the journey on easter

The journey toward Easter: The meaning of Lent and the mystery of divine love

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With the new year well underway and Easter approaching, Christians tighten their belts and deliberate over what they will give up for Lent.

Lent or Great Lent (or Great Fast) is a forty-day penitential season in the annual liturgical calendar of major Christian denominations. It is a preparation for Easter, which celebrates Christianity’s central belief — namely, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Lent takes place during the northern hemisphere Spring and involves practices of penance, such as fasting, prayer and almsgiving. A forty-day Lenten fast became common practice among Christian communities by the fourth century CE, when church councils legislated for its universal observance.

Lent as spiritual renewal

The word “Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon lencten , which means “springtime”. Like Spring, Lent is a time of renewal and growth — spiritual, relational, personal — in the lead-up to the “new life” of Easter.

Lent is meant to dispose Christians to commemorate the central events or mysteries of Christianity during the “Sacred Triduum” (“sacred three days”), also known as the Paschal or Easter Triduum. The Triduum consists of Maundy (or Holy) Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. During these days, Jesus’s last supper with his disciple, his trial, torturous “passion”, and self-sacrificial death are remembered, and then culminate in the celebration of his life-affirming resurrection.

During these three days, the most important annual liturgies are celebrated for the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran and other Christian churches. In the Catholic Church, the rituals can be regarded as one single liturgy stretching over three days. Each church commemorates the events in different ways, though with some major similarities (such as readings of Jesus’s suffering and death from the Gospels).

The liturgies of the Sacred Triduum are a celebration and an encounter, not a historical re-enactment. They are solemn, because they involve the most important mysteries of existence: life and death, sin and evil, suffering and injustice, love and forgiveness, God and humanity. Liturgy is about ritualising an encounter with “mystery” — that is, with the deepest elements of life that cannot be easily verbalised, but can only be experienced. Liturgy expresses the ultimate meaning in our lives rather than just the facticity of things.

In other words, liturgies involve the deepest meaning and realities of life — most importantly, the mystery of existence itself and of our relationship with the source of existence (the reason why “there is anything rather than nothing”). According to Jews and Christians, the source of being, God, has reached from outside of space and time into our finite reality to relate to us and love us. For Christians, this relationship goes so far as God becoming one of us and dying and rising for our sake. None of this is for God’s benefit — for God is perfect and complete in his own life — but is done out of gratuitous love.

But Lenten observance, like all liturgy, is not just about the past. It bears upon our lives in the present. The discipline of Lent is willingly accepted only because, as the late Pope Benedict XVI wrote , in that first Easter “love has here broken through death and thus transformed fundamentally the situation of all of us.” Hence Easter is now celebrated as an ongoing “fact” of contemporary life because love is revealed as the deepest reality at the heart of all creation.

During Lent, then, Christians undertake spiritual disciplines so as to experience the joy of Easter more fully in relationship with God and others. Each Christian’s initiation through baptism recalls this joy in which the Christian is “immersed” in Jesus’s death and resurrection — in the dying of the “old life” (that is, of unhealthy attachments and hurtful ways) and the rising of new life in self-emptying and self-giving love. Thus, through the spiritual disciplines that cultivate material detachment and personal conversion, Lent calls the Christian back to that fundamental encounter with the mystery of God in baptism. In this way, their most basic commitment, vocation, and life-orientation to God, through Jesus, is renewed.

This is why Lent is the culmination of the catechumenate in many churches. The catechumenate is the official process of formation and preparation of those who wish to be baptised into the Christian church (the catechumens). In the Catholic Church, this usually takes one year, and the baptisms traditionally take place at Easter, when the newly baptised sacramentally “rise” with Christ into new life.

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A time to open ourselves to the mystery of love

The Latin name for Lent is quadragesima , which means “fortieth” and refers to the “forty days” of its duration. An exact count of forty days was not always a concern for early Christians, because the focus was primarily on the spiritual preparation for Easter. Nevertheless, consistent practices and rules developed across Eastern Christianity (based around Constantinople) and Western Christianity (based around Rome).

The forty days have been calculated and observed somewhat differently in the East and the West. Sundays in Western Christianity came to be excluded from the Lenten discipline of penance and fasting. Meanwhile, the Eastern churches adhered to a continuous forty-day fast, though often with certain allowances made for Saturdays and Sundays (such as the use of wine and olive oil). Since Sundays are a celebration of Jesus’s resurrection, the Western church regarded penitential practices as inappropriate. Even still, the Sunday liturgies during Lent in the Catholic Church have a more muted sense — so, for instance, there is no use of “Alleluia” and the ancient hymn “the Gloria”.

