Article Summary: The Easter story is the foundation of Christianity. It includes Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, The Last Supper, The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, Betrayal by Judas, Trial, Crucifixion, death, burial and Resurrection. Questions such as “Why did Jesus have to die?” and “Is the Easter Story true?” are asked and answered.
Supernatural events occurred during Jesus’ crucifixion, including the veil of the temple being torn in two, the earth shaking and darkness coming over the land. The true meaning and lessons of Jesus’ resurrection are explored as well as the story’s location in the Bible. Ultimately, the story of Easter celebrates God’s great love for us revealed through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
We’ve all heard the Easter Story before, but what does it mean? Each year, Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, giving us cause to rejoice in our salvation. But what really happened during this event that so significantly shapes the foundation of Christianity?
In this article, we’ll explore the story of Easter as it is written in the Bible and delve into some of its key aspects, including Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his betrayal by Judas, His trial, crucifixion, death and burial and finally His resurrection – and where to find these events in scripture.
We’ll also consider some tough questions such as: why did Jesus have to die? and – is the Easter Story true? Along our journey of exploration let us be reminded of God’s great love for us as revealed through Jesus’ death on the cross and glorious resurrection!
Table of Contents
- What are the main events of the Easter story?
- Supernatural Events that happened during Jesus’ Crucifixion:
- The True Meaning and Lessons of Jesus’ Resurrection
- Why did Jesus have to Die?
- Where is the story of Easter in the Bible? List of the Easter Bible Verses
- Is the story of Easter true?
- What do we learn from the Story of Easter?
What are the main events of the Easter story?
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
On the Sunday before his death, Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem. You could just feel the energy in the air as the crowds shouted praises and laid down palm branches for him to walk on. This powerful moment in history is recorded in each of the 4 gospels: Mark, Luke, Matthew, and John.
Jesus and his disciples came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish Passover. Jesus sent two of his disciples to the nearby village of Bethphage to look for a little donkey and its unbroken colt. The disciples brought the donkey to Jesus, who then made a Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
Along the way, crowds of people lined the streets, throwing their cloaks on the ground and waving palm branches in the air as they shouted praises to Jesus.
The Pharisees, who were jealous and afraid of Jesus, urged Him to rebuke His disciples, but Jesus replied that even if the people were silent, the very stones would cry out.
With that, Jesus continued His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
This remarkable entrance served two purposes. The first was to fulfill a prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. Jesus’ entry was seen by his followers as a symbolic moment that climaxed during his ride into Jerusalem on a donkey—a sign of peace and humility rather than power or war.
The second purpose for this amazing display was to make a statement about who Jesus is—a messiah and king—in the face of Pontius Pilate’s oppressive rule over Jerusalem. This scene demonstrated Jesus’ authority to predict what had already been written in scripture, while also providing a clear contrast to life under Roman rule.
The Last Supper
Before His imminent betrayal and death, Jesus called upon His disciples, including Judas Iscariot, to share a very special meal, which is now famously known as “The Last Supper” (Mark 14:12-26).
The Last Supper took place on Passover. On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, Jesus sent instructions to prepare a Passover meal and sat down with the apostles to eat.
It was during this time that Jesus gave the disciples a new commandment to love one another, for He knew that His time was limited. While dining, Jesus revealed one of them would soon betray him. Each disciple wondered if it was them, and Jesus cautioned that it would be preferable for the person if they had never come into existence.
Jesus blessed bread and shared it with the apostles saying it was his body given for them, and shared wine which symbolized God’s new covenant to save them, sealed with blood.
The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane
Then comes the agony in the garden of Gethsemane. This is where Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done instead of his own (Luke 22:43-44). Despite knowing what grim fate awaited Him and despite all the excruciating pain that lay ahead of Him, he accepted his Father’s wishes.
After the Last Supper, Jesus and the apostles sang a hymn before heading to the Mount of Olives. He was accompanied by Peter, John, and James who were asked to stay awake and pray with him.
Jesus prayed and asked for his Father’s will to be done and felt great sadness and anguish. While he was praying, an angel came from heaven to strengthen him, and his sweat was said to be like drops of blood.
