The full story of Easter is a powerful narrative of sacrifice, redemption, and triumph that lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It begins with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed as a king, and moves through the Last Supper, His betrayal by Judas, and His trials before religious and Roman authorities. Despite being innocent, Jesus was condemned, crucified, and buried—fulfilling ancient prophecies and willingly taking on the weight of humanity’s sin. His death on the cross symbolized the ultimate act of love and justice.
But the story doesn’t end there. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, appearing to His followers and proving His victory over sin and death. His resurrection not only affirmed His divinity but also gave believers the hope of eternal life. Forty days later, He ascended into heaven, leaving His disciples with a mission and a promise. Easter celebrates this entire journey—from suffering to glory—and reminds us that through Christ, there is always hope, renewal, and the possibility of transformation. Keep reading to explore each part of this remarkable story and discover its deeper meaning for your life today.
Easter is one of the most important celebrations in Christianity. It’s a time when Christians around the world remember and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The story of Easter is filled with hope, redemption, and victory over sin and death. In this article, we’ll dive into the full story of Easter, from the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion to His glorious resurrection.
The Triumphal Entry
The story begins with what’s known as the Triumphal Entry. Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” People spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:13). This event is celebrated on Palm Sunday.
The Last Supper
As the Passover festival approached, Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples, known as the Last Supper. During this meal, Jesus instituted the practice of Communion, breaking bread and sharing wine with His disciples, symbolizing His body and blood (Luke 22:19-20). He also predicted His betrayal by one of the disciples, Judas Iscariot.
The Betrayal and Arrest
After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. There, He experienced deep anguish, knowing what was to come. Luke 22:44 says, “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”
While Jesus was praying, Judas arrived with a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, identifying Him to the authorities (Matthew 26:47-49). Jesus was arrested and taken to the house of the high priest.
The Trials
Jesus faced several trials that night and into the next morning. He was first taken to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest. Then, He was brought before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. They accused Him of blasphemy, claiming to be the Son of God, which was punishable by death under Jewish law (Matthew 26:63-66).
However, the Jewish leaders didn’t have the authority to execute anyone, so they brought Jesus to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Pilate found no basis for a charge against Jesus and sent Him to Herod Antipas, who also found no guilt in Him and sent Him back to Pilate. Under pressure from the crowd, Pilate eventually agreed to have Jesus crucified, despite his wife’s warning to have nothing to do with “that innocent man” (Matthew 27:19).
The Crucifixion
Jesus was scourged, mocked, and led to Golgotha, the place of the Skull, where He was crucified. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. Above His head, a sign read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19).
During the crucifixion, Jesus spoke several significant phrases. He asked God to forgive those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). He also assured one of the thieves crucified with Him that he would be with Him in paradise (Luke 23:43).
Around noon, darkness covered the land for three hours. At about three in the afternoon, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). After this, He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30), and then, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Jesus breathed His last, and the curtain of the temple was torn in two, symbolizing the new access to God through Jesus’ sacrifice.
The Burial
Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. He, along with Nicodemus, wrapped Jesus’ body in linen and spices and placed it in a new tomb cut out of rock (John 19:38-42). A large stone was rolled in front of the entrance, and Roman guards were posted to secure the tomb.
The Resurrection
On the third day, early in the morning, Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. They found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. An angel told them, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6).
Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene (John 20:14-16) and then to His disciples, proving He was alive. Over the next 40 days, He appeared to many others, including two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) and more than 500 people at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6). His resurrection confirmed His victory over sin and death and His divine nature.
The Ascension
Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven. He took His disciples to the Mount of Olives, where He blessed them and was taken up before their eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight (Acts 1:9). Two angels appeared and told the disciples that Jesus would return in the same way they saw Him go into heaven.
The Significance of Easter
Easter is not just a historical event; it’s the cornerstone of Christian faith. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” The resurrection of Jesus assures believers of their own resurrection and eternal life. It’s a celebration of God’s love, grace, and the promise of new life.
Easter reminds us that no matter how dark or hopeless a situation may seem, there’s always hope and new beginnings through Christ. It’s a time of joy, renewal, and deep gratitude for the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for humanity.
So, as you celebrate Easter, remember the full story—from the Triumphal Entry to the Resurrection. It’s a story of love, sacrifice, and ultimate victory that has the power to transform lives.