Because when the forty days of Lent begins and when Easter occurs have been calculated differently in the East and the West, subtle variations have developed in the Orthodox churches and the Catholic Church respectively. For the Catholic Church, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and extends for just over six weeks, with the forty days of penance excluding Sundays. While the Holy Triduum is not officially regarded as part of Lent, the Lenten discipline continues until Easter Sunday.

For the Orthodox churches, Lent starts on Clean Monday and involves forty consecutive days of fasting, with different levels of fasting depending on capacity and devotion. Fasting continues into Holy Week (the week starting with Palm Sunday and extending to Easter). Thus Lent and Holy Week together extend to seven weeks.

Why forty days? It recalls Jesus’s forty-day sojourn in the desert at the beginning of his public ministry (as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke), during which time he fasted and was spiritually tested in a similar way to the great Israelite prophets, Moses and Elijah. It also recalls the forty days of rain during the Great Flood when the world was renewed following great violence. Finally, it recalls the forty years of Israel’s wandering in the desert when its identity was formed and where it put God to the test.

Fasting as spiritual detachment

Fasting was one of the original practices of Lent and remains central to its observance. While it has more recently come into vogue for health reasons, fasting is a long-standing religious tool for spiritual renewal. As an ascetical practice important to Judaism and practiced by Jesus, Christians continued its use.

Fasting has been practiced in different ways throughout at least 1700 years of Lenten tradition. It originally involved complete abstinence from food, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy (which is still practiced by some Eastern Christians). In contemporary Catholic practice, fasting is prescribed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. During these days, only one major meal is taken (following historical practice) and no meat is eaten. On the other days of Lent, some form of penance is undertaken, such as abstinence from some food (such as red meat) or other habits, activities and possessions, and prayer, charitable works and almsgiving are increased. In the Eastern churches, a stricter fast can be undertaken during weekdays during Lent.

Fasting, for Christians, is not primarily an act to purify oneself before engaging in ritual. Rather, it is a spiritual discipline that seeks to tame bodily desire, in order to focus on spiritual and personal growth. Rather than being controlled by one’s desires, one can purify one’s heart and one’s relationship with God, thereby renewing one’s baptismal vocation and commitment.

In this way, fasting exemplifies the Christian aim of ongoing conversion or metanoia (which is sometimes translated “repentance”). Metanoia involves a radical change of mind and heart, a turning away from self-centredness and towards loving relationship with God and others. Fasting, then, challenges the Christian, in a measured way, to forget oneself in order to live for God and others — especially the poor.

Fasting recalls the tradition of “spiritual warfare” which acknowledged the challenge of breaking free from prideful, self-centred egoism and acquisitiveness. It also reminds Christians of their finitude and mortality as creatures, while emphasising that they are not just animals but spiritual creatures capable of transcendent, loving relationships and meaning.

For Christians, fasting — like almsgiving and prayer — is a physical symbol of spiritual detachment, in which one empties oneself as Jesus did when he became human and then died on the Cross in self-giving love. Christians are called to “empty-out” ( kenosis ) themselves like Jesus, so to be filled with God’s love (in prayer) and be available for service to others (almsgiving).

Fasting, moreover, aims to cultivate interior freedom from sin and evil in all their forms, especially egotistical self-centredness, pride, acquisitiveness, and domination. It seeks to test one’s deepest hunger and perceive what one truly desires. In this way, fasting, as a spiritual practice, recalls the existential yearnings that all humans have for a full and flourishing life. These yearnings guide what we do and who we are.

Lent, particularly through fasting, reminds Christians of these fundamental yearnings and asks whether they are being addressed in healthy or unhealthy ways. In this way, Lent involves a process of decluttering in a spirit of minimalism that combines with prayer and good works, so as to be more open and receptive to God’s love.

The journey to Easter

By focusing on existential hunger and spiritual receptiveness, Lent ultimately points to the fullness of life found in Jesus at Easter (or Pascha in Greek and Latin, which means “Passover”).

All of Lent’s penitential practices and acts of spiritual renewal find their meaning in the journey of self-emptying and self-giving love that Jesus undertakes in his death and resurrection: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love” (John 15:9).

In this way, Christians discover that they can make the Paschal journey with Jesus, just as they have made the Lenten journey, because they — along with all humanity — are loved and “loved lavishly”, as Draško Dizdar writes, “gratuitously; yes, even recklessly, exultantly; indeed, absolutely and unconditionally, by the One [God] who knows us better than we know ourselves, and yet desires nothing other than that we should all flourish in the radiant light of his love.”

