Easter is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead — a victory over sin and death that offers eternal life to all who believe. But to fully grasp what Jesus did for Easter, we must look at the entire narrative of the final week of His life, known as Holy Week. From His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His crucifixion and ultimate resurrection, the events of Easter reveal the depth of God’s love and the power of His salvation plan.
Let us walk step-by-step through what Jesus did for Easter, following the biblical account, with careful attention to detail and significance.
The Triumphal Entry – Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem
Jesus began the week we now call “Holy Week” by entering Jerusalem, not as a warrior king, but as a humble Savior.
“So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, ‘Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!’” — John 12:13–15
This act fulfilled the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 and signaled that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. Yet His kingdom would not be of this world. The same crowds that shouted “Hosanna” would soon shout, “Crucify Him.”
Cleansing the Temple – A Call to True Worship
Upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus went to the temple and drove out those who were exploiting religion for profit.
“And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, ‘It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers.’” — Matthew 21:12–13
This bold move intensified the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities. He was challenging the corruption of the religious system, and this act further solidified their resolve to kill Him.
Teaching in the Temple – Confronting the Hypocrites
Throughout the week, Jesus returned to the temple daily to teach. He used parables to speak about the Kingdom of God, confronted the Pharisees and Sadducees, and warned His followers to remain faithful.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.” — Matthew 23:27
Jesus’ teachings during this time were direct and piercing. He exposed hypocrisy, taught about end times, and prepared His disciples for what was to come.
The Last Supper – A New Covenant
On Thursday evening, Jesus gathered with His disciples to celebrate the Passover. But this would not be a typical meal. This would be the last supper before His crucifixion and the beginning of a new covenant.
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’” — Luke 22:19–20
Here, Jesus instituted the practice of communion, symbolizing His sacrificial death. He was becoming the Passover Lamb, the one whose blood would cover and save His people from eternal death.
The Garden of Gethsemane – The Agony Before the Cross
After supper, Jesus led His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Here, He experienced deep sorrow and anguish, knowing the suffering that lay ahead.
“And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” — Luke 22:44
Though fully divine, Jesus was also fully human. He felt fear, pain, and sorrow. Yet in perfect obedience, He submitted to the Father’s will: “Not my will, but yours, be done.”
The Betrayal and Arrest – The Beginning of His Suffering
Jesus was betrayed by Judas, one of His own disciples, and arrested by a mob sent by the chief priests.
“Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.’ And he came up to Jesus at once and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you came to do.’ Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.” — Matthew 26:48–50
This marked the beginning of a series of humiliations, false accusations, and torture that Jesus would endure, all while remaining silent or responding with truth and grace.
The Trials – Condemned Though Innocent
Jesus was brought before several authorities: the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod. He was mocked, beaten, and falsely accused, yet no guilt could be found in Him.
“Pilate went out again and said to them, ‘See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.’ So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, ‘Behold the man!’” — John 19:4–5
Despite being innocent, Jesus was sentenced to death, a clear picture of substitution — the innocent for the guilty. He would bear the punishment for the sins of the world.
The Crucifixion – The Sacrifice for Sins
On Friday, Jesus was crucified — nailed to a Roman cross and left to die. The physical agony was excruciating, but the spiritual burden was far greater.
“And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” — Mark 15:33–34
Jesus bore the full weight of humanity’s sin. He was forsaken so that we might be accepted. And then He declared, “It is finished” — not a cry of defeat, but of completion. The debt of sin had been paid.
The Burial – The Tomb Sealed
Jesus was taken down from the cross and laid in a borrowed tomb. A stone was rolled in front of the entrance, and guards were posted.
“And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.” — Matthew 27:59–60
It seemed like the end. The disciples were scattered, their hope buried with their Lord. But God was not done.
The Resurrection – He Is Risen!
Early Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb — and everything changed. The tomb was empty. Jesus had risen from the dead.
“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.” — Matthew 28:6
This is the heart of Easter. Jesus conquered death. The resurrection validated everything He claimed. It proved He was the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and that His sacrifice was accepted by the Father.
Appearances – The Risen Lord Revealed
Jesus did not simply rise and ascend. He appeared to His followers for forty days, proving His resurrection and preparing them for their mission.
“He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” — Acts 1:3
He appeared to Mary Magdalene, to the disciples, to Thomas (who doubted), and even to over 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6). These appearances confirm that Easter is not a myth or metaphor, but a historic reality.
The Great Commission – The Mission of Easter
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave His disciples a mission — one that is still ours today.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:19–20
Easter is not just something to celebrate — it is something to share. Jesus gave His life for the world, and now His followers are called to carry that good news to every corner of the earth.
Conclusion
What did Jesus do for Easter? He gave everything. He endured betrayal, injustice, torture, and death — for us. He took our sin upon Himself and faced the wrath of God in our place. And then, He rose in power, conquering sin and death forever.
Easter is not just about a historical event. It is about eternal life. It is about victory. It is about love.
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