Jesus’ words surrounding Easter—before, during, and after His resurrection—reveal the heart of God’s redemptive plan and the depth of Christ’s mission. He repeatedly predicted His death and resurrection, making it clear that His suffering was intentional and necessary for the salvation of humanity. At the Last Supper, He instituted the New Covenant, offering His body and blood as the means of forgiveness. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He modeled complete surrender to the Father’s will, even as He faced unimaginable suffering.
From the cross, Jesus spoke powerful words of forgiveness and fulfillment, showing that His mission was complete: “It is finished.” After rising from the dead, He greeted His disciples with peace, reassured them, and gave them a mission to spread the Gospel. His resurrection wasn’t just a miraculous event—it was the ultimate victory over death and sin, offering eternal life to all who believe. His words continue to inspire courage, peace, and purpose.
Keep reading to explore how these powerful Easter moments shape your faith today and how you can live in the hope of the risen Christ.
Easter is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. But what exactly did Jesus say about Easter? Understanding His words and teachings can deepen our appreciation of this pivotal event. Let’s dive into the Bible to uncover Jesus’ messages about His death and resurrection.
1. Predicting His Death and Resurrection
Throughout His ministry, Jesus often spoke of His impending death and resurrection. One of the most direct predictions is found in the Gospel of Mark:
“He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.” (Mark 8:31, NIV)
Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that His suffering and death were not accidents but part of God’s divine plan. By rising on the third day, He would conquer death, providing eternal life to all who believe in Him.
2. The Last Supper: Instituting the New Covenant
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples, known as the Last Supper. During this meal, He established the New Covenant, a key aspect of Easter’s significance.
“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, NIV)
Jesus’ words here highlight the sacrificial nature of His death. The bread and wine symbolize His body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins. This act is commemorated by Christians around the world during Communion.
3. The Garden of Gethsemane: Submission to God’s Will
After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. His prayer reveals His humanity and His obedience to the Father’s will.
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'” (Matthew 26:39, NIV)
Jesus knew the agony that awaited Him, yet He submitted to God’s plan. His prayer teaches us about trust and obedience, even in the face of great suffering.
4. The Crucifixion: Words from the Cross
As Jesus hung on the cross, He made several profound statements. Each one carries deep meaning for His followers.
“Father, forgive them”
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'” (Luke 23:34, NIV)
Jesus’ first words from the cross are a powerful example of forgiveness. Even in His suffering, He prayed for those who were crucifying Him, showing His boundless compassion.
“It is finished”
“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, NIV)
This declaration signifies the completion of His mission. Jesus’ work of atonement was finished, fulfilling the Scriptures and opening the way for humanity’s redemption.
5. The Resurrection: Victory Over Death
The climax of Easter is the resurrection. On the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead, as He had foretold.
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.'” (Matthew 28:5-6, NIV)
Jesus’ resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It confirms His divinity and the truth of His teachings. By rising from the dead, He demonstrated His power over sin and death, providing hope and eternal life to believers.
6. Appearances After the Resurrection
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples multiple times, offering peace, reassurance, and a mission.
“Peace be with you”
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!'” (John 20:19, NIV)
Jesus’ greeting of peace reassured His frightened disciples. It’s a reminder that His presence brings peace, even in troubling times.
The Great Commission
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 28:18-20, NIV)
In His final words to His disciples, Jesus commissioned them to spread the Gospel to all nations. This command continues to inspire Christians today to share their faith and live out Jesus’ teachings.
7. The Significance of Easter Today
Jesus’ words about His death and resurrection are central to the Christian faith. They remind us of His love, sacrifice, and the promise of eternal life. Easter is not just a historical event but a living hope that continues to transform lives.
As you reflect on what Jesus said about Easter, remember His promises and the hope they bring. His resurrection assures us that death is not the end, and through faith in Him, we have the gift of eternal life.
By exploring Jesus’ teachings and words about Easter, we gain a deeper understanding of its significance. This knowledge enriches our faith and empowers us to live in the light of His resurrection every day.
FAQs About What Jesus Said on Easter
1. What did Jesus predict about His death and resurrection?
Jesus predicted His death and resurrection multiple times during His ministry. One of the clearest predictions is found in Mark 8:31, where He said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, be rejected, be killed, and after three days rise again.”
2. What is the significance of the Last Supper?
The Last Supper is significant because Jesus established the New Covenant, symbolizing His body and blood given for the forgiveness of sins. This event is commemorated by Christians during Communion. Jesus said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
3. What did Jesus pray in the Garden of Gethsemane?
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). This prayer shows His submission to God’s will, despite knowing the suffering that awaited Him.
4. What were Jesus’ words from the cross?
Jesus made several significant statements from the cross, including:
- “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
- “It is finished” (John 19:30), indicating the completion of His mission of atonement.
5. What happened on the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion?
On the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead, fulfilling His prediction. An angel told the women at the tomb, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6). This event is celebrated as Easter.
6. What did Jesus say when He appeared to His disciples after His resurrection?
When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, He often greeted them with “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). He reassured them of His presence and gave them the Great Commission to spread the Gospel.
7. What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is Jesus’ command to His disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations. He said, “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” (Matthew 28:19-20).
8. Why is Easter significant for Christians today?
Easter is significant because it celebrates Jesus’ resurrection, which confirms His divinity and victory over sin and death. It offers believers the hope of eternal life and reassures them of Jesus’ love and sacrifice.
9. How can I commemorate Jesus’ teachings about Easter in my life?
You can commemorate Jesus’ teachings about Easter by reflecting on His sacrifice, participating in Communion, sharing the message of His resurrection, and living according to His teachings. Remembering His words and actions can deepen your faith and inspire you to follow Him more closely.
10. Where can I find more information about Jesus’ words on Easter?
You can find more information about Jesus’ words on Easter in the Gospels of the New Testament, particularly in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books provide detailed accounts of His predictions, Last Supper, crucifixion, and resurrection.