This journey of love is first made by Christians sacramentally in baptism, and then is spiritually renewed at Lent. With Jesus as companion and guide, Christians are moved to “passover” from the “world” of selfishness, evil, and pain into the gratuitous and unconditional love of God experienced at Easter.

Joel Hodge is Senior Lecturer in Systematic Theology at Australian Catholic University, and the author of Violence in the Name of God: The Militant Jihadist Response to Modernity .

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The Easter Story - Important Facts All Christians Need to Know

• Jason Soroski Contributing Writer
• Updated Mar 24, 2021

The story of Easter is the story of an empty tomb. No one knows with complete certainty where the tomb of Jesus was located, but this shouldn’t be surprising. After the resurrection, the location of the tomb didn’t matter anymore since Jesus was no longer in it.

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What is the Easter Story?

On Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate what is arguably the most important event in all of human history: Jesus rising from the dead. All of Christianity and all eternity hinges on the truth of the resurrection. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our faith is lacking in meaning and is just another interesting philosophy. But if the resurrection is true, then it is the clearest proof that Jesus is exactly who he claimed to be – the Son of God and the Savior of the world. All of the evidence points to the truth of the resurrection, and the result is changed lives. Let's dive into both the big and seemingly smaller events of the story of Easter, and understand how each is signifcant to the entire redemption story.

Why is the timeline of Easter important?

“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”  Matthew 26:53-54

Immediately before the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus sat at the Passover meal with his disciples and explained how the meal represented not only the past, but also what was about to happen in the following days. Jesus had to make the ultimate sacrifice at the time of Passover. He also had to be taken down from the cross before sunset, because this was the beginning of the Sabbath. Each event fit inside a larger picture of what God had been doing through his people for centuries and set the stage for what he had planned for the next few thousand years.

What did the Last Supper really mean and what does it have to do with Easter?

Christians everywhere celebrate what we call ‘communion’ or the ‘Lord’s Supper’ because of what happened the night before the crucifixion. Jesus and his disciples were celebrating the Passover together, and a small part of this observance involves drinking a cup and the breaking and eating of unleavened bread. The entire observation of Passover is a remembrance of how God delivered the Jewish people out of slavery in Egypt, and each element is a symbol of that. As they celebrated this meal, Jesus reaffirmed the original meaning of deliverance from physical slavery while adding to it the meaning of freedom from spiritual slavery. His broken body is represented in the bread, and his blood in the cup. In him and through his sacrifice, the symbolism has now been fulfilled.

What happened in the garden of Gethsemane?

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."  Luke 22:42

The garden of Gethsemane is a grove of olive trees that is still there today. Some of the trees are over 2,000 years old and would have been young trees at the time Jesus was there on the night he was arrested. Located in Jerusalem, the Temple Mount is just a short walk away across the Kidron Valley. As Jesus prayed in the garden, he could see the temple, and could likely hear the hustle and bustle of people gathering for the Passover.

It is here that he prayed the most agonizing prayer ever to be lifted up. After the Last Supper with his disciples, he took them out to pray in the garden where he predicted Peter’s denial and prayed for God’s will to be done in him.

Why was Jesus put on trial?

Jesus went through several trials, and all of them were legally out-of-line, even by ancient standards. His first trial was before the Sanhedrin, the leading council of Israel, where he was charged with blasphemy for claiming to be God. The meeting of the council was called at night, and all the witnesses brought against Jesus were poor witnesses at best.

The council had no authority to sentence him to death, so they brought him to Pilate, the Roman governor who held that power. Pilate found no cause for getting involved in what he saw as a local religious dispute, so when he found out that Jesus was from Galilee, he sent him off to Herod, the leader of Galilee, who was also in Jerusalem for the Passover. Before Herod, Jesus was mocked and beaten and then sent back to Pilate. Pilate finally allowed his crucifixion in order to “satisfy the crowd” ( Mark 15:15 ).

There was no legal reason for Jesus to be crucified. He had not blasphemed or opposed paying taxes. Yet, it was God’s will that Jesus die on our behalf to take away our sin. There was no stopping the plan of God, no matter how painful. Out of this pain and even in this dark hour, a path was being laid for the resurrection and the glorious hope of eternal life and triumph over the grave.

Why was Jesus crucified?

The crucifixion of Jesus is one of the most horrifying, yet most startlingly beautiful things that has ever happened. Crucifixion was not unique to Jesus but was a common Roman practice. Criminals, outlaws, and others were regularly crucified in the Roman world. Perhaps the most striking thing about the method of his death was that it was so strikingly common. Crucifixion was not an unusual sight for the people of Israel under Roman occupation. What was unusual is that this man had committed no crime worthy of crucifixion.

