Easter is the pinnacle of the Christian faith, celebrating the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. This season takes us on a journey from the sorrow of the crucifixion to the glory of the resurrection, where we witness the fulfillment of God’s promises to bring eternal life to all who believe in Jesus. To fully appreciate the depth and meaning of Easter, it is essential to delve into the scriptures that recount the pivotal events of the Passion Week, from Christ’s crucifixion to His triumphant resurrection. This article provides a collection of 22 must-read Easter scriptures that will help deepen your understanding of the significance of this holy season.
1. The Last Supper: Matthew 26:26-28
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'”
In this moment, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing the sacrifice He was about to make for humanity. His body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins, set the stage for His crucifixion.
2. Jesus Predicts His Betrayal: Matthew 26:21-23
“And while they were eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, ‘Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?'”
Jesus’ prediction of His betrayal sets in motion the events that will lead to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion.
3. Jesus Prays in Gethsemane: Matthew 26:39
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'”
In His moment of anguish, Jesus submits to the will of the Father, acknowledging His obedience even in the face of impending suffering.
4. Jesus’ Arrest: Matthew 26:50
“Jesus replied, ‘Do what you came for, friend.’ Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.”
Jesus willingly submits to arrest, knowing that His sacrifice is necessary for the salvation of humanity.
5. Peter Denies Jesus: Matthew 26:75
“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.”
Peter’s denial fulfills Jesus’ prophecy, highlighting the failure of His disciples in the face of fear, but also the profound grace that will follow.
6. Jesus Before the Sanhedrin: Matthew 26:63-64
“But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, ‘I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.’ ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied. ‘But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.'”
Even as He faces false accusations, Jesus boldly declares His identity as the Messiah and Son of God.
7. Jesus Before Pilate: Matthew 27:11-14
“Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.”
Before Pilate, Jesus remains silent, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant who would endure unjust accusations.
8. Jesus Is Scourged: Matthew 27:26
“Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”
Jesus is brutally scourged, an act that foreshadows the immense physical suffering He will endure on the cross.
9. Jesus Is Mocked by Soldiers: Matthew 27:29-30
“And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.”
The soldiers mock Jesus as the King of the Jews, yet He willingly endures the humiliation for the sake of humanity’s salvation.
10. The Crucifixion: Matthew 27:35-37
“When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: ‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.'”
The inscription on the cross highlights the mocking claim of Jesus’ kingship, yet it also speaks a deeper truth: He is indeed the King of kings.
11. Jesus’ Final Words: Matthew 27:46
“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).”
In His final moments, Jesus experiences the weight of sin and separation from God, a necessary step in atoning for the sins of the world.
12. Jesus’ Death: Matthew 27:50
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.”
Jesus voluntarily surrenders His life, fulfilling His mission to die for the sins of humanity.
13. The Earth Shakes: Matthew 27:51
“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.”
The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, made possible through the death of Christ.
14. Jesus’ Burial: Matthew 27:59-60
“Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.”
Jesus’ body is laid to rest in a tomb, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be buried in a rich man’s tomb.
15. The Guard at the Tomb: Matthew 27:66
“So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.”
The religious leaders take extreme measures to ensure Jesus’ body remains in the tomb, but their efforts will prove futile.
16. The Resurrection Foretold: Matthew 16:21
“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
Jesus prepares His disciples for His death and resurrection, making it clear that His mission was to die and rise again.
17. The First Day of the Week: Matthew 28:1-2
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.”
The scene of the resurrection is marked by divine power, as the angel rolls back the stone, revealing that Jesus is no longer in the tomb.
18. The Resurrection: 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.'”
The angel proclaims the glorious truth of the resurrection: Jesus is alive!
19. The Great Commission: Matthew 28:18-20
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”
The risen Christ commissions His disciples to spread the gospel, empowered by His authority and presence.
20. The Resurrection Is Evidence of Victory: Romans 6:9
“For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.”
Jesus’ resurrection signifies His victory over death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.
21. Jesus’ Victory Over Death: 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Through the resurrection, Jesus has conquered death, sin, and the law, giving believers victory over all.
22. New Life in Christ: Romans 6:4
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Christ’s resurrection offers believers the opportunity to experience new life, both now and in eternity.
Conclusion
The Easter story, from the crucifixion to the resurrection, is the foundation of Christian faith and hope. These 22 must-read scriptures offer a glimpse into the profound significance of these events and the eternal life they make possible for believers. As we reflect on these verses, may our hearts be filled with gratitude for the sacrifice and victory of our Lord Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death for us.
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