Easter stands at the heart of the Christian faith, and Jesus’ own words leading up to, during, and after his resurrection offer profound insight into its meaning. From predicting his death and resurrection to declaring “It is finished” on the cross, Jesus not only foretold the events of Easter but revealed their purpose—redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life. His statements during the Last Supper, such as “This is my body” and “This is my blood,” tie directly into the sacrificial love that Easter represents, grounding believers in the truth that salvation came through his willing suffering.
After the resurrection, Jesus continued to speak life and mission into his followers, saying “Peace be with you” and commissioning them to share the gospel across the world. These powerful words remind us that Easter isn’t just about the empty tomb—it’s about living in the power and purpose of the risen Christ. His quotes are not only historical markers but spiritual anchors that still speak today.
Keep reading to explore each of these quotes more deeply and discover how they can shape your faith this Easter season and beyond.
Easter is a central celebration in Christianity, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s a time of profound reflection and joyous celebration, anchored in the words and deeds of Jesus himself. Let’s delve into what Jesus said about the events surrounding Easter, unpacking the significance of his quotes and how they shape our understanding of this pivotal moment in Christian faith.
The Prediction of His Death and Resurrection
One of the most significant aspects of Jesus’ teachings about Easter is his foretelling of his own death and resurrection. Jesus spoke openly about his fate, preparing his disciples for what was to come.
“The Son of Man Must Suffer”
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus plainly tells his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31, NIV). This statement highlights Jesus’ awareness of his mission and the inevitable suffering he would endure for humanity’s salvation.
“Destroy This Temple”
Another powerful quote from Jesus is found in John 2:19, where he says, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” At first, his listeners thought he was talking about the physical temple in Jerusalem. However, Jesus was referring to his body, predicting his resurrection three days after his crucifixion.
The Last Supper
The Last Supper is a critical event leading up to Easter, where Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples and institutes the practice of communion.
“This Is My Body”
During the Last Supper, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body” (Matthew 26:26, NIV). This act symbolizes Jesus offering himself for the sins of humanity. The breaking of bread represents his body broken on the cross, a sacrifice for the redemption of mankind.
“This Is My Blood”
Jesus also took a cup of wine and said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28, NIV). The wine symbolizes Jesus’ blood shed on the cross, establishing a new covenant between God and humanity, rooted in forgiveness and grace.
The Crucifixion
Jesus’ crucifixion is the heart of the Easter story, a moment of immense suffering but also profound significance.
“Father, Forgive Them”
While hanging on the cross, Jesus uttered several powerful statements. One of the most profound is, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, NIV). Even in his agony, Jesus showed immense compassion, asking God to forgive those who crucified him, highlighting the depth of his love and mercy.
“It Is Finished”
In John 19:30, Jesus’ final words on the cross were, “It is finished.” With these words, Jesus declared the completion of his mission to atone for humanity’s sins. It signifies the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation, offering redemption to all who believe.
The Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Easter celebration, marking his victory over death and the promise of eternal life.
“I Am the Resurrection and the Life”
Before his crucifixion, Jesus made a profound statement to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, “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” (John 11:25-26, NIV). This declaration underscores Jesus’ divine authority and the hope of resurrection for all believers.
“Peace Be With You”
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and said, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19, NIV). This greeting reassured his followers, bringing them comfort and confirming the fulfillment of his promises. His resurrection demonstrated that death is not the end and that peace is found in faith in him.
The Great Commission
Following his resurrection, Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to spread his teachings to all nations.
“Go and Make Disciples”
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commanded, “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 mission underscores the importance of sharing the message of Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of eternal life with the world.
The Ascension
Jesus’ ascension into heaven is the final event in the Easter narrative, marking the completion of his earthly ministry.
“You Will Receive Power”
Before ascending, Jesus promised his disciples, “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, NIV). This promise of the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to continue Jesus’ work, spreading his teachings and the news of his resurrection.
Conclusion
Easter is a profound celebration rooted in the words and actions of Jesus. His predictions, his sacrifice, and his victory over death form the foundation of Christian faith. By reflecting on Jesus’ quotes about Easter, we gain a deeper understanding of his mission and the hope he offers. This Easter, let these words guide you in your faith journey, reminding you of the incredible love and grace that Jesus extends to all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the significance of Easter in Christianity?
Easter is the most important celebration in Christianity, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It signifies the victory of Jesus over sin and death, and it is a cornerstone of Christian faith, promising eternal life to believers.
2. What did Jesus say about his death and resurrection?
Jesus predicted his death and resurrection multiple times. In Mark 8:31, he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things…and be killed and after three days rise again.” He also metaphorically referred to his resurrection in John 2:19, saying, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days,” referring to his body.
3. What is the Last Supper, and why is it important?
The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. During this meal, Jesus instituted the practice of communion, symbolizing his body and blood with bread and wine, respectively. This act represents his sacrifice for humanity’s sins and is a central rite in Christian worship.
4. What were some of Jesus’ statements on the cross?
While on the cross, Jesus made several significant statements. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34), showing his mercy and forgiveness. His last words were “It is finished” (John 19:30), indicating the completion of his mission to save humanity.
5. How did Jesus describe himself in relation to the resurrection?
Jesus described himself as the source of resurrection and life. In John 11:25-26, he said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
6. What did Jesus say to his disciples after his resurrection?
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and said, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19). This greeting provided comfort and reassurance, confirming that he had risen and fulfilled his promises.
7. What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is Jesus’ instruction to his disciples to spread his teachings worldwide. In Matthew 28:19-20, he commanded them to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
8. What did Jesus promise before his ascension?
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus promised his disciples the Holy Spirit. He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This empowered the disciples to continue his work.
9. How does Easter impact Christians today?
Easter reminds Christians of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, reinforcing their faith in eternal life and God’s love. It encourages believers to live according to Jesus’ teachings and share the message of his resurrection with others.
10. Why is Jesus’ resurrection important?
Jesus’ resurrection is crucial because it confirms his divinity and the truth of his teachings. It provides the foundation for the Christian belief in life after death and the hope of eternal life with God.
These FAQs aim to clarify key aspects of Easter and Jesus’ teachings, helping you understand the significance of this celebration in the Christian faith.
