Easter is one of the most important holidays for Christians around the world. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. But where is the Easter story in the Bible? To understand the significance of Easter, we need to look at the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus, which are recorded in the New Testament. This article will guide you through the key passages in the Bible that tell the Easter story.
The Last Supper
Before we dive into the events of Easter Sunday, it’s important to start with what happened just before Jesus’ death. The Last Supper is an essential event that marks the beginning of the Easter story. The Last Supper is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
During this meal, Jesus gathered with His disciples to celebrate the Passover feast. This was a time for Jewish people to remember how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus used this meal to teach His disciples about the new covenant He was establishing through His death and resurrection.
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 26, verses 26-28, it says:
“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 the 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.’”
This moment is important because it foreshadows Jesus’ sacrificial death. The bread represents His body, and the wine represents His blood, which would be shed for the forgiveness of sins. This act of love and sacrifice sets the stage for the Easter story.
The Arrest of Jesus
After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. In this moment of deep sorrow, He prayed to God, asking if it was possible for Him to avoid the suffering that was coming. But He also submitted to God’s will, saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This moment shows Jesus’ obedience to God, even though He knew it would lead to His painful death.
While Jesus was praying, Judas, one of His disciples, arrived with a crowd of soldiers to arrest Him. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, and the soldiers took Jesus into custody. This event is described in the Gospels of Matthew (26:47-56), Mark (14:43-52), Luke (22:47-53), and John (18:1-11).
Jesus’ arrest was the beginning of His suffering. He was taken before the high priest and the Jewish leaders, who accused Him of blasphemy. They then sent Him to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, to be judged. The Easter story continues with Jesus being tried, sentenced to death, and condemned to be crucified.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
The crucifixion is the most significant event in the Easter story. It is the moment when Jesus, the Son of God, was nailed to a cross and died for the sins of the world. The crucifixion is described in detail in all four Gospels.
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 27, verses 35-50, it says:
“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.’ Two rebels were crucified with Him, one on His right and one on His left.”
Jesus endured intense physical and emotional suffering. He was mocked, beaten, and humiliated before being nailed to the cross. While hanging on the cross, He cried out to God, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). This cry reflects the deep anguish Jesus felt as He bore the weight of the world’s sin.
Jesus’ death on the cross was not just a tragic event; it was a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. According to the Bible, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus’ death was the fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption.
After Jesus died, His body was taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb. A large stone was rolled in front of the tomb to seal it, and Roman guards were stationed to keep watch.
The Resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection of Jesus is the focal point of the Easter story. Three days after His death, Jesus rose from the dead, proving that He had conquered sin and death. This event is the foundation of the Christian faith, and it is described in all four Gospels.
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 28, verses 1-10, it says:
“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. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.”
The angel told the women that Jesus had risen from the dead. He was no longer in the tomb. They were instructed to go and tell the disciples the good news. As they went to deliver the message, they encountered the risen Jesus. He greeted them, and they worshiped Him.
The resurrection of Jesus is the proof that He is the Son of God and that His sacrifice on the cross was accepted by God as payment for the sins of humanity. Through His resurrection, Jesus offers new life to all who believe in Him.
In the Gospel of John, chapter 20, verses 19-20, it says:
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.”
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event; it has deep spiritual significance. As the Apostle Paul writes in 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.”
Through His resurrection, Jesus offers believers the hope of eternal life and the power to live a transformed life.
The Great Commission
After His resurrection, Jesus spent time with His disciples, teaching them and preparing them for the work ahead. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gave His disciples what is known as the Great Commission:
“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.’”
This command is the foundation of Christian missions. Jesus entrusted His followers with the task of spreading the message of His death, resurrection, and salvation to the world. The Easter story is not just about the past; it is also a call for believers to share the good news of Jesus with others.
The Ascension of Jesus
Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven in the presence of His disciples. This event is described in Acts 1:9-11:
“After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.'”
The ascension marks the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Jesus promised that He would return one day, and Christians eagerly await His second coming.
Conclusion
The Easter story is one of the most significant stories in the Bible. It tells of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of the Christian faith. Through His death on the cross, Jesus took the punishment for sin, and through His resurrection, He conquered death and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him.
The Easter story is not just a historical event; it has deep spiritual significance for every believer. It is a message of hope, forgiveness, and new life. As we reflect on the Easter story, we are reminded of God’s great love for us and the amazing grace that was shown through Jesus’ sacrifice.
May we celebrate Easter with hearts full of gratitude and joy, knowing that Jesus is alive, and through Him, we have victory over sin and death.
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