“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” – 1 Corinthians 2:2
The Prophecy of the Resurrection
As we reflect on the Easter story, we see that it begins long before the actual events of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The prophets of the Old Testament pointed towards the coming Messiah who would save us from our sins. These prophecies serve as a reminder that God’s plan for redemption was in motion from the very beginning. It’s encouraging to know that God had a plan for us even before we were aware of our need for a Savior. The fulfillment of these prophecies in Easter showcases the faithfulness of God and His unwavering commitment to humanity.
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Psalms 16:10
“Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” – Psalms 16:10
Zechariah 12:10
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child.” – Zechariah 12:10
Matthew 12:40
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” – Matthew 12:40
Luke 24:44
“He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.'” – Luke 24:44
The Crucifixion of Jesus
In the story of Easter, the crucifixion of Jesus is a defining moment filled with immense love and sacrifice. Christ willingly endured suffering for our sake. He became the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have eternal life. As we remember the sacrifice He made, we realize that our lives are an expression of gratitude for His love. We are called to stand firm in faith and to share the hope that comes from the cross. The crucifixion teaches us about forgiveness, humility, and the depth of God’s love for us.
John 19:30
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” – John 19:30
Matthew 27:46
“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).” – Matthew 27:46
Mark 15:33-34
“At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'” – Mark 15:33-34
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” – Luke 23:34
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
The Burial of Jesus
The burial of Jesus is an essential part of the Easter story that highlights the reality of His death. After the crucifixion, Jesus was laid in a tomb, signifying His complete sacrifice. It’s important to reflect on this moment because it serves as a reminder of Jesus’s humanity and the weight of our sins that He took upon Himself. When we contemplate His burial, we come face to face with the seriousness of sin and the profound love that would lead Him to such an end. Yet, this moment also sets the stage for the miraculous resurrection that follows.
Matthew 27:57-60
“As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.” – Matthew 27:57-60
Mark 15:40
“Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome.” – Mark 15:40
Luke 23:50-53
“Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body.” – Luke 23:50-53
John 19:41
“At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had been laid.” – John 19:41
Isaiah 53:9
“He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.” – Isaiah 53:9
The Resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Easter story and the very foundation of our faith. Christ’s resurrection from the dead signifies victory over sin and death. What a glorious promise it is for us to know that we serve a living Savior! This moment transforms our despair into hope and helplessness into celebration. The empty tomb is a powerful reminder that Jesus is alive and that we are offered new life through Him. With His resurrection, we are promised eternal life, which fills our hearts with joy and gives us a purpose to share the good news.
Matthew 28:6
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” – Matthew 28:6
Mark 16:6
“‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.'” – Mark 16:6
Luke 24:6-7
“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 to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'” – Luke 24:6-7
John 20:9
“They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” – John 20:9
Romans 6:5
“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” – Romans 6:5
The Great Commission
The Easter story does not conclude with the resurrection; instead, it leads us to the Great Commission. After rising from the dead, Jesus entrusted His followers with a mission – to spread the good news of salvation to all nations. This calling is not just for the disciples of that time but extends to us today. We are invited to be a part of God’s amazing grace and to share the message of hope. As we reflect on Easter, let us remember that our faith is meant to be shared, bringing others into the joy that we experience knowing that Christ is alive.
Matthew 28:19-20
“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.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Mark 16:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” – Mark 16:15
Luke 24:47
“And repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” – Luke 24:47
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20
Final Thoughts
The Easter story is central to our faith, filled with prophecy, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and commission. Each element plays a vital role in understanding the depths of God’s love for us. As we celebrate Easter, may we reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made and the victory He achieved over sin and death. This story inspires us to share the good news of salvation and live our lives in a way that reflects His love.
Let us treasure the promise of new life that comes from His resurrection and be bold as we carry the message to others. Easter is more than just a day; it is a powerful reminder of the hope we have in Christ. Let’s embrace the call to make disciples and bear witness to our risen Savior.
If you are encouraged by this message, consider exploring other topics, such as more Bible verses or freedom in Jesus.