For March 18
Quick answer: The Easter story is told in all four Gospels: Matthew 21-28, Mark 11-16, Luke 19-24, and John 12-20. It runs from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, through the Last Supper, his crucifixion on Good Friday, and his burial, to his resurrection on Easter Sunday. In 2027, Holy Week runs from March 21 to March 28.
The Heart of the Easter Story
If you only read one summary, read Paul’s in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: Jesus died for our sins as the Scriptures foretold, he was buried, and he rose again on day three, just as the Scriptures said.
And remember the angels’ message on Easter morning: the women were looking for a living person in a graveyard. Jesus had risen, exactly as he had promised back in Galilee: he would be handed over, crucified, and rise again on day three (Luke 24:5-7).
Easter Story Passages at a Glance
| Day (2027) | Event | Matthew | Mark | Luke | John | Go deeper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Sunday (Mar 21) | Triumphal entry | 21:1-11 | 11:1-11 | 19:28-44 | 12:12-19 | Palm Sunday Bible Verses |
| Monday (Mar 22) | Temple cleansed; fig tree | 21:12-22 | 11:12-25 | 19:45-48 | (2:13-22) | Holy Week day by day |
| Tuesday (Mar 23) | Teaching in the temple; Olivet Discourse | 21:23-25:46 | 11:27-13:37 | 20:1-21:38 | 12:20-50 | Holy Week Timeline |
| Wednesday (Mar 24) | Anointing at Bethany; Judas’ bargain | 26:1-16 | 14:1-11 | 22:1-6 | (12:1-8) | Holy Week Timeline |
| Maundy Thursday (Mar 25) | Last Supper, foot washing, Gethsemane, arrest | 26:17-56 | 14:12-52 | 22:7-53 | 13:1-18:11 | the night of the foot washing |
| Good Friday (Mar 26) | Trials, crucifixion, death, burial | 26:57-27:61 | 14:53-15:47 | 22:54-23:56 | 18:12-19:42 | why the cross was good |
| Holy Saturday (Mar 27) | Tomb sealed and guarded | 27:62-66 | — | 23:56 | — | the silent Saturday |
| Easter Sunday (Mar 28) | Resurrection; empty tomb | 28:1-15 | 16:1-8 | 24:1-49 | 20:1-31 | John 20: The Empty Tomb |
Some events, such as the anointing at Bethany, are placed differently by different Gospels; the table follows the traditional outline.
Day by Day Through the Easter Story
Palm Sunday: The King Comes
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. The crowds shout Hosanna and hail him as the blessed King of Israel who comes in the Lord’s name (John 12:13). Read every verse in Palm Sunday Bible Verses, and study John’s account in John 12 Bible study.
Monday to Wednesday: Conflict and Teaching
Jesus clears the temple, answers his critics, teaches about the greatest commandment and his return, and is anointed at Bethany, while Judas agrees to betray him. Our Holy Week Timeline walks through each day.
Maundy Thursday: The Last Supper
Jesus shares the Passover, washes his disciples’ feet, gives the bread and cup, and prays in Gethsemane before his arrest. Start with Maundy Thursday Meaning and the John 13 study. Then go deeper with The Last Supper Bible Study.
Good Friday: The Cross
Jesus is tried, denied by Peter, crucified, and dies, crying out that his work is finished (John 19:30). Read Good Friday Meaning, the meaning of It Is Finished, and John 18: Peter Denies Jesus. Then walk through The Seven Last Words of Jesus.
Holy Saturday: The Tomb
Jesus’ body lies in Joseph’s tomb, sealed and guarded, while his followers grieve and rest. Read Holy Saturday Meaning.
Easter Sunday: He Is Risen
The women find the stone rolled away. The angel tells them, “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6, ESV). Read John 20 Bible Study: The Empty Tomb, Doubting Thomas (John 20), What Does Easter Mean in the Bible?, and why the risen Christ matters.
Easter Resources
- Verses: Easter Scripture readings · Palm Sunday Bible Verses
- Studies: Good Friday Meaning · Maundy Thursday Meaning · Holy Saturday Meaning · What Does Easter Mean?
- For families: Easter Devotional for Families: 8 Days Through Holy Week
- Getting ready: What Is Lent?
- Next step: becoming a Christian
How to Read the Easter Story This Year
- Read one Gospel’s account through Holy Week. Mark is the shortest; John is the most reflective.
- Follow the days. Read each day’s passage on that day, from March 21 to 28.
- Read with family. Use our family Easter devotional.
- Compare the Gospels. Notice what each writer emphasizes.
- Respond. Jesus told Martha that he is resurrection and life, then asked whether she believed it (John 11:25-26). Answer his question for yourself.
To see how this fits the whole week from the triumphal entry to the empty tomb, read our walk through the Easter story in the Bible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Easter story in the Bible?
The Easter story is in all four Gospels: Matthew 21-28, Mark 11-16, Luke 19-24, and John 12-20. These chapters cover Jesus’ final week, from Palm Sunday to the resurrection. The resurrection itself is in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20, and Paul summarizes it in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.
What chapter of the Bible is the Easter story?
For the resurrection, read Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, or John 20. For the crucifixion, read Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, or John 19. For a full Holy Week reading, start at Palm Sunday in Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, or John 12.
What is the Easter story in short?
In short: Jesus entered Jerusalem as King, shared a last supper with his disciples, was betrayed and arrested, and was crucified on Friday. He was buried in a tomb. On the third day, Sunday, he came back to life. “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6, ESV).
Which Gospel tells the Easter story best for beginners?
Mark is a great place to start because it’s short and fast-moving; read Mark 11-16 in about an hour. John gives the most detail about Jesus’ words at the Last Supper (John 13-17). Reading two Gospels side by side helps you see the full picture.
When is Easter 2027?
Easter 2027 is Sunday, March 28. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on March 21, Maundy Thursday is March 25, Good Friday is March 26, and Holy Saturday is March 27. Easter’s date changes each year because it follows the first full moon after the spring equinox.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I read the story of your last week, open my eyes to your love. You rode in as King, served your friends, gave your body and blood, died for my sins, and rose again. Let this Easter story become my story. Help me believe, rejoice, and tell others: you are risen indeed. Amen.
Related: Road to Emmaus Devotional: Hearts Burning (Luke 24:32)
Related: read: Holy Saturday Devotional
Related: read: Holy Week Devotional
Related: our devotional: Palm Sunday Devotional
Related: read: Devotional on Jesus the Humble King
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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.