitude as we approach the cross and the empty tomb.
Below are 25 key Bible verses leading up to Easter, numbered and explained, to help guide your heart through the season leading up to Easter.
Prophecies and Promises of a Savior
1. Genesis 3:15
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
This is the first prophecy of a coming Redeemer. Even in Eden, God promised a Savior who would ultimately defeat evil.
2. Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Centuries before Christ’s birth, Isaiah foretold a miraculous birth that would usher in God’s presence—Immanuel means “God with us.”
3. Isaiah 53:3-5
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering… he was pierced for our transgressions…”
This moving prophecy vividly portrays the suffering servant—Jesus—who would take on humanity’s sin.
4. Zechariah 9:9
“Rejoice greatly… your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.”
This prophecy is fulfilled on Palm Sunday when Jesus enters Jerusalem in humility and peace.
Jesus Prepares His Disciples
5. Matthew 16:21
“From that time on Jesus began to explain… that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things… and… be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
Jesus openly told His disciples what would happen, preparing them for the painful yet victorious journey ahead.
6. John 11:25-26
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
Before raising Lazarus, Jesus revealed the heart of Easter: belief in Him brings eternal life.
Jesus’ Final Days: From Bethany to the Cross
7. John 12:3
“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard… and poured it on Jesus’ feet…”
This act of love and devotion from Mary anoints Jesus for burial, though many didn’t yet understand.
8. Matthew 21:8-9
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
As Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the crowds welcome Him as a king. Yet soon, these cheers will turn to calls for crucifixion.
9. Matthew 22:37-39
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart… Love your neighbor as yourself.”
During Holy Week, Jesus teaches the greatest commandments, revealing God’s heart.
10. John 13:5
“After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet…”
At the Last Supper, Jesus models servant leadership. True greatness in God’s Kingdom is humility.
11. Luke 22:19-20
“This is my body given for you… This cup is the new covenant in my blood…”
The institution of the Lord’s Supper points directly to the cross, where Jesus’ body would be broken and His blood poured out.
12. John 14:6
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus declares that salvation comes exclusively through Him—through the path He is about to walk.
The Garden and the Arrest
13. Matthew 26:39
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
In Gethsemane, Jesus agonizes in prayer. His obedience and surrender to God’s will lead Him to the cross.
14. Luke 22:44
“His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”
The intensity of Jesus’ suffering begins even before the cross—He feels the full weight of sin.
15. Matthew 26:47-48
“Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived… ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.'”
Betrayed with a kiss, Jesus is handed over to begin His final trial.
The Trials and the Cross
16. Matthew 27:22-23
“‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ Pilate asked… They shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’”
Pilate’s question echoes through history. Each person must answer it: “What will I do with Jesus?”
17. Isaiah 53:7
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth…”
Even as He is falsely accused and tortured, Jesus fulfills the prophecy by remaining silent, submissive to the Father’s plan.
18. Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’”
In the midst of agony, Jesus offers forgiveness. This is love beyond comprehension.
19. Matthew 27:46
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Quoting Psalm 22, Jesus experiences the depth of separation from the Father so we would never have to.
20. John 19:30
“It is finished.”
Not a cry of defeat but of victory—Jesus completed the work of redemption. The debt of sin was paid in full.
The Burial and the Wait
21. Matthew 27:59-60
“Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb…”
Jesus’ burial seemed final to many, but in reality, it was the pause before the greatest victory in history.
22. Isaiah 53:9
“He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death…”
Even His burial fulfills prophecy—buried in a rich man’s tomb despite His execution among criminals.
Resurrection Morning
23. Matthew 28:5-6
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said!”
The resurrection is the triumph of life over death, hope over despair. This is the heartbeat of Easter.
24. Luke 24:6-7
“Remember how he told you… that the Son of Man must be delivered… be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”
Easter proves that God keeps His promises. Jesus’ words were not symbolic—they were fulfilled.
The Risen Christ Appears
25. John 20:29
“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”
Jesus appears to Thomas, and speaks to all future believers—including us. Easter is not just a past event but a living reality for every Christian.
Conclusion: Preparing Our Hearts for Easter
These 25 Scriptures lead us from the earliest promise of redemption to the awe-inspiring morning of the resurrection. As we reflect on these verses, we see the incredible love of God revealed through every step of Christ’s journey.
Easter is not just a story—it is the foundation of our faith. Through Jesus’ suffering and death, we receive forgiveness. Through His resurrection, we receive eternal life. As you walk through this season, let these verses draw you closer to the heart of God, and let the power of the resurrection fill your life with hope, purpose, and joy.
He is risen—He is risen indeed!
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