The Sunday after Easter, often called “Low Sunday” or “Divine Mercy Sunday,” is a significant day in the Christian liturgical calendar. It follows the joyful celebration of Christ’s resurrection and focuses on continuing the reflection on the implications of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. While Easter Sunday is a time for exuberant celebration, the Sunday after Easter invites believers to pause, reflect, and deepen their understanding of the resurrection’s power and its ongoing impact on their lives.
In Catholicism, this day is also associated with the Feast of Divine Mercy, a devotion established by St. Faustina Kowalska, which emphasizes God‘s mercy and forgiveness, particularly in the light of Christ’s resurrection. The resurrection story is not just about Christ’s victory over death but also about the victory of life, grace, and mercy, which is offered freely to all believers.
The following 20 Bible verses are drawn from both the Old and New Testaments and are chosen for their relevance to the themes of resurrection, grace, mercy, and the continuing hope that believers have because of the risen Christ. These verses provide both comfort and a challenge for Christians as they reflect on what it means to live in the light of the resurrection throughout the year.
1. John 20:19-21 (KJV)
“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 showed 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.”
This passage depicts Jesus’ appearance to His disciples after the resurrection. His words of peace were a profound message of comfort and mission. For Christians, this peace signifies the reconciliation between God and humanity, which Christ made possible through His death and resurrection.
2. Luke 24:36-39 (KJV)
“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.”
This passage affirms the physical reality of Christ’s resurrection. It shows that Jesus was not just a spirit, but a real, bodily resurrection, which is central to Christian doctrine. For the Sunday after Easter, this verse reminds believers that the resurrection is tangible and provides proof of Christ’s triumph over death.
3. John 20:26-29 (KJV)
“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. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
This passage, where Thomas doubts Jesus’ resurrection until he sees and touches Jesus’ wounds, is often read on the Sunday after Easter. It emphasizes the importance of faith, especially for those who believe without physical evidence. For Catholics, it’s a reminder of the value of faith in the unseen promises of God.
4. Matthew 28:9-10 (KJV)
“And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”
This moment in Matthew’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ personal appearance to the women after His resurrection. It signifies that the resurrection of Christ was not just an event but a personal encounter, available to all believers who come in faith.
5. Romans 6:4 (KJV)
“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.”
For Catholics, baptism is the sacrament through which they are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. This verse reminds us that the resurrection is not just a future hope, but a present reality that empowers believers to live transformed lives.
6. 1 Peter 1:3 (KJV)
“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.”
Peter’s words emphasize the hope that springs from the resurrection. Christians are called to live in the light of this hope, with hearts filled with gratitude for God’s mercy. The Sunday after Easter is a moment to remember that the resurrection has made our hope living and active.
7. Luke 24:50-51 (KJV)
“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.”
Jesus’ ascension into heaven marks the final moment of His earthly ministry. For Catholics, it serves as a reminder that Christ, though physically ascended, is still with His people through the Holy Spirit. The Sunday after Easter invites believers to reflect on the power of the risen Christ who reigns at the right hand of God.
8. Colossians 3:1-2 (KJV)
“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.”
Paul’s exhortation to the Colossians encourages believers to live with their eyes fixed on eternal realities. The resurrection of Christ transforms the way Christians live, as they are called to seek spiritual growth and heavenly goals.
9. John 14:19 (KJV)
“Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.”
This verse reflects the assurance that the resurrection of Christ guarantees eternal life for His followers. Catholics view this verse as a promise that, just as Christ lives eternally, so will those who believe in Him.
10. Acts 2:24 (KJV)
“Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
This verse highlights the power of God in raising Jesus from the dead. For Catholics, it is a powerful affirmation that death is not the end, and that Christ’s victory over death is our victory as well.
11. Romans 8:11 (KJV)
“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
The resurrection power of Jesus continues to dwell in believers through the Holy Spirit. This passage is a reminder that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is available to empower Christians to live in newness of life.
12. Ephesians 1:19-20 (KJV)
“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 verse underscores the power of the resurrection, which not only raised Jesus but continues to work in the lives of believers. The Sunday after Easter is a day to reflect on the magnitude of God’s power at work in our lives.
13. Matthew 28:18 (KJV)
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Jesus’ declaration that all authority is given to Him affirms His role as Lord and King, particularly in the aftermath of His resurrection. For Catholics, this is an invitation to trust in His sovereignty over all things.
14. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (KJV)
“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.”
This passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians emphasizes the cosmic significance of Christ’s resurrection. As the firstfruits of the resurrection, Jesus guarantees the future resurrection of all believers.
15. Hebrews 9:28 (KJV)
“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
The resurrection of Christ is a guarantee that He will return again. This verse reminds Catholics of the ultimate hope
in Christ’s second coming, when He will bring final salvation to His people.
16. Revelation 1:17-18 (KJV)
“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
The vision of the risen Christ in Revelation underscores His eternal victory over death. Jesus declares that He is alive forever, offering believers comfort and assurance.
17. Mark 16:6 (KJV)
“And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.”
This verse is a powerful declaration of the resurrection. It invites all believers to witness and believe in the transformative power of the risen Christ.
18. John 11:25-26 (KJV)
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
In this powerful conversation with Martha, Jesus identifies Himself as the resurrection and the life. His resurrection offers eternal life to all who believe in Him, making this passage central to the Sunday after Easter theme.
19. 2 Corinthians 4:14 (KJV)
“Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.”
This verse is a reminder that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, believers too will experience the resurrection at the end of time.
20. Romans 6:5 (KJV)
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
This verse speaks to the Christian hope that, through baptism, believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. The resurrection brings new life and transformation, even now.
Conclusion
The Sunday after Easter, or Low Sunday, provides believers with an opportunity to reflect deeply on the continuing significance of Christ’s resurrection. These 20 Bible verses remind Christians that the resurrection is not just a one-time event but the beginning of a new reality—one of hope, transformation, and eternal life. Whether we are dealing with doubts, difficulties, or joys, the resurrection assures us that Christ’s victory over death empowers us to live with faith, peace, and joy. Let us, therefore, continue to walk in the light of the resurrection, with hearts filled with gratitude and anticipation for the life that is yet to come.
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