The Betrayal of Judas – the soldiers arrest Jesus Christ
As mentioned above, at the last Supper Jesus had already predicted that one of the disciples would betray him; Indeed, later that evening, Judas will betray Jesus with a kiss. With this single act of betrayal, Judas brought about the start of the chain of events that would lead to the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:3-5).
Judas took a bribe of “30 pieces of silver” from the chief priests to betray Jesus. He leads the soldiers to Jesus and greets him with a kiss.
The other disciples ask if they should fight, and Peter attacks one of the high priest’s servants, cutting off his ear.
Jesus heals the wound, then warns Peter that those who use violence will be harmed in return. Jesus allows himself to be taken into custody, explaining that it must happen for the Scriptures to be fulfilled.
The Trial of Jesus
As soon as Jesus was arrested, he was led to trial, initially to the Jewish authorities and then to the Romans.
The Sanhedrin trial of Jesus refers to the trial of Jesus before a Jewish judicial body, following his arrest in Jerusalem, and prior to the trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judaea.
Jesus is found guilty of violating the Sabbath law, threatening to destroy the Jewish Temple, practicing sorcery, and claiming to be the Messiah.
Following this, Jesus is taken to Pontius Pilate to be tried for claiming to be the King of the Jews. During the trial, Jesus speaks very little and gives infrequent responses, prompting an officer to slap him.
Eventually, the Jewish elders ask Pilate to judge and condemn Jesus, accusing him of claiming to be the King of the Jews. Pilate sentences him to flagellation and finally crucifixion by the Roman Empire.
It’s important to understand the historical context behind this story and why Pilate chose to give in to public pressure from the Jewish religious leaders. This is what allows us to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ trial and its implications for his eventual death and resurrection.
To help you understand what took place during Jesus’s trial, here are some of the key events described in scripture:
- Jewish religious leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy, insurrection, and other offenses against God
- Pilate questioned Jesus to see if there was evidence supporting these accusations
- Caiaphas made his case for Jesus’ execution and sparked an uproar among the crowd
- Pilate attempted to pass off responsibility by stating he found no fault with Jesus but felt powerless against public opinion
- Eventually Pontius Pilate gave permission for the execution of Jesus on the cross.
- This was the example of Pilate’s ultimate failure as a leader, showing how he allowed himself to be swayed by public opinion without providing justice.
Let’s not forget that it is through all of these events that we are able to find hope by experiencing our Lord, who conquered death and rose from his sufferings — ultimately conquering sin for us all — proving His power over life and death.
The Flagellation of Christ
The Flagellation of Lord Jesus is an episode noted in three of the four canonical Gospels: John 19:1, Mark 15:15, and Matthew 27:26. prior to His crucifixion. Based on the Gospels, Jesus was whipped by the Romans as a part of their standard judicial practice. The event is thoroughly outlined in John’s Gospel, which portrays how Jesus was beaten by the guards.
Additionally, Luke’s Gospel mentions that the High Priest’s guards beat and humiliated Jesus at the same time. This episode of the Passion of Christ is considered a prelude to the Mocking of Christ and the Crowning with Thorns. Although it was a painful experience, it ultimately served to show the strength of Christ’s courage and conviction.
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The Mocking of Jesus
According to the gospel narratives, Jesus’ captors subjected him to verbal and physical ridicule immediately after his trial. This further intensified upon his condemnation by Pontius Pilate, as Jesus was laughed at for claiming to be a King. Finally, when Jesus was being crucified, he was humiliated by both the soldiers and passers-by.
In every instance, this ridicule of Jesus was filled with irony, as it was an example of the true power of Jesus’ prophetic and kingly roles. Despite this, Jesus’ captors were completely unaware of the true implications of their mockery, which was a demonstration of Jesus’ immense strength and his ultimate victory over death.
Crowning with Thorns
Jesus was directed to wear a woven crown of thorns by his captors as an instrument of mockery, due to his claim of authority. The crowning with thorns of Jesus was a physical manifestation of the persecution and suffering Jesus faced in his final hours on Earth.