In fact, he had committed no crime at all.

The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, was a soldier and a politician known to be cruel in his methods and by no means a softhearted man. Yet even he expressed regret for allowing the crucifixion of Christ to proceed.

Where was Jesus crucified?

“They came to a place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’).”  Matthew 27:33

How did Jesus die?

“Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.”  Luke 23:46

To say the death of Christ was excruciating is no stretch, as the word excruciating  itself is derived from the word crucifixion . It literally means ‘the pain of a crucifixion.’

Suffering from blood loss, extreme pain, and muscle spasms from being nailed to a cross, the victim eventually lost the strength and ability to continue taking air and died from suffocation. The moment Jesus died, it would seem that all was lost and his vision of God’s kingdom had died with him.

But the story was not yet over.

What happened when he died?

When Jesus died, the hope of his followers was also on the verge of death. The one who they followed and believed in had died the death of a common thief. Yet there were many other things that occurred which the Bible tells us of:

“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’”  Matthew 27:51-54

Where was Jesus buried?

“At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.” John 19:41

After the crucifixion, a man named Joseph of Arimathea asked for the body of Jesus to be placed in his tomb. Joseph was a wealthy man, a member of the council, and a follower of Jesus. After they had hastily prepared his body for burial, a large stone was rolled in front of the entrance, and Roman guards were placed in front of it.

Jesus had gained quite an energetic following, and there was concern that someone may attempt to steal the body, claiming that Jesus had returned from the dead. These guards would fulfill their duty to ensure that the stone stayed in place and that no one would move it.

They never anticipated it being moved from the inside.

How did the resurrection happen?

The moment that death was defeated is the moment that Jesus arose from the dead and walked out of that borrowed grave! We don’t understand how  this happened; only that through the power of God,  it did happen ! The first people to see the empty tomb and to see him resurrected were women who had followed him: “On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus” ( Luke 24:1-3 ).

How can you be saved?

“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”  1 Peter 1:3

The death and resurrection of Jesus means that there is hope in this hopeless world; that there truly is a God; and that not only does he understand us, but he became one of us. He took our sins upon himself and is alive today. Romans 10:9 says that “ If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved .”

It is that simple. If we truly believe he is who he says he is and that he rose from the dead as he said he would, it will forever change the way we think and live.

This is the time of year that life begins to bloom around us. Spring replaces winter, and as the air begins to warm there is a sense of rejuvenation and refreshing—a feeling that the old is being made new all over again. It is fitting that we celebrate the resurrection at this time of year, and also fitting that we embrace the new life offered to us through our living Savior.

Photo Credit: GettyImages/shutterjack

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Lent: a time for renewing faith, hope and love

By Amedeo Lomonaco

"Lent is a time for believing, for welcoming God into our lives and allowing Him to ‘make his dwelling’ among us", the Pope writes in his Lenten message for 2021 . “In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who ‘humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross’”.

These words from the Pope’s message not only refer to the memorial dimension of remembrance, but also invite us to live, even today, a favorable time to renew faith, hope and charity. All are called to grow "in the realization that, in Jesus Christ, we are witnesses of new times, in which God is ‘making all things new’".

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has often described the meaning of the journey that leads to Easter. "During the Season of Lent", he said Sunday 21 February at the Angelus , "the Holy Spirit drives us too, like Jesus, into the desert. It is not…a physical place, but rather an existential dimension in which we can be silent and listen to the word of God”.

The core of the Lenten journey

"Lent", the Pope explained in his homily during the Ash Wednesday Mass celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica on February 17, "is a journey that involves our whole life, our entire being.

It is a time to reconsider the path we are taking, to find the route that leads us home and to rediscover our profound relationship with God, on whom everything depends. Lent is not just about the little sacrifices we make, but about discerning where our hearts are directed. This is the core of Lent”

“Tuning in” to the Gospel frequencies

In his General Audience of 26 February 2020 , Pope Francis affirmed, "Lent is a favourable time to make room for the Word of God. It is the time to switch off the television and open the Bible. It is the time to separate from mobile phones and connect to the Gospel". He explained, "When I was a child there was no television but there was the habit of not listening to the radio.

Lent is a desert. It is a time to give up something, to distance ourselves from mobiles and connect to the Gospel. It is the time to give up useless words, gossip and slander and to talk to and be informal with the Lord. It is the time to dedicate ourselves to a healthy ecology of the heart, to cleanse it.”

Living as Jesus calls us

“We need to free ourselves", the Pope underscored at the Ash Wednesday Mass celebrated at the Basilica of Santa Sabina on 6 March 2019 , "from the clutches of consumerism and the snares of selfishness, from always wanting more, from never being satisfied, and from a heart closed to the needs of the poor.

Jesus on the wood of the cross burns with love, and calls us to a life that is passionate for Him, which is not lost amid the ashes of the world; to a life that burns with charity and is not extinguished in mediocrity. Is it difficult to live as he asks? Yes, it is difficult, but it leads us to our goal. Lent shows us this".

“Pause in order to look and contemplate!”

"Pause, in order to look and contemplate", the Pope said at the Ash Wednesday Mass in the Basilica of Santa Sabina on 14 February 2018 . "See and contemplate the real face of Christ crucified out of love for everyone, without exception…Return without fear, to experience the healing and reconciling tenderness of God.”

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The Easter Bible Story: Verses and Meaning

The Easter Bible Story - While Christmas observes the birth of Jesus, Easter remembers the main Christian event: Christ's suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection . For Christians, Easter is the remembrance of Christ's voluntary death and resurrection to save humankind from sin and death.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" ( 1 Peter 1:3 )

Discover the complete Bible story of Easter, including the Last Supper , Judas' Betrayal, the Crucifixion of Jesus, and Jesus' Resurrection. Read the summary of each and the full scripture text linked below:

The Last Supper 

Matthew 26:17-30 , Mark 14:12-25 , Luke 22:7-23

The story of the Last Supper is an invitation from Jesus to partake of Him, first to His apostles and to all Christians. This is a summary of the Last Supper Bible story as told in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke below. Read more in-depth Bible verses from the Scripture below and use the articles and videos to understand the meaning behind this teachable event in the Bible. 

The last supper occurred on Passover's first day, or the Festival of Unleavened Bread. Jesus sent his disciples to the city to prepare a meal to celebrate Passover. Passover is the remembrance of Israel being freed from slavery to Egypt, specifically when the angel of death passed over the homes of the Israelites that had lambs' blood over the doors.

As the disciples reclined and ate dinner with Jesus, he explained that one of the twelve would soon betray him. One by one the disciplines denied that it would be them, including Judas who would be the betrayer. Jesus responded that the person who betrays him will have a terrible fate and that it was Judas.

Jesus prayed and thanked God for the meal. He then broke the bread, shared the wine with the disciples, and explained to them how the bread was a symbol of his body, broken for them, and the wine a symbol of his blood which would be poured out for their sins to be forgiven. This is where the church's tradition of communion comes from.

After the meal, Jesus became like a servant and washed the feet of the disciples. Peter did not feel right having Jesus wash his feet but Jesus said that He was doing it to be an example to them. Now the disciples would be able to wash each other's feet, meaning they could be servants to all.

Judas Betrays Jesus

John 18:1-13 , Luke 22:1-6 , Luke 22:47-54 , Matthew 26:47-56 , Mark 14:43-50

The Bible Story of Judas betraying Jesus is found in all four gospels.  This powerful story is well-known in Christian theology as one of the most significant events of disloyalty. There are several explanations as to why Judas betrayed Jesus, including bribery and demonic possession, that vary among the gospel accounts.

The Gospels imply that Jesus anticipated and permitted Judas's betrayal. One interpretation is that Jesus allowed the betrayal because it would allow God's plan to be achieved and another that regardless of the betrayal, Jesus was eventually fated for crucifixion as part of God's plan.

During the meal of the Last Supper Jesus predicts that "one of you will betray me" referring to Judas.  Judas leaves the supper and goes to the Roman authorities who are looking to arrest Jesus. He accepts a bribe of 30 silver and agrees to take them to Jesus.  Judas knew that Jesus and the disciples would go to a garden near Jerusalem and led the soldiers there, stating "Whoever it is I kiss, he is the one; take him into custody, and lead him away under guard.” Leading the group into the garden, Judas sees Jesus with his disciples and approaches him. “Greetings, Rabbi!” Judas says, and he kisses Jesus very lightly. “Fellow, for what purpose are you present?” Jesus responds. ( Matthew 26:49 , 50) Answering his own question, Jesus says: “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

As the soldiers move toward Jesus, the apostles recognize what is happening. “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” they ask. ( Luke 22:49 ) Before Jesus can respond, Peter uses one of the two apostles' swords and attacks Malchus, a high priest servant, cutting off his right ear.

