Journey to Easter: A Free Easter Bible Reading Plan
Make Easter and the Resurrection of Christ more meaningful with this Easter Bible Reading Plan. Follow Jesus’ footsteps during Holy Week with these Bible verses about the Resurrection.
I watched the sun peek above the horizon as our voices rang out in song, “Up from the grave He arose! With a mighty triumph o’er His foes!”
It was my church’s annual Easter sunrise service. An early morning gathering outside to commemorate the empty tomb that long-ago morning. As I heard the joyful song around me, I felt…
Nothing.
The truth is, my life had become so busy and preoccupied with other things, I hadn’t even taken the time to think about Holy Week much at all.
I was deeply ashamed of myself. But I also felt determined.
I would not allow this to happen to me again. I would never let Easter come and go without taking time to consider my Savior and His death–and Resurrection.
Since then, I take the time each year during Passion Week to read through the Easter story, beginning with Palm Sunday, and going through until Easter Sunday morning.
What Chapter of the Bible Should I Read for Easter?
The story of Jesus’ resurrection is recorded by each of the gospel writers. They each explore different details of the story from their own viewpoint.
We know that John the Beloved went into the judgment hall, and some of the other disciples stood on the outside. We also know that all of the disciples ran away after the chief priests and soldiers confronted them in the Garden of Gethsemane, but John followed behind at a distance.
There’s so much to take in. Here are the Bible chapters where you can read the story of Jesus’ last week.
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry
- Matthew 21:1-11
- Mark 11:1-10
- Luke 19:28-44
- John 12:12-19
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
- Matthew 21:12-17
- Mark 11:15-19
- Luke 19:45-48
The Woman Anoints Jesus’ Feet
- Matthew 26:6-13
- Mark 14:1-11
- John 12:1-11
The Last Supper
- Matthew 26:17-30
- Mark 14:22-26
- Luke 22:14-30
- John 13:1-30
In the Garden of Gethsemane
- Matthew 26:36-56
- Mark 14:32-52
- Luke 22:39-53
- John 18:1-11
Peter Denies Jesus
- Matthew 26:69-75
- Mark 14:66-72
- Luke 22:54-62
- John 18:15-18
Jesus Before Pilate
- Matthew 26:11-26
- Mark 15:1-15
- Luke 23:1-25
- John 18:25-40
The Crucifixion of Jesus
- Matthew 27:32-56
- Mark 15:21-21-41
- Luke 23:26-49
- John 19:17-37
Jesus’ Burial
- Matthew 27:57-66
- Mark 15:42-47
- Luke 23:50-56
- John 19:38-42
The Resurrection
- Matthew 28:1-15
- Mark 16:1-13
- Luke 24:1-12
- John 20:1-10
These chapters give a pretty full overview of the entire last week of Jesus’ life and many of the activities He performed.
Why Should I Read the Easter Bible Story?
The entire Bible is God’s story and this account of Jesus’ death and resurrection is the culmination of all of the Old Testament prophecies and Jesus’ teachings.
When we speak of the good news of the gospel, this is it. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again on the third day.
Reading this story is a powerful tool for spiritual growth as you see Jesus’ love and sacrificial death on the cross.
After you read it, you will never see think of Holy Week and Easter the same again.
Easter Bible Reading Plan
These selected readings and Easter Bible verses are a great way to remember the events of Holy Week. Reading the Bible this Easter season will allow you to focus on the story in a new way.
Sunday: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry–Matthew 21:1-11
The story of Easter begins with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. The people waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David.”
They placed their coats in the road for the donkey to walk on.
Monday: Mary Anoints Jesus’ Feet–Mark 14:1-9
In one of the most beautiful stories in the Bible, Jesus sat to eat at the home of Simon the Leper. A woman came to Him with a box of perfume. She broke it and poured it over His feet, washing His feet with her tears and drying them with her hair.
Tuesday: The Last Supper–Mark 14:10-26
On Tuesday this plan covers the Last Supper, where Jesus sat to eat the Passover meal with His apostles. This is an important event as Jesus predicts Judas’ betrayal.
We also read how Jesus washed His disciples’ feet in the ultimate example of servanthood.
Wednesday: In the Garden–Matthew 26:36-56
After the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples went up the Mount of Olives. God’s Word tells us they went into the Garden of Gethsemane. This is where Jesus asked them to pray with Him, but they fell asleep.
The Son of God knelt there to pray alone. Finally, the priests and soldiers came to find Him there and arrested Him.
Thursday: Jesus Before Pilate–Matthew 27:11-31
Jesus was taken before Pilate and questioned all through the night on Wednesday and into Thursday. Even though Pilate could find no wrongdoing, he allowed the Jewish people and religious leaders to have their way. They took Jesus out and crucified Him.
Friday: Crucifixion–Matthew 27:45-56; John 19:17-37
On Good Friday, we’ll read the story of Jesus’ death on the cross. I’m not going to lie. It’s hard to read. He suffered so much for us so that we can have new life in Him.
However, we need to set aside time to not only read this account but really meditate on it, too.
Saturday: Jesus’ Burial–Matthew 27:57-66; John 19:38-42
At the end of the day on Thursday, Jesus’ followers asked to be allowed to have His body. They removed it from the cross. Since they were approaching the beginning of the holiday, they were not allowed to perform the work of burying Him.
They wrapped His body and placed it in a borrowed tomb, planning to come back and give Him a proper burial. That began what was probably to longest days of their lives.
Sunday: Resurrection of Jesus Christ–John 20:1-18; Mark 16:1-8
On Sunday morning, God’s covenant was fulfilled when Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and some other women came to the tomb to find it empty.
In this account, we see how God’s provision has given us the means for eternal life in Him. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, and became the Lamb of God to take away our sins.
Note: Although we know that Jesus was crucified on Thursday, I didn’t have enough verses to fill in my week-long plan. It’s not exactly a real-time plan, but it will give you time to focus on each part of the story individually.
The Followers of Jesus at Easter
It must have been so difficult for the disciples to take Jesus’ body down from the cross and put Him in that tomb. All that they had hoped for and dreamed about.
As a mom of boys, I find myself thinking about Jesus’ mother, Mary. How did she feel watching her Son be arrested, tried, beaten, and ultimately killed?
I don’t know what Mary knew or understood about Jesus’ life and ministry. But even if she did know that He would rise, what pain she must’ve experienced watching Him suffer.
Take the time each day to think about the events that happened. Read them with fresh eyes. Remember that you know the ultimate outcome of the story, but those who lived it did not.
They experienced it every day just as it happened. Although Jesus told them many times that He would die, and rise again, they didn’t understand or believe.
Imagine their heartbreak as the One they thought would save the world, died on the cross.
Then, imagine their joy when they found that empty tomb and knew He had risen!
Taking time to read these Bible verses for Easter, and dwelling on them each day will give you a new joy on Resurrection Sunday!
Free Easter Bible Reading Plan
Gain a new perspective on Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection as you read through this Easter Bible reading plan. When you attend services on Easter Sunday (whether at sunrise or a much more godly hour!) you’ll have a whole new appreciation for the day.
Get the Easter Bible reading plan and follow Jesus as He journeys through Holy Week from riding a donkey to walking out of the tomb.
More Easter Resources for Your Family
- How to Share the Easter Story Using the Jelly Bean Prayer (free printable)
- 12 Easter Scriptures for Kids (+printable cards)
- Jesus is Alive! The Easter Bible Story for Kids