The purpose of the crown of thorns was to cause Jesus physical pain and suffering, as well as a symbol of humiliation. The crowning of Jesus with thorns is mentioned in several gospels, such as Matthew (Matthew 27:29), Mark (Mark 15:17), and John (John 19:2, 19:5), and is referred to in the works of the early Church Fathers such as Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and the Gospel of Peter. It is an enduring symbol of Jesus’ passion and his ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of mankind’s sins.
The Journey to Golgotha
Calvary or Golgotha was the place where Jesus was crucified. His journey to Golgotha was deeply ingrained in His story, beginning with His condemnation and execution on the cross.
He endured immense anguish and torture as He carried His cross most of the way, until Simon of Cyrene was made to carry it the remainder.
Eventually Jesus reached the Place of a Skull in Aramaic, where He would fulfill His mission as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins by dying on the cross.
Jesus’ Sacrifice on the Cross and Death
After Jesus’ arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, he was taken to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor at the time, who handed him over to be crucified. This was a painful and brutal form of execution. In this form of execution, Jesus was nailed to a cross and left there until he died. The Bible records this event in Matthew 27:38 and Mark 15:27.
The pain and torture that Jesus suffered were compounded by several other factors:
- Nails were typically driven into the wrists and feet to secure the victim in place.
- The victim’s arms were stretched out wide on either side of the cross, causing excruciating pain in their chest area.
- Victims were often beaten with rods before being crucified, where they might have had nails driven through their hands and feet as well as through their foreheads.
- Hanging on the cross could last for days until death finally occurred from exhaustion or dehydration
Jesus was crucified between two convicted thieves at Calvary, which is also known as Golgotha. He died by the 9th hour of the day. A sign that read “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” in three languages was affixed to the top of the cross.
After Jesus’ death on the cross, his body was removed from it and then taken to bury in a nearby tomb that had been prepared for him by Joseph of Arimathea. This is where his body remained until his rise from the dead three days later.
His garments were divided among the soldiers, who also cast lots for his seamless robe. One soldier pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, from which blood and water gushed out.
The Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross
While on the cross, Jesus said seven and several supernatural events occurred. Eyewitnesses included Mary, the mother of Jesus, John, the beloved disciple, Mary Magdalene, The Roman centurion in charge of executing Jesus, several other women who were followers and disciples of Jesus ans other members of the crowd gathered at Golgotha.
1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) – Jesus said this while he was dying on the cross and asking God to forgive those who had crucified him.
2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43), said Jesus to one of the criminals on the cross. This statement is an example of the graciousness and mercy of Jesus. He was willing to forgive even those who were criminals and deserved punishment. By offering this man a place in Paradise, Jesus showed how He was willing to forgive us all, no matter what we have done or how badly we have sinned.
3. “Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.” (John 19:26–27), said Jesus to Mary, his mother, and to John, one of his disciples. In this passage, Jesus is entrusting Mary to John’s care and making a special request for her wellbeing. This is an example of Jesus’ selfless love for his mother and also an important lesson in loving others. Jesus was asking John to take care of Mary as if she were his own mother, a responsibility that John accepted with devotion and love. Through this passage, Jesus sets a powerful example for us all to follow – to love others deeply and sacrificially.
4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Jesus cried to His Holy Father in the time of ultimate pain. This is an expression of abandonment. He was feeling the weight of all sins that were laid upon Him, and He knew that His Father had to turn away from Him because of this burden. Jesus was willing to take on this burden, though it meant a separation between Him and His Father. This is a powerful reminder that Jesus endured extreme suffering to save us from our sins.
5. “I thirst.” (John 19:28) said Jesus to the soldiers at the foot of the cross.
6. “It is finished!” (John 19:30) With this phrase, Jesus announced the completion of His work on the cross. He was referring to the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation and His own mission to die in our place
7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46) This is the last statement Jesus made while on the cross and a reference to Psalm 31:5, which reads, “Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.” This statement is an acknowledgment of Jesus’ trust in His Father’s care and protection. It also expresses his complete surrender to the will of God and His ultimate authority over all things. By making this statement, Jesus revealed his faith in God’s goodness and love even in the midst of suffering and death.
