Easter Bible verses celebrate that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day, defeating death and giving eternal life to all who believe. The angel at the tomb announced that Jesus had risen, just as he said he would (Matthew 28:6). Use these verses for Lent, Holy Week, Easter Sunday, cards, and family devotions.
Key Takeaways
- Easter centers on the death and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
- The Old Testament foretold a suffering, victorious Messiah (Isaiah 53).
- All four Gospels record the empty tomb.
- The resurrection brings hope, new life, and victory over death.
- Easter verses work well read in order through Holy Week.
1. Prophecies Fulfilled
Isaiah 53:5: The suffering servant was wounded for our sins, and his wounds bring us peace and healing.
Written centuries before Jesus, Isaiah describes the Servant who suffers in our place.
Psalm 16:10: God would not leave his holy one in the grave to decay.
Peter quoted this on Pentecost as a prophecy of the resurrection (Acts 2:27-31).
2. The Cross
John 19:30: Jesus declared his saving work complete just before he died.
Romans 5:8: God proved his love: Christ died for us before we had turned from sin.
1 Peter 2:24: Jesus carried our sins in his own body on the cross.
3. The Empty Tomb
Matthew 28:5-6: The angel told the women not to fear: Jesus was not in the tomb, because he had risen as he promised.
Luke 24:5-6: The angels asked the women why they searched a tomb for someone alive.
Mark 16:6: The angel said the crucified Jesus from Nazareth had risen.
4. The Risen Lord
John 20:16: The risen Jesus called Mary by name, and she recognized him at once.
John 20:28: Thomas, once doubtful, confessed Jesus as his Lord and God.
Revelation 1:18: The risen Jesus says he was dead but now lives forever and holds the keys of death.
5. Resurrection Hope
John 11:25: Jesus says he himself is resurrection and life; whoever trusts him lives on beyond death.
1 Corinthians 15:20: “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
1 Corinthians 15:55: Paul taunts death, because in Christ it has lost its victory and its sting.
1 Peter 1:3: Through Jesus’ resurrection, God has given us new birth into a living hope.
6. New Life
Romans 6:4: Because Christ was raised, we can now walk in a new kind of life.
2 Corinthians 5:17: Anyone joined to Christ is made new; the old life is gone.
Colossians 3:1: Raised to new life with Christ, we fix our hearts on heaven.
The Gospel Focus
the core of the gospel: Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again three days later (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Easter isn’t just a spring holiday. It’s the announcement that sin has been paid for and death has been defeated, for everyone who trusts Jesus.
How to Use These Verses
- Read one theme a day during Holy Week.
- Write one on a card for a neighbor or friend.
- Read Matthew 28:1-10 aloud on Easter morning with your family.
- Memorize 1 Peter 1:3 as your Easter verse this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main Bible verse for Easter?
Many choose Matthew 28:6, where the angel announces that Jesus is not in the tomb because he has risen, just as he said. Others pick 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, which sums up the gospel: Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again three days later. John 11:25 is also popular.
Where is the resurrection story in the Bible?
All four Gospels record it: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20-21. Paul summarizes the eyewitness testimony in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (ESV), and Acts records the apostles preaching the resurrection from Pentecost on.
What Old Testament verses predict the resurrection?
Isaiah 53 describes the Servant who suffers, dies, and then it was the Lord’s will that his servant suffer, making his life an offering for sin (Isaiah 53:10). Psalm 16:10 says God won’t let his holy one “see corruption,” which Peter applied to Jesus (Acts 2:27-31). Jesus also pointed to Jonah’s three days (Matthew 12:40).
What are good Bible verses for Good Friday?
Isaiah 53:5 (the servant wounded for our sins), John 19:30 (Jesus’ cry that his work was complete), Romans 5:8, and 1 Peter 2:24 (Jesus carried our sins on the cross) are all fitting for Good Friday (ESV). Reading John 19 aloud is a meaningful Good Friday practice.
What does “he is risen” mean?
It means Jesus came back to life bodily after being truly dead and buried. The angel told the women, the angel announced that Jesus had risen, just as he said (Matthew 28:6). His resurrection proves his victory over sin and death and promises resurrection to all who believe.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that you were wounded for my sins and that you rose again. You’re not in the tomb; you’re alive forevermore. Fill me with a living hope and help me live a brand-new life. Hallelujah, Christ is risen! Amen.
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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.