Jesus caresses the ear of Malchus, healing the wound. He then teaches an important lesson, telling Peter: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword.” Jesus is willing to be captured, for he explains: “How would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must take place this way?” ( Matthew 26:52 ) This then leads to the trial and Crucifixion of Christ .

Crucifixion of Jesus

Matthew 27:1-54 , Mark 15:1-40 , Luke 23:1-48 , John 19:1-30

The crucifixion of Jesus is recorded in the New Testament books, known as the Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This Bible story is the central summary of the saving Gospel of Jesus. Jesus had prophesied his death in Matthew: "from that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." Jesus understood that his life would be required as a sacrifice for the sins of man. 

At the height of his ministry and miracles, many Jews came to believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. Jewish leaders feared Jesus because of his growing followers. With the help of Judas Iscariot, Roman soldiers arrested Jesus, and he was put on trial for claiming to be the king of the Jews. According to Roman law, the punishment for rebellion against the king was death by crucifixion.

The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, was reluctant when it came to the punishment for Jesus. Pilate could find no wrong in Jesus, yet he wanted to give the people what they wanted, and that was the death of Jesus. Pilate washed his hands in front of the crowd to symbolize that he was not taking responsibility for the bloodshed of Jesus and then handed Jesus over to be beaten and lashed. Jesus had a crown of thorns thrust on his head and made to carry his cross along the pathway to the hill where he would be crucified. The location of Jesus' crucifixion is known as Calvary, which is translated from "a place of a skull." 

Crowds had gathered to mourn and watch Jesus' death. Jesus was nailed to the cross between two criminals, and his sides were pierced by a sword. While Jesus was mocked, one of the criminals asked him to remember him, and Jesus responded: "Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." Jesus then looked to heaven and asked God to "forgive them, for they do not know what they do." When taking his last breath, Jesus spoke: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit...it is finished."

Extraordinary events marked the death of Jesus. The sky was completely dark for three hours as Jesus hung on the cross. At the moment of his last breath, the earth shook, the temple curtain split from top to bottom, and the tombs of saints opened and their bodies raised from the dead. 

The crucifixion of Jesus was a part of God's plan from the very beginning of the birth of Jesus. The sin of mankind would require a sacrifice. The sinless life of Jesus was lived and given so that man could receive salvation and eternal life in heaven.

Resurrection of Jesus

Matthew 28 , Mark 16 , Luke 24 , John 20

Jesus was arrested, tried, and found guilty of claiming to be a king. His body was hung on a cross between two thieves. After his death, Jesus’ body was wrapped in linen cloth and placed in a tomb with a large stone rolled across the opening.  On the third day, an early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and another Mary came to the tomb and found it empty. Sitting on the rolled-away stone was an angel of the Lord who told them not to be afraid because Jesus had risen. As the women left to tell the disciples, Jesus Christ met them and showed them his nail-pierced hands.

Both the Old and the New Testaments speak of the truth of Jesus being raised from death - Jesus testified of his resurrection before he died on the cross, and his disciples witnessed his body after the resurrection.  Below are the Bible verses and Scriptures that both prophesize the resurrection and testify of its reality after Christ’s death. 

Get your free Easter Prayer and Scripture Guide to reflect on the meaning and importance of Christ's resurrection.

Read the full scripture text of the Easter Bible story below and find related articles, podcasts, and sermons!

Matthew 28 Commentaries

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The Easter Season

Each spring, Early Christians aligned themselves to the rhythm of Jesus’ death and resurrection — they would pray and fast (death), then they would gather for a communion feast (resurrection).

Years later, Christians began referring to this season as Lent or  “ lengthen ”. As we move from the darkness of winter to the light of spring, our days begin to stretch and get longer. Early Christians saw this season as deeply symbolic as they prepared for Easter — moving from darkness to light. As the days of winter stretch out and transform to days of spring, we are invited to do the same.

When we walk the journey to Easter together in this season we too will stretch and transform, becoming people called out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Getting Started

Begins Monday, March 8

Ends Easter Sunday

Journey to Easter Guide

We put together a guide that will help you experience the Easter season by taking the four weeks leading up to Easter to focus on prayer and fasting (Monday-Friday) and community gatherings  (Saturday-Sundays). In the guide, we’ll help you choose a fast, learn from a weekly scripture reading, and feast together on the weekends.

Our hope is that this Easter season will create some of the most meaningful moments of your year!

Sign up to download the Journey to Easter Guide below!

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EASTER: UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY

Fr. Tim Peters, S.T.D., assistant professor of Biblical Studies at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, recently spoke to OC Catholic about the Easter season and its significance.

