The first Sunday after Easter is a momentous occasion in the Christian liturgical calendar. It marks the beginning of a new season of reflection and renewal, as believers celebrate the reality of Christ’s resurrection and its transformative power. After the somber reflection of Good Friday and the jubilant celebration of Easter Sunday, the first Sunday after Easter invites Christians to pause and contemplate the ongoing impact of Christ’s victory over sin and death.
This Sunday is often referred to as “Low Sunday,” as it follows the high celebrations of Easter. Despite its name, this day remains a powerful reminder of the hope and new life that the resurrection brings. It is a time for the faithful to reflect on the significance of the resurrection, the peace it offers, and the calling it gives to live renewed lives in Christ.
In this article, we will explore 20 scripture passages that are particularly meaningful for the first Sunday after Easter. These verses emphasize various aspects of the resurrection, the peace of Christ, and the transformation that comes through His victory over death. As you reflect on these passages, allow the Word of God to renew your heart and strengthen your faith in the risen Lord.
1. John 20:19-23 – Jesus Appears to His Disciples
“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever sins ye retain, they are retained.”
This passage, which takes place on the evening of Easter Sunday, emphasizes the peace that Jesus brings to His disciples. After His resurrection, Jesus appears to His followers and reassures them with His peace. He also commissions them to continue His work, breathing the Holy Spirit upon them. This moment of renewal is the perfect way to start the first Sunday after Easter, as it serves as a reminder of the peace that the risen Christ offers and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in believers.
2. 1 Peter 1:3-4 – A Living Hope Through the Resurrection
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.”
This passage reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our living hope. Through His resurrection, we are given the promise of an inheritance that is eternal and unshakable. This scripture serves as an encouragement to believers, especially on the first Sunday after Easter, to remember that the resurrection is not just an event in history but the source of ongoing hope and eternal life.
3. Romans 6:4 – New Life in Christ
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only about His victory over death, but it also symbolizes the new life that believers have in Him. This verse reminds us that through baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. The first Sunday after Easter is a fitting time to reflect on the newness of life that comes with being raised with Christ.
4. Luke 24:36-39 – Jesus Appears to His Disciples
“And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”
In this passage, Jesus appears to His disciples and shows them His physical body to reassure them that He is not a ghost, but the risen Lord. This moment underscores the reality of the resurrection and the physicality of Christ’s body. It is a powerful reminder of the truth of the resurrection that we celebrate on Easter and continue to reflect upon on the first Sunday after Easter.
5. John 20:24-29 – Thomas Believes
“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.”
Thomas’ doubt is an important part of the Easter narrative, and his eventual confession of faith is a powerful moment in the post-resurrection story. Jesus graciously invites Thomas to see and touch His wounds, reinforcing the truth of His resurrection. This passage serves as a reminder that faith, though sometimes tested, can lead to a deeper understanding and confession of the risen Christ.
6. Matthew 28:16-20 – The Great Commission
“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
In this passage, the risen Christ commissions His disciples to go into the world and make disciples of all nations. The Great Commission is a call to action that reminds believers that the resurrection is not just a personal event but a global one. Christ’s authority extends over all creation, and He sends His followers to spread the good news of His resurrection to the world.
7. Acts 2:22-24 – Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost
“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
Peter’s sermon at Pentecost highlights the central truth of the Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He boldly declares that Jesus has been raised from the dead and that this event was part of God’s divine plan. The first Sunday after Easter is a time to reflect on the power of the resurrection and its foundational place in the Christian faith.
8. Ephesians 1:18-20 – The Power of the Resurrection
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.”
This passage emphasizes the greatness of God’s power, as demonstrated in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to believers. On the first Sunday after Easter, we are reminded of the incredible power of God at work in the world and in our lives.
9. Colossians 3:1-4 – Set Your Hearts on Things Above
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
This scripture calls believers to live according to the new life they have received through the resurrection of Jesus. It reminds us that our focus should be on heavenly things, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. The first Sunday after Easter is an opportunity to reflect on our new identity in Christ and to live in the reality of the resurrection.
10. Philippians 3:10-11 – Fellowship with Christ’s Sufferings
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”
Paul’s desire to know Christ more deeply, including through the fellowship of His sufferings, reflects the Christian call to fully participate in the resurrection life. This passage challenges us to not only rejoice in the resurrection but also to live in its power and share in its transformative work.
11. Romans 8:34 – Christ Intercedes for Us
“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
Christ’s resurrection is not only about His victory over death; it is also about His ongoing role as our intercessor before God. On the first Sunday after Easter, we are reminded that Christ continues to advocate for us, seated at the right hand of God.
12. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 – Christ, the Firstfruits of the Resurrection
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Christ is the firstfruits of the resurrection, which assures believers that they too will be raised to new life. The resurrection of Jesus guarantees the future resurrection of all believers. This truth is central to the Christian faith and provides hope as we live out the resurrection in our lives.
13. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – New Creation in Christ
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
The resurrection marks the beginning of a new creation, and those who are in Christ are made new. On the first Sunday after Easter, we are invited to live in the reality of this new life, leaving behind the old ways of sin and embracing the resurrection power of Christ.
14. Mark 16:9-14 – Jesus Appears to His Disciples
“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.”
This passage highlights the disbelief that initially followed the resurrection, even among those who had been closest to Jesus. It serves as a reminder that the resurrection was not an easy truth to accept, but it is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the risen Christ.
15. Hebrews 7:25 – Christ’s Eternal Priesthood
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
The resurrection not only secured Christ’s victory over death but also inaugurated His eternal role as High Priest. On the first Sunday after Easter, we reflect on how Jesus continually intercedes for believers, offering salvation and ongoing grace.
16. Luke 24:50-53 – The Ascension of Jesus
“And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”
This passage speaks of the ascension of Jesus, a pivotal event that marks the completion of His earthly ministry. As we reflect on the resurrection, we also look forward to the return of Christ, who will come again in glory.
17. Revelation 1:18 – Christ’s Victory Over Death
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
This declaration by the risen Christ in Revelation affirms His ultimate victory over death and hell. The first Sunday after Easter is a time to rejoice in this victory and to remember that Christ’s resurrection assures us of our future hope in Him.
18. Acts 3:14-15 – The Resurrection Witness
“But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.”
Peter’s sermon highlights the centrality of the resurrection in the apostolic witness. On the first Sunday after Easter, we are reminded of the importance of proclaiming the resurrection and sharing the hope we have in Christ.
19. Matthew 28:5-7 – The Angel’s Message
“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
The angel’s words to the women at the tomb mark the foundational truth of Christianity—the resurrection of Jesus. This truth is the source of our hope, and on the first Sunday after Easter, we are invited to continue reflecting on the significance of Christ’s resurrection.
20. Romans 6:5 – United with Christ in Resurrection
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
This passage speaks of the believer’s union with Christ in both His death and resurrection. On the first Sunday after Easter, we reflect on the profound mystery of our participation in Christ’s resurrection and the new life it offers.
Conclusion
The first Sunday after Easter is a time of continued reflection on the power of the resurrection and its significance for believers. Through these 20 scriptures, we are reminded of the peace, hope, and new life that Christ’s resurrection offers. As we continue to celebrate the risen Lord, may these verses inspire us to live in the fullness of His victory, sharing the good news with the world and embracing the transformative power of the resurrection in our own lives.
You Might Be Interested In: