Easter is the pinnacle of the Christian calendar—a celebration of victory, redemption, and eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As pastors, teachers, and ministry leaders prepare to preach on this glorious occasion, selecting the right Scripture passages is essential for communicating the truth of the gospel with clarity and power. In this article, we’ll explore 18 key Bible verses that serve as excellent foundations for Easter sermons. Each verse is rich with meaning and rooted in the resurrection narrative, ideal for both evangelistic and discipleship-focused messages.
1. Matthew 28:6 – He Is Risen
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
This is one of the most iconic Easter verses, capturing the astonishment and joy of the resurrection morning. It’s perfect for sermons that emphasize the fulfillment of prophecy and the truth of Christ’s victory over the grave.
Sermon Focus: Jesus keeps His promises; the resurrection is real and historically grounded.
2. John 11:25–26 – I Am the Resurrection
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’”
This declaration was made before Jesus even went to the cross. It provides a powerful context to preach on the resurrection as both a present reality and a future hope.
Sermon Focus: Eternal life is not just a future promise—it begins now in Christ.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 – The Heart of the Gospel
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
This concise summary from Paul lays out the gospel in its entirety. It’s ideal for evangelistic messages centered around Easter.
Sermon Focus: The resurrection is essential to the gospel message.
4. Romans 6:9 – Death Has No Mastery
“For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.”
This verse highlights Christ’s permanent victory over death. It provides a strong theological foundation for sermons about spiritual freedom.
Sermon Focus: Jesus’ resurrection defeated death once and for all.
5. Luke 24:6–7 – Remember What He Told You
“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over… and be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”
Preaching this verse brings attention to the trustworthiness of Christ’s words and the fulfillment of His prophecies.
Sermon Focus: Jesus is faithful to His word—past, present, and future.
6. Acts 2:24 – It Was Impossible for Death to Hold Him
“But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”
Peter’s sermon at Pentecost is a great model for Easter preaching. This verse underlines God’s power over death and evil.
Sermon Focus: The resurrection was not just possible—it was inevitable by divine authority.
7. Philippians 3:10 – The Power of His Resurrection
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
This verse invites a deeper, personal reflection on the transformative power of the resurrection.
Sermon Focus: Resurrection power is not just theological—it’s personal and life-changing.
8. 1 Peter 1:3 – A Living Hope
“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Peter reminds us that the resurrection is the foundation of our hope. This is great for encouraging messages during Easter.
Sermon Focus: Our hope is alive because Christ is alive.
9. Romans 8:11 – Resurrection Power in Us
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.”
This verse connects the resurrection of Christ to the believer’s present and future experience.
Sermon Focus: The same power that raised Christ is at work in us.
10. 1 Corinthians 15:20–22 – Christ the Firstfruits
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep… For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
This passage links the resurrection to the larger redemptive narrative.
Sermon Focus: The resurrection is both personal and cosmic in its implications.
11. Mark 16:6 – A Message for the Disciples
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.”
Mark’s account of the resurrection is brief but powerful. It focuses on the angelic announcement at the tomb.
Sermon Focus: Fear gives way to faith in the face of the resurrection.
12. Colossians 3:1 – Raised with Christ
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
This verse calls believers to live in the light of the resurrection.
Sermon Focus: The resurrection calls for transformed lives and renewed focus.
13. Matthew 28:18–20 – The Great Commission
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples…”
While often seen as a post-resurrection directive, this passage flows directly from Jesus’ victory over death.
Sermon Focus: Resurrection power fuels mission.
14. John 20:19 – Peace Be with You
“On the evening of that first day of the week… Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’”
This is Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance to the disciples, and He offers peace—not judgment.
Sermon Focus: The resurrected Christ brings peace to fearful hearts.
15. Revelation 1:17–18 – Alive Forevermore
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!”
Jesus speaks of His eternal victory over death. This is an excellent text for concluding Easter sermons with awe and reverence.
Sermon Focus: The risen Christ reigns eternally.
16. Isaiah 53:11 – He Will See the Light of Life
“After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied.”
Though written centuries before Christ, this prophecy from Isaiah beautifully points to the resurrection.
Sermon Focus: The suffering servant is also the victorious Savior.
17. Hebrews 10:12–14 – One Sacrifice for All Time
“But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.”
Jesus’ death and resurrection complete the work of redemption.
Sermon Focus: The resurrection confirms the finality of Christ’s sacrifice.
18. Psalm 16:10 – You Will Not Abandon Me
“Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”
Quoted by Peter in Acts 2, this Messianic psalm prefigures the resurrection.
Sermon Focus: The resurrection was part of God’s eternal plan.
Conclusion
Easter is not merely a holiday—it is the celebration of the foundation of Christian faith. Without the resurrection, the cross would be incomplete, and our hope would be in vain. These 18 Scriptures provide a rich tapestry of truth, offering varied themes like hope, victory, transformation, peace, and mission. Whether you’re delivering a sermon to a packed sanctuary or a small group, let the power of God’s Word guide your message.
Remember, Easter is not only about what happened to Jesus—it’s about what His resurrection means for us today. Let these Scriptures stir hearts, renew faith, and proclaim boldly that Christ is risen—He is risen indeed!
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