The Easter story is the heart of the Christian faith, and its full richness unfolds across all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These scriptures offer a powerful, multifaceted account of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. From the agony of the cross to the miracle of the empty tomb, each Gospel captures different aspects of this transformative event. Through them, we see Jesus’ love in action, His fulfillment of prophecy, and the unmistakable proof of His divine nature. The resurrection, in particular, is not just a miraculous moment—it is the foundation of Christian hope and eternal life.
Beyond just telling a story, these scriptures invite personal reflection and renewed faith. The Gospels show how Jesus’ followers grieved, hoped, and ultimately rejoiced, and how His resurrection became the catalyst for a global movement. Whether it’s the angel’s words, “He is not here; he has risen,” or Jesus’ commission to spread the Gospel, these verses call us to believe, to act, and to live transformed lives.
Keep reading to explore each part of the Easter story in depth and discover how these scriptures still speak hope, purpose, and resurrection power into our lives today.
Easter is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. But what scripture tells the Easter story? The answer spans several books of the New Testament, primarily focusing on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These texts provide a comprehensive account of the events leading up to and following the resurrection of Jesus.
The Crucifixion: Setting the Stage
The Easter story begins with the crucifixion of Jesus, an event detailed in all four Gospels. This event is essential because it sets the stage for the resurrection, showing the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity.
- Matthew 27:32-56: Matthew gives a detailed account of the crucifixion, emphasizing the mockery Jesus faced and the supernatural events that occurred upon His death. “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split” (Matthew 27:50-51).
- Mark 15:21-41: Mark’s account is concise but powerful, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy and the centurion’s declaration, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39).
- Luke 23:26-49: Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion even in His suffering, including His prayer for forgiveness for His executioners, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
- John 19:16-37: John’s Gospel focuses on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the personal interactions Jesus had from the cross, such as His care for His mother, “Woman, here is your son” (John 19:26).
The Burial of Jesus
After the crucifixion, Jesus’ body was taken down and buried in a tomb, a crucial part of the Easter narrative because it sets up the scene for the resurrection.
- Matthew 27:57-61: Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man and disciple of Jesus, asked Pilate for Jesus’ body and placed it in his own new tomb. “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 27:59-60).
- Mark 15:42-47: Mark adds that Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus was laid, ensuring that there were witnesses to His burial. “Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid” (Mark 15:47).
- Luke 23:50-56: Luke highlights the preparation for the Sabbath, with the women observing the tomb and how Jesus’ body was laid in it. “The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it” (Luke 23:55).
- John 19:38-42: John’s account includes Nicodemus bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds, for Jesus’ burial, reflecting Jewish burial customs. “Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs” (John 19:40).
The Resurrection: The Heart of Easter
The resurrection of Jesus is the climax of the Easter story, celebrated on Easter Sunday. This event is the foundation of Christian belief, demonstrating Jesus’ victory over death and His divine nature.
- Matthew 28:1-10: Matthew’s Gospel describes how Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb and found it empty. An angel told them, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:6).
- Mark 16:1-8: Mark’s account is brief but impactful. The women were alarmed to find the stone rolled away and a young man in a white robe telling them Jesus had risen. “He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him” (Mark 16:6).
- Luke 24:1-12: Luke includes the women’s encounter with two men in gleaming clothes who asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6).
- John 20:1-18: John gives a detailed, personal account of Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus, highlighting her initial confusion and subsequent joy. Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’)” (John 20:16).
The Appearances of the Risen Jesus
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and others, providing undeniable proof of His victory over death and giving final teachings and instructions.
- Matthew 28:16-20: Jesus appeared to His disciples in Galilee, giving them the Great Commission, “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” (Matthew 28:19).
- Mark 16:9-20: Mark includes appearances to Mary Magdalene, two disciples on the road, and finally the Eleven, emphasizing their mission to preach the Gospel. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).
- Luke 24:13-49: Luke gives a detailed account of Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and later to the Eleven, highlighting the fulfillment of Scripture. “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45).
- John 20:19-31: John focuses on Jesus’ appearances to the disciples, including doubting Thomas, who exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) upon seeing Jesus.
Conclusion
The Easter story is a tapestry woven through multiple scriptures, each providing unique insights into the events of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. These accounts collectively paint a vivid picture of the cornerstone of Christian faith. As you read these scriptures, you’ll understand the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and the triumph of His resurrection, which is celebrated every Easter.
FAQs: What Scripture Tells the Easter Story?
Q1: Which Gospels tell the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection?
A: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all provide detailed accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
Q2: Where in the Bible can I find the account of Jesus’ crucifixion?
A: The crucifixion of Jesus is detailed in the following passages:
- Matthew 27:32-56
- Mark 15:21-41
- Luke 23:26-49
- John 19:16-37
Q3: Which scripture describes the burial of Jesus?
A: The burial of Jesus is recorded in:
- Matthew 27:57-61
- Mark 15:42-47
- Luke 23:50-56
- John 19:38-42
Q4: Where can I read about Jesus’ resurrection in the Bible?
A: The resurrection of Jesus is described in:
- Matthew 28:1-10
- Mark 16:1-8
- Luke 24:1-12
- John 20:1-18
Q5: What are some key verses about Jesus’ resurrection?
A: Key verses include:
- “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6)
- “He has risen! He is not here.” (Mark 16:6)
- “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6)
- “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).” (John 20:16)
Q6: Which scriptures detail Jesus’ appearances after His resurrection?
A: Jesus’ appearances after His resurrection are detailed in:
- Matthew 28:16-20
- Mark 16:9-20
- Luke 24:13-49
- John 20:19-31
Q7: What is the significance of Jesus’ resurrection according to the scriptures?
A: Jesus’ resurrection is significant because it demonstrates His victory over death, confirms His divine nature, and fulfills Old Testament prophecies. It also provides the foundation for Christian faith, offering hope of eternal life to believers.
Q8: How can I use these scriptures to understand the Easter story better?
A: Reading these passages in the context of their respective Gospels will give you a comprehensive understanding of the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection. Each Gospel provides unique perspectives and details that enrich the overall narrative.
Q9: Are there any prophecies in the Old Testament that the resurrection fulfills?
A: Yes, several Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled by Jesus’ death and resurrection. For instance, Isaiah 53 speaks about the suffering servant, and Psalm 16:10 refers to God not letting His “holy one see decay,” which Christians interpret as a prophecy of the resurrection.
Q10: What should I focus on when reading the Easter scriptures?
A: Focus on the events of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Pay attention to the reactions of those involved, the fulfillment of prophecies, and Jesus’ final teachings and instructions to His disciples. Understanding these elements will deepen your comprehension of the Easter story.