The Burial of Jesus Christ
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two Jewish leaders, provided for the burial of Jesus. Joseph went to the Roman governor and asked for the body of Jesus, while Nicodemus brought spices to bury with the body. Jesus was buried according to Jewish tradition, with the body being washed, wrapped in a linen cloth, and placed on a stone shelf within the tomb.
Joseph had a tomb in a garden near the cross so they took the body there, placed it in the tomb, and rolled a giant stone against the door. The Jewish leaders asked permission from the Roman governor to guard the tomb until after three days in case the disciples of Jesus would steal the body. Soldiers were sent to guard the tomb by putting a wax seal on the rock covering the entrance. This is the event that marks the beginning of the Christian era.
Jesus’ Resurrection
Women followed Jesus’ prosecution until the point of his hanging on the cross. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome were some of these women.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, these women went to the tomb to anoint the body of the lord Jesus. When they arrived, they found the tomb already opened as the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. They saw two angels in dazzling white clothes who told them that Jesus rose from the dead and that they should bring the news to His disciples. They soon remembered Jesus’ words: “…the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”
The women ran back to tell the apostles that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead; they went to the tomb and saw that the linen cloths Jesus had been wrapped in were still there. The apostles returned home amazed and confused.
Supernatural Events that happened during Jesus’ Crucifixion:
The veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom after Jesus died on the cross (Matthew 27:50-51).
When Jesus was nailed to the cross and defeated death, an event occurred that marked a momentous occasion in religious history – the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This symbolic event was mentioned in Matthew 27:50-51, and it signifies how Jesus’ death redeemed the sins of all mankind.
This supernatural event is believed to have been a result of the magnitude of Jesus’ death, as His sacrifice was great enough to tear the veil that kept people from entering the presence of God. This event is seen as a clear indication of the power of Jesus’ death and a sign of how He also brought us eternal life.
Through this act, Jesus enabled people to enter into a direct relationship with God, and for many, this symbolizes the importance of accepting Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of mankind.
The earth shook and rocks split apart (Matthew 27:51).
At the moment Jesus left his final breath on the cross, the earth was thrown into turmoil. The Gospel of Matthew 27:51 recounts an incredible event: “And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and the rocks were split.” This supernatural event was a dramatic sign of the power of Jesus, even at the moment of his death. The splitting of the rocks spoke to the immense power of His sacrifice, a power that no earthly forces could ever withstand.
The earthquake was a reminder of the power of His sacrifice, primarily for us and all of God’s people. It was a sign of the magnitude of the grace provided to us all in Jesus’s death, for by His stripes we are healed.
Darkness came over the land for three hours while Jesus was on the cross (Luke 23:44-45)
As Jesus hung on the cross, darkness descended upon the land. From noon until three o’clock in the afternoon, a darkness so thick and unyielding it was almost palpable, descended upon the earth. This wasn’t like a natural eclipse, for this darkness was unnatural and oppressive. Luke 23:44-45 records the prophet Isaiah’s words that this was the “hour of darkness” when God allowed the forces of hell to come their closest to Jesus in order to torment him.
This supernatural event was so powerful that it frightened the onlookers and struck fear even into the unbelieving. This darkness was a sign of God’s anger and his grief that his one and only Son had been forsaken and rejected by his own people. This darkness was also a sign of the great victory that was to come, for out of death and darkness a new light would dawn and God would be glorified.
Tombs were opened and later on saints resurrected from death.
One of the most remarkable events that occurred was when the tombs of the saints were opened and they were risen from death. These events happened after Jesus was resurrected, when a violent shaking of the earth suddenly opened up the graves. As the tombs opened, the resurrected saints emerged and entered into the holy city, appearing to many.
This beautiful and profound miracle is a reminder of God’s grace, power and authority over death. It also serves as a reminder of Jesus’ promise that all those who follow Him will be given eternal life.
The True Meaning and Lessons of Jesus’ Resurrection
The Easter narrative, which is found in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20-21 in the Bible, is a powerful story that teaches us many valuable lessons about Jesus.