There’s much to consider with Easter, according to Fr. Tim, some aspects that Catholics may even miss. But as we journey through the season of Lent, we begin to discover the richness of the Church.

“Think of it as you’ve taken the journey before,” said Fr. Tim, “but now you’re starting to take in the landscape – the hills, the valleys, the trees.”

As we travel on this journey, we as Catholics discover these beautiful readings that prepare us to understand the cross and the resurrection.

“The Church is tossing the gold gets to us during Lent,” added Fr. Tim, “and trying to say, ‘look at the beauty of the faith.’’’

The readings from the Old Testament help us see how God prepared for His Son to come into this world and give His life for our salvation. The readings of the New Testament show us how the purpose and plan of God reaches fulfillment in Jesus Christ the Messiah (the Anointed One).

PALM SUNDAY As we enter into Holy Week, we relive what Jesus did. We re-encounter what happened as Jesus came into a Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilling a great prophecy that told of a great and humble king coming to them (Zechariah 9:9-10).

As they welcomed him waving palms, the crowd sang “Hosanna” which is a petition petition for God’s salvation; just days later a crowd would yell, “Crucify Him!”

The reading of the “Passion” takes place on Palm Sunday. This year it was read from Mark’s Gospel.

“God could have saved the world in any way He wanted,” said Fr. Tim, “but He gave His own Son, and the Son is obedient and gave His life for our salvation (John 3:14-17). God chose this specific way to manifest His love, as a complete gift.

CHRISM MASS During the Chrism Mass all priests renew their vow and commitment to the priesthood and the bishop consecrates all the Holy Oils that will be used for the sacraments throughout the year. The three holy oils are: Chrism (used for the anointing of priests and for those who receive Baptism and Confirmation), the Oil of the Catechumens (for those who are receiving Baptism) and the Oil for the Sick (for anointing of the sick).

This year’s Chrism Mass was celebrated on March 25 at St. Columban Catholic Church.

HOLY THURSDAY This begins a period called the Triduum, a special word that underlines the period from Thursday evening through the Saturday Easter Vigil. It begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday evening which celebrates the institution of the Eucharist. However, the priests will often wash feet of 12 parishioners, as Jesus washed the feet of his apostles and set an example of how to serve others. For Jesus said, ‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’ (Mark 10:45).

At the Last Supper, while celebrating the Passover, Jesus instituted the Eucharist. He took the unleavened bread that would be consumed at the Passover meal, and He said This is my Body… And He took the cup that was at the meal and said This is my Blood… The Mass is followed by a Eucharistic procession which recalls when Christ went to Gethsemane and prayed with His disciples in agony before He was handed over.

BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER WASHES THE FEET OF A PARISHIONER DURING THE 2023 HOLY THURSDAY MASS AT ST. BONIVENTURE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ANAHEIM . PHOTO BY KIERNAN COLOFLORES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

GOOD FRIDAY “What’s interesting about the Good Friday celebration is there’s no Mass,” said Fr. Tim, “and the altar will be bare. All the Sacred Hosts which consecrated on Holy Thursday are also used on Good Friday. The Triduum that goes all the way from Holy Thursday to the Easter Vigil is one long service, a beautiful liturgy and journey of faith.”

The readings are profound, especially important is the reading from Isaiah Chapter 53, “For many Catholics, the history of salvation is being presented before us,” said Fr. Tim.

After the Homily is the Veneration of the Cross. The Cross is carried into the church by the celebrant, and he stops three times. He sings out, “behold the wood of the cross on which hung the Savior of the world.”

People kneel with great emotion, and give a symbolic kiss to the cross.

“It’s a way of saying, ‘Jesus, you gave your life for my salvation,'” added Fr. Tim.

A MAN VENERATES THE CROSS DURING A GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE IN 2023 AT LA PURÍSIMA  CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ORANGE. PHOTO BY COLIN HORAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

HOLY SATURDAY During the Easter Vigil, we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. It’s often a three-hour service that begins with darkness and ends with light recalling the darkness at creation before the Lord spoke. The Easter Vigil candle is lit outside in the darkness, followed by a procession into the church. The Easter Candle represents that Christ is the one true light of the world (John 8:12) and the refrain Lumen Cristi (the Light of Christ) is chanted three times and this is followed by the Exsultet (The Easter Proclamation) is also sung during this Mass.

“It’s an ancient song which dates back to the early Church,” said Fr. Tim, “and it recounts the great salvation we have in Christ our Lord.”

