Easter is the heart of the Christian faith, centered on the powerful story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It begins with the Last Supper, where Jesus shared His final meal with His disciples, instituting the practice of Communion as a symbol of His upcoming sacrifice. From His prayerful surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane to His betrayal by Judas, unjust trial, and crucifixion, Jesus’ journey to the cross was marked by suffering and love. His final words, “It is finished,” signaled the completion of His mission to redeem humanity.
The Easter story culminates in Jesus’ resurrection—His triumph over death—which was first discovered by women at the empty tomb. His post-resurrection appearances brought reassurance, clarity, and a call to action. For believers, Easter represents redemption, forgiveness, and the hope of eternal life. It’s both a historical event and a personal invitation to live with faith, purpose, and joy.
Keep reading to dive deeper into the Easter story and discover how it continues to transform lives today.
Easter is one of the most important celebrations in Christianity. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, a cornerstone event of the Christian faith. Understanding the story of Easter and its significance can deepen your appreciation for this pivotal moment in history.
The Beginning of the Easter Story
The Last Supper
The Easter story starts with the Last Supper, Jesus’ final meal with His disciples. This meal, which was a Passover feast, took place in Jerusalem. During the Last Supper, Jesus broke bread and shared wine with His disciples, symbolizing His body and blood. He told them, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19, NIV). This moment established the practice of Communion, a vital tradition in Christian worship.
The Betrayal and Arrest
After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He knew what was coming and felt immense sorrow. Jesus prayed to God, asking if it was possible to avoid the suffering ahead but ultimately submitted to God’s will, saying, “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42, NIV).
It was in this garden that Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, betrayed Him. Judas identified Jesus to the authorities by giving Him a kiss, leading to Jesus’ arrest. This act of betrayal is often highlighted as a profound moment of treachery in the story.
The Trial and Crucifixion
Jesus’ Trial
Jesus was taken to the high priests and then to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Despite finding no fault in Him, Pilate succumbed to the crowd’s demands to crucify Jesus. Pilate symbolically washed his hands to show that he did not want to be responsible for Jesus’ death.
The Crucifixion
Jesus was forced to carry His cross to Golgotha, the place of the skull, where He was crucified alongside two criminals. The crucifixion was brutal and agonizing. Jesus’ hands and feet were nailed to the cross, and He was left to die. During this time, He uttered several significant phrases, including “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, NIV).
As Jesus hung on the cross, darkness covered the land, and the temple curtain was torn in two, symbolizing the new access to God made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice. Jesus’ final words were, “It is finished” (John 19:30, NIV), signifying the completion of His mission to redeem humanity.
The Resurrection
The Empty Tomb
Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb, and a large stone was rolled in front of the entrance. Roman guards were stationed to prevent any tampering. However, on the third day after His crucifixion, something miraculous happened. Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb and found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
An angel appeared to them, saying, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6, NIV). This was the first announcement of Jesus’ resurrection, a moment that changed the course of history.
Jesus Appears to His Followers
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and many others over forty days. These appearances reinforced the reality of His resurrection and His victory over death. Jesus’ resurrection is a testament to His divine nature and the fulfillment of His promise to bring eternal life to all who believe in Him.
One of the most famous appearances is when Jesus met two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Initially, they did not recognize Him, but as He broke bread with them, “their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him” (Luke 24:31, NIV). This encounter highlights the transformative power of Jesus’ presence and the deep personal connection He offers.
The Significance of Easter
Redemption and Forgiveness
Easter is a celebration of redemption and forgiveness. Jesus’ death paid the penalty for sin, and His resurrection offers new life. The Apostle Paul explained this beautifully in Romans 6:4 (NIV): “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.”
Hope and Eternal Life
Easter is also about hope and eternal life. Jesus’ victory over death assures believers that death is not the end. In John 11:25-26 (NIV), Jesus said, “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.” This promise is a cornerstone of Christian faith, providing comfort and assurance.
A Call to Action
Easter is a call to action for Christians. It’s a reminder to live out the teachings of Jesus, love one another, and spread the good news of His resurrection. The Great Commission, given by Jesus to His disciples after His resurrection, is a directive to share His message with the world: “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, NIV).
Celebrating Easter Today
Traditions and Practices
Easter is celebrated with various traditions and practices. Many attend special church services, participate in communion, and engage in prayer and reflection. Symbols like the cross and the empty tomb are central to Easter celebrations, reminding believers of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
Easter Symbols
Easter eggs, often decorated and hidden for children to find, symbolize new life and resurrection. The Easter lily, with its white petals, represents purity and the new life that comes through Jesus.
Personal Reflection
Easter is also a time for personal reflection and renewal of faith. It’s a moment to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and recommit to living a life that reflects His teachings. Reflecting on the significance of Easter can inspire deeper faith and a stronger connection to the Christian community.
Conclusion
Easter is more than just a holiday; it’s a profound celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and the hope it brings to believers. By understanding the story of Easter, from the Last Supper to the resurrection, you can appreciate the depth of God’s love and the promise of eternal life. As you celebrate Easter, remember the incredible sacrifice Jesus made and the victorious new life His resurrection offers.
FAQs About Jesus’ Story About Easter
1. What is the significance of Easter in Christianity?
Easter is significant in Christianity because it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This event is considered the cornerstone of the Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death, and offering the promise of eternal life to believers.
2. What events lead up to Easter?
The events leading up to Easter include:
- The Last Supper: Jesus’ final meal with His disciples.
- The Betrayal and Arrest: Judas betrays Jesus, leading to His arrest.
- The Trial: Jesus is tried by the Jewish high priests and Pontius Pilate.
- The Crucifixion: Jesus is crucified and dies on the cross.
- The Burial: Jesus is buried in a tomb, and a large stone is rolled in front of the entrance.
- The Resurrection: Jesus rises from the dead on the third day.
3. What is the Last Supper?
The Last Supper was Jesus’ final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. During this meal, Jesus instituted the practice of Communion by breaking bread and sharing wine, symbolizing His body and blood, and instructing His disciples to do this in remembrance of Him.
4. Why is the resurrection of Jesus important?
The resurrection of Jesus is crucial because it confirms His divine nature and fulfills His promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him. It signifies His victory over death and sin, providing hope and assurance to Christians.
5. How did Jesus’ followers discover His resurrection?
Jesus’ followers discovered His resurrection when Mary Magdalene and other women went to His tomb and found it empty. An angel told them that Jesus had risen from the dead, marking the first announcement of His resurrection.
6. What are some common Easter traditions?
Common Easter traditions include:
- Attending church services and participating in Communion.
- Decorating and hiding Easter eggs.
- Reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
- Using symbols like the cross and the empty tomb to commemorate the events.
7. What do Easter eggs symbolize?
Easter eggs symbolize new life and resurrection. They are often decorated and hidden for children to find, representing the joy and new beginnings that come with Jesus’ resurrection.
8. What does the Bible say about the resurrection of Jesus?
The Bible provides several accounts of Jesus’ resurrection, including the empty tomb and His appearances to His disciples. Key verses include Matthew 28:6 (“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said”) and John 11:25-26, where Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
9. How should Christians celebrate Easter?
Christians can celebrate Easter by:
- Attending special church services.
- Participating in Communion.
- Engaging in prayer and personal reflection on Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
- Sharing the message of Jesus’ resurrection with others.
10. What is the Great Commission and its connection to Easter?
The Great Commission, given by Jesus to His disciples after His resurrection, is a directive to spread His teachings and make disciples of all nations. It’s found in Matthew 28:19-20 and emphasizes the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and His promise of eternal life.
