Today we will talk about bible verses about the Easter story. The Easter story is a precious part of our Christian faith as it showcases the ultimate sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ. In this story, we recognize Jesus’ death on the cross and gloriously celebrate His resurrection, which serves as the foundation of our hope for eternal life. Many Christians find inspiration and strength from the Easter story, reflecting on themes of redemption, salvation, and the unbreakable love God has for us. The verses we will explore remind us of the remarkable events surrounding Jesus’ final days and the joy of His resurrection. So, let’s open our hearts as we meditate on God’s Word together.
Bible Verses About Easter Story
The Prophecy of the Resurrection
Before the glorious resurrection, God’s Word foretold the coming of Jesus and His triumph over death. These prophecies remind us that God had a plan in place all along. As we read these verses about the Easter story, we can see the beautiful connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament, showcasing God’s sovereign hand guiding history towards redemption. These verses encourage us to recognize that our faith is rooted in promises that were made long before Jesus walked the earth. God’s plans are always good, and His timing is perfect.
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, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.” – Zechariah 12:10
Matthew 12:40
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” – Matthew 12:40
John 2:19
“Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.'” – John 2:19
The Last Supper
The Last Supper holds a special significance in the Easter story, as it serves as a meaningful and emotional gathering among Jesus and His disciples. In this moment, we see Jesus instituting the communion, symbolizing His body and blood that would be offered for our sins. When reflecting on these verses, we feel the intimate atmosphere of love, humility, and service. It reminds us of our need for fellowship and the importance of remembering what Christ has done for us, especially as we celebrate Easter.
Luke 22:19-20
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper, he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'” – Luke 22:19-20
Matthew 26:26-28
“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 a 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.'” – Matthew 26:26-28
Mark 14:22-24
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed it, he broke it and gave it to them, and said, ‘Take it; this is my body.’ And when he had taken a cup and given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.'” – Mark 14:22-24
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
1 Corinthians 11:24-26
“And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper, he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'” – 1 Corinthians 11:24-26
Jesus’ Arrest and Trial
The events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion reveal the depth of human betrayal and the sovereignty of God’s plan. The arrest and trial of Jesus demonstrate the fulfillment of prophecy and bring to light the incredible challenges facing Christ. Reflecting on these verses, we can commit to facing our struggles with courage and faith. We are reminded that even amidst turmoil and injustice, God’s purpose prevails, and we can trust Him in the darkest of times.
Matthew 26:56
“But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.” – Matthew 26:56
John 18:12
“Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.” – John 18:12
Luke 23:1-3
“Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate, and they began to accuse him, saying, ‘We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.’ So Pilate asked Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.” – Luke 23:1-3
Mark 14:55-56
“The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so they could put him to death, but they did not find any. Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.” – Mark 14:55-56
Matthew 27:12-14
“When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.” – Matthew 27:12-14
The Crucifixion
As we arrive at the heart of the Easter story, the crucifixion stands at the intersection of pain and profound love. Jesus willingly bore the weight of our sins, displaying a selfless act that changed the course of history. Through these verses, we can deeply connect with the reality of Christ’s sacrifice and understand the extent of His love. Reflecting on the cross encourages us to appreciate the grace that flows from it, reminding us that we are forgiven and made whole through His dreadful suffering.
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
Matthew 27:35
“When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” – Matthew 27:35
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
Luke 23:33-34
“When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” – Luke 23:33-34
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, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).” – Mark 15:33-34
The Burial of Jesus
After His crucifixion, Jesus was laid in a tomb, a moment that may seem sorrowful, yet it plays a vital role in the Easter story. The burial signifies the end of one chapter and prepares us for the amazing beginning that follows: the resurrection. These verses remind us that even in moments of despair, God is orchestrating a beautiful plan behind the scenes. In our lives, we may face times of darkness, but like the burial, these moments can lead to extraordinary hope and transformation.
Matthew 27:57
“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.” – Matthew 27:57
John 19:40
“Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with the Jewish burial customs.” – John 19:40
Mark 15:40-41
“Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee, these women had followed him and cared for his needs.” – Mark 15:40-41
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
Matthew 27:58
“Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.” – Matthew 27:58
The Resurrection
The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith and the climax of the Easter story! It signifies the triumph of Jesus over sin and death, offering us hope and eternal life. As we delve into these verses, we can embrace the joy and assurance that comes with believing in a risen Savior. The resurrection not only empowers us but also compels us to share our faith with others, reminding us that through Christ, we can experience new life. Indeed, the Easter story unveils the incredible reality that we serve a living God!
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
John 20:18
“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her.” – John 20:18
Luke 24:5-6
“In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee.'” – Luke 24:5-6
Acts 4:33
“With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.” – Acts 4:33
The Great Commission
After His resurrection, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission—a powerful command to share the good news of His love and salvation with the world. This last instruction highlights the mission that Jesus entrusted to us and signifies the urgency and importance of spreading the Easter story. As we reflect on these verses, we can commit ourselves to actively participate in God’s mission and embrace our roles as bearers of the gospel. We are reminded that sharing our faith can bring light to darkness and hope to the hopeless.
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
John 20:21
“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'” – John 20:21
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
The Hope of Resurrection
As we reflect upon the Easter story, it becomes clear that the resurrection represents our hope as Christians. Jesus’ victory over death reassures us that we, too, can have eternal life. The hope of resurrection is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we can have faith in God’s promises. These verses inspire us to become instruments of hope, encouraging others amidst despair and pointing them towards the life that Christ offers. In living this hope, we become echoes of the Easter story, sharing the joy of resurrection with the world.
1 Corinthians 15:22
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” – 1 Corinthians 15:22
1 Thessalonians 4:14
“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:14
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.” – Romans 6:4
Revelation 1:18
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” – Revelation 1:18
John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'” – John 11:25-26
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the bible verses about the Easter story, we remember both the depth of God’s love and the lively hope that springs from the resurrection. Each segment of the Easter narrative lays a foundation for our faith, illustrating how sacrifice leads to new life. The prophecies, Jesus’ final moments, and His glorious resurrection come together to create a powerful testimony of hope. In our lives, we can take these lessons to heart and share the message of Easter with others. May we embrace our call to love, forgive, and share the good news that Jesus Christ is risen, for in Him, we find true life and purpose.
Let’s honor this Easter story not just as a historical event but as a living experience that transforms us each day. As we journey forward, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and spread the joy of His resurrection everywhere we go!
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4