Easter is one of the most significant celebrations in Christianity, honoring the resurrection of Jesus Christ—an event that lies at the heart of Christian belief. While the Bible doesn’t use the word “Easter,” the events it commemorates are vividly described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each account offers a unique angle on the resurrection, affirming that Jesus rose from the dead just as he promised. These passages not only provide historical detail but also emphasize the awe, wonder, and divine fulfillment surrounding that first Easter morning.
The resurrection isn’t an isolated event—it’s the climax of a series of powerful moments, including the Last Supper, Jesus’ crucifixion, and his post-resurrection appearances. These episodes, rich with theological and emotional weight, underscore the sacrifice Jesus made and the victory he secured over sin and death. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15, without the resurrection, faith itself would be meaningless. So while the term “Easter” might be absent from the pages of Scripture, its meaning is woven throughout the New Testament. Keep reading for a deeper dive into these pivotal scriptures and discover how they shape the foundation of the Christian faith.
Easter is one of the most important holidays for Christians around the world. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. You might be wondering where Easter is described in the Bible. While the term “Easter” itself doesn’t appear in the Bible, the events it commemorates are detailed in several key passages. Let’s dive into these scriptures and understand the biblical foundation of Easter.
The Resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection of Jesus is described in all four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel provides a unique perspective, but they all converge on the central event: Jesus rising from the dead.
Matthew 28:1-10
In Matthew’s account, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit Jesus’ tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. They experience an earthquake, and an angel descends, rolling back the stone and sitting on it. The angel tells them, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:6, NIV). The women are instructed to tell the disciples that Jesus has risen from the dead.
Mark 16:1-8
Mark’s Gospel also describes Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome going to the tomb. They find the stone rolled away and a young man in a white robe who tells them, “He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him” (Mark 16:6, NIV). He instructs them to inform Peter and the disciples.
Luke 24:1-12
Luke recounts the visit of the women to the tomb. They find the stone rolled away and no body inside. Two men in dazzling clothes appear and say, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6, NIV). The women report this to the apostles, but their words seem like nonsense to them.
John 20:1-18
John’s Gospel focuses on Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus. She finds the stone removed and runs to tell Peter and John. After they inspect the tomb, Mary sees two angels and then Jesus, whom she initially mistakes for the gardener. Jesus reveals himself to her, and she goes to the disciples with the news, “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18, NIV).
The Significance of the Resurrection
The resurrection is not just a miraculous event; it holds profound theological significance. It confirms Jesus’ divinity, fulfills Old Testament prophecies, and guarantees believers’ future resurrection. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (NIV). The resurrection is the validation of Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
The Passion of Christ
Before we celebrate the resurrection, we must understand the events leading up to it, often referred to as the Passion of Christ. These events are also detailed in the Gospels.
The Last Supper
The Last Supper, described in Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 13, is where Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples and institutes the Lord’s Supper (Communion). He predicts his betrayal by Judas and Peter’s denial. This meal has deep symbolic meaning, representing Jesus’ body and blood given for the salvation of humanity.
The Crucifixion
Jesus’ crucifixion is central to Easter. It’s detailed in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19. Jesus is arrested, tried, and sentenced to death. He is mocked, scourged, and crucified. From the cross, he speaks words of forgiveness and fulfillment. His death is a sacrificial act, bearing the sins of the world. John 19:30 records Jesus’ final words, “It is finished,” signifying the completion of his redemptive work.
The Burial and Resurrection
Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb. This is described in Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, and John 19:38-42. The tomb is sealed and guarded, but on the third day, as we’ve seen, the tomb is found empty, and Jesus is alive.
Post-Resurrection Appearances
After his resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples and many others over forty days. These appearances are documented in various passages.
To Mary Magdalene
As mentioned, Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18).
To the Disciples
He appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) and later to the eleven disciples in Jerusalem (Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-23). In these appearances, he provides proof of his physical resurrection by showing his wounds and eating with them.
To Thomas
One of the most famous appearances is to Thomas, who doubted until he saw Jesus’ wounds. Jesus says to him, “Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27, NIV). Thomas responds with a profound confession of faith, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28, NIV).
The Great Commission
Before his ascension, Jesus gives the Great Commission to his disciples in Matthew 28:18-20, instructing them to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (NIV).
The Ascension
Finally, Jesus ascends into heaven, an event described in Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:9-11. His ascension marks the end of his earthly ministry and the beginning of his exaltation and reign at the right hand of the Father.
Conclusion
While the word “Easter” isn’t in the Bible, the events we commemorate during this holiday are thoroughly described in the Gospels and other New Testament writings. Easter is all about the resurrection of Jesus, a pivotal event that confirms his identity as the Son of God and assures believers of their salvation and eternal life. By understanding these biblical accounts, you can appreciate the depth and significance of Easter in the Christian faith.
FAQs About Easter in the Bible
1. Where is Easter described in the Bible?
Easter, as a term, isn’t mentioned in the Bible. However, the events it commemorates, particularly the resurrection of Jesus Christ, are detailed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
2. What is the significance of Jesus’ resurrection?
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It confirms Jesus’ divinity, fulfills Old Testament prophecies, and guarantees believers’ future resurrection. It signifies Jesus’ victory over sin and death, providing hope and assurance of eternal life for believers.
3. Which Gospels describe the resurrection of Jesus?
The resurrection of Jesus is described in all four Gospels:
- Matthew 28:1-10
- Mark 16:1-8
- Luke 24:1-12
- John 20:1-18
4. What events lead up to Easter in the Bible?
The events leading up to Easter, often referred to as the Passion of Christ, include:
- The Last Supper (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 13)
- The Crucifixion (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19)
- The Burial (Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42)
5. What is the Last Supper and its significance?
The Last Supper was Jesus’ final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. During this meal, he instituted the Lord’s Supper (Communion), symbolizing his body and blood given for the salvation of humanity. It’s detailed in Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 13.
6. How is Jesus’ crucifixion described in the Bible?
Jesus’ crucifixion is detailed in:
- Matthew 27
- Mark 15
- Luke 23
- John 19
It describes his arrest, trial, mocking, scourging, and crucifixion, culminating in his death on the cross, bearing the sins of the world.
7. What happened after Jesus’ resurrection?
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and many others over forty days. These appearances are documented in various passages, including:
- To Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18)
- To the Disciples (Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-23)
- To Thomas (John 20:24-29)
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
- The Ascension (Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:9-11)
8. What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is Jesus’ instruction to his disciples before his ascension, found in Matthew 28:18-20. He commands them to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
9. What is the Ascension of Jesus?
The Ascension refers to Jesus being taken up to heaven forty days after his resurrection. This event is described in Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:9-11. It marks the end of his earthly ministry and the beginning of his reign at the right hand of the Father.
10. Why is Easter important for Christians?
Easter is important for Christians because it celebrates Jesus’ resurrection, which is the foundation of the Christian faith. It represents the hope of eternal life and the triumph over sin and death, affirming the central message of Christianity.
