The death and Resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in all human history. Understanding its significance requires reading and reflection. This three-week reading plan will help you to better understand and appreciate these events and help you prepare for Easter.
Week One—Prediction and Preparation
Day 1 God’s plan for our redemption began before the world was formed (Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 13:8). What is God’s purpose in saving you?
Day 2 Christ the Lamb of God would be sacrificed (Isaiah 53:1-9; 1 Peter 2:23; Mark 15:27; Matthew 27:57-60). Not reviling in return, crucified with criminals, buried with the rich—how does knowing this was predicted approximately 700 years before it happened impact you?
Day 3 Christ would be sacrificed and raised for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Read these verses replacing “we” and “our” with “me” and “my.”
Day 4 Christ would suffer at the hands of the wicked (Psalm 22; Hebrews 2:9-12; John 20:25; John 19:33; Matthew 27:35; Luke 13:34). How does knowing God let Jesus suffer for a greater good help you understand your suffering?
Day 5 Christ the Holy One would be raised (Psalm 16:10-11). Jesus endured suffering knowing he would be raised. How does that help you deal with your suffering?
Day 6 Jesus prepares His disciples telling them He will suffer, die, and rise again (Matthew 12:39-40; 16:21; 20:17-19; Mark 8:31; 9:30-32; 14:27-28; John 2:18-22). How does expecting suffering help to deal with it?
Day 7 Jesus said He would leave but later return to earth in glory (John 13:31-14:3; 16:16-17, 28-29; Matthew 24:27-30; 27:62-64). What is one thing Jesus said He would be doing for us while away from us?
Week Two—Passion and Pain
Day 1 Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and us (John 17). What does it mean to you that Jesus prayed for you?
Day 2 Jesus prays anticipating violent death and is arrested (Matthew 26:36-56). How is Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will an example for you?
Day 3 Jesus endures false accusations, punishment, and religious trials (John 18:12-14; Matthew 26:57-27:10). Why did the religious leaders want Jesus killed?
Day 4 Jesus endures more accusations, punishments, and civil trials (Matthew 27:2, 11-30; Luke 23:6-12). How do these trials highlight the innocence of Jesus?
Day 5 Jesus proceeds to Calvary (Luke 23:26-33; Mark 15:21) Comparing these verses to Romans 6:13 what impact might carrying Jesus’ cross have had on Simon of Cyrene?
Day 6 Jesus is crucified with criminals and dies (Matthew 27:35-56). Jesus was submissive to the Father to the very end. How do you respond in suffering?
Day 7 Jesus is buried (John 19:31-42); the tomb is sealed (Matthew 27:62-66). What is the significance that Jesus was buried and the tomb sealed?
Week Three—Power and Proclamation
Day 1 He is not here; He is risen (Matthew 28:1-15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-9). How is your faith validated by Jesus’ Resurrection?
Day 2 Believers too have been raised (Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 3:1-3). What is the significance of being raised with Christ?
Day 3 In Christ believers are no longer condemned and are victors over sin and death (Romans 8:1-17; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58). Why are we victors over sin and death by virtue of being raised with Christ?
Day 4 Believers will be resurrected and given new bodies (1 Corinthians 15:35-53; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Romans 8:11; Colossians 3:4). What are some of the attributes of having a body like Christ’s Resurrection body?
Day 5 Believers have a mission to proclaim the Good News of redemption through Christ (Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 2:22-36; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21). Are there people in your life you need to share the Good News with?
Day 6 He is coming back as the conquering King (Matthew 24:30-44; Acts 1:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Jesus is already the victorious King although the world doesn’t see that. How is His kingship and kingdom present in your life now?
Day 7 Believers will spend eternity glorified in His presence (Romans 8:18-25; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10). How does knowing this help you gain perspective for your life?