At its heart, it is all about how Jesus conquered death by dying on a cross and then rising from the dead. Not only did this affirm His identity as the Son of God and redeem us from our sins, but it also showed us that even when life seems meaningless and hopeless — there is always hope through Him.
The lessons of Jesus’ resurrection are timeless and can still be applied to our lives today. Here are some of the important things we can learn:
- Have faith: No matter how dark or difficult our circumstances may seem — we can have faith that God will take care of us because He is bigger than any problem we may face.
- Persevere: Just like Jesus persevered through his suffering before He miraculously conquered death — we too should keep forging ahead no matter what challenges come our way.
- Trust in God: We should trust in God’s plan for our lives no matter how uncertain or unpredictable things may seem for now. He knows what’s best for us and has an amazing plan for each one of us if we just choose to trust Him with it all.
- Rejoice: As believers, we can rejoice knowing that one day when Christ returns, He will make all things right again. We will have new life with Him where there will be no more pain or sorrow!
Why did Jesus have to Die?
In Christian theology, Jesus is seen as sacrificing himself to absolve humanity from their sins. His death is understood to be an act of pure love, as it was given by someone who himself was sinless and thus capable of taking away all of humanity’s transgressions. This selfless sacrifice is viewed as being essential to the Christian faith and a demonstration of God’s profound love for his people.
Where is the story of Easter in the Bible? List of the Easter Bible Verses
The Easter story is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the New Testament of the Bible.
- The Last Supper is found in the Gospel of Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-38, and John 13:1-17.
- The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane is found in the Gospel of Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46, and John 18:1-12.
- The Betrayal of Judas is found in the Gospel of Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-50, Luke 22:47-53, and John 18:2-11.
- The Trial of Jesus is found in the Gospel of Matthew 26:57-68, Mark 14:53-65, Luke 22:54-71, and John 18:12-27.
- The Flagellation of Jesus and the Journey to Golgotha is found in the Gospel of Matthew 27:27-31, Mark 15:16-20, Luke 23:26-33, and John 19:17-22.
- The Crucifixion of Jesus is found in the Gospel of Matthew 27:32-56, Mark 15:21-41, Luke 23:33-49, and John 19:23-37.
- The Death of Jesus is found in the Gospel of Matthew 27:57-66, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, and John 19:38-42.
- The Resurrection of Jesus is found in the Gospel of Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, and John 20:1-18.
Is the story of Easter true?
The question of whether the Easter story is true is a complex and significant one. There are numerous Biblical accounts of Jesus’ life and death, as well as historical evidence from other sources such as the Roman historian Tacitus and the Jewish historian Josephus. Additionally, the early Christian church was founded on the belief that Jesus was resurrected, and many of its teachings and practices have been based on his teachings.
That said, there is no physical or scientific evidence that directly supports the events of the Bible. There is no evidence of Jesus’ tomb or body, and given the supernatural nature of this event of His raising from death, scientific evidence is not available.
Ultimately, whether one believes the Easter story to be true or not is a personal decision. While there is evidence in support of the Easter story, its ultimate truth can only be determined by personal faith or philosophical reasoning.
What do we learn from the Story of Easter?
The Easter narrative is a powerful reminder of the importance of rising above bitterness, erecting effective bulwarks against corruption and shunning unbridled individualism. On this blessed day, we are reminded of the ultimate victory of Christ over death. This victory is a sign of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times we can find hope and light if we stay true to our faith.
Moreover, it is a reminder for us all to spread love and peace to everyone regardless of who they are or where they come from. We learn that even the least of us can make a difference and that we should always strive to forgive and be compassionate, no matter how difficult it may seem.
It also serves as a reminder to never give up, no matter how difficult the task ahead may seem. It is a reminder that no matter what stands in our way, we can have hope knowing that with God’s help we can overcome obstacles.
Finally, the Easter narrative teaches us to put our trust in God and not in ourselves. As believers, we should rely on God’s grace and mercy to lead us in all we do. We know that if we place our trust in Him, He will never fail us.
It is a reminder of hope, faith and forgiveness. It is a reminder to love one another, to never give up, and to put our trust in the Lord. By taking these lessons to heart, we can all become beacons of hope and peace in our world.
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