Fr. Tim added: “It’s saying to people, ‘we’ve been on this journey for 40 days… and now that we have walked with Jesus to the foot of the Cross and really comprehended the agony of our own sin and the absolute grace that God has manifested through Jesus’ Cross and resurrection, now we celebrate God’s definitive victory over death and sin.’”

Today, let us rejoice with Christ and await His return in glory.

THE EASTER VIGIL IS CELEBRATED AT ST. TIMOTHY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LAGUNA NIGUEL, 2023. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

EASTER SUNDAY AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL, 2023. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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Journey To Easter: Spiritual Reflections for the Lenten Season Paperback – February 1, 2006

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The successor to Pope John Paul II shares a Lenten blessing that evaluates the meaning of the season, the significance of the birth and death of Christ, and the meaning of Jesus in the lives of Christians everywhere, in a spiritual meditation that follows such themes as the mystery of Mary and the Pentecostal sending of the Spirit.

• Print length 184 pages
• Language English
• Publication date February 1, 2006
• Dimensions 5.5 x 0.46 x 8.38 inches
• ISBN-10 0824523822
• ISBN-13 978-0824523824
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ PublishDrive; Reprint edition (February 1, 2006)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 184 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0824523822
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0824523824
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.3 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.46 x 8.38 inches
• #270 in Easter Holiday
• #6,250 in Christian Devotionals (Books)
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Pope benedict xvi.

Born in 1927 in Germany as Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI has been head of the Roman Catholic Church since April 2005. A prolific author, theologian and university professor, Ratzinger served as an "expert" at the Second Vatican Council, and was tapped in 1977 by Pope Paul VI to lead the German Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. In 1981, Pope John Paul II called him to Rome to head the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he served until his papal election.

Photo by Kancelaria Prezydenta RP (prezydent.pl) [GFDL 1.2 (https://gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html) or GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html)], via Wikimedia Commons.

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Preach FREEDOM in Christ!

• Sermon Series
• A Journey To And From Easter - Shared by Dennis Lee

A Journey To And From Easter

Contributed by dennis lee on mar 14, 2016 (message contributor).

Sermons in Series: 7

Denomination: Foursquare

1. A Journey Towards Our Destiny: The Jerusalem Road (Newly Updated 2/27/24)

Contributed on mar 14, 2016.

This is a sermon leading up to Easter. It looks at the road Jesus took to Jerusalem, and that the road is one of humility, fulfillment, obedience, and destiny. It challenges believers to take this same road for their life.

A Journey Towards Our Destiny: The Jerusalem Road Matthew 21:1-11 As we begin our journey with Jesus towards Easter and the Resurrection, we’ll be taking two roads that Jesus journeyed upon as He approached His destiny, a destiny that was decided before time and the foundations of the earth even ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 , Matthew 21:4-5 , Philippians 2:8 , Zechariah 9:9 , Ephesians 1:4-5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Easter , Humility , Obedience , Destiny , Fulfillment  (view more)  (view less)

2. A Journey Towards Hope: The Emmaus Road (Updated 3/4/24)

Contributed on apr 11, 2016.

On this road and journey, we’ll look at three secrets we’re all carrying. We see these secrets in two of Jesus disciples that took this road following His death. It’s the road to Emmaus, and it’s a journey we take towards renewing a hope within us that erases exhaustion, emptiness, and enslavement.

A Journey Towards Hope: The Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-35 With all that is happening in our world today, there is simmering just beneath the surface Three Basic Secrets no one wants to admit, but the truth is more than evident. 1. We Feel Exhausted The first one is that most of us just feel ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Tags: Easter , Resurrection , The Emmaus Road

3. A Journey Towards Transformation: The Damascus Road (Newly Update 3/23/24)

Contributed on apr 25, 2016.

In a moment, Paul was transformed, where the confronter became the confronted. The hunter became the hunted. The accuser was now the accused. And while he thought he had the authority, in that moment he found himself powerless when he heard the true voice of authority.

A Journey Towards Transformation?“The Damascus Road” Acts 9:1-19 Thinking about this whole idea that we’ll be exploring in our Easter message, “God Will Make a Way,” the concept of the various roads that both Jesus and His disciples took up to and following His resurrection came to mind. We’ll ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-19 , Romans 12:2 , 2 Corinthians 5:17

Tags: Easter , Challenge , Change , Transformation , Damascus , Confrontation , Saul Of Tarsus , Apostle Paul  (view more)  (view less)

4. "a Journey Towards Redemption: Calvary Road"

Contributed on feb 28, 2024.

The road to Calvary completes Jesus’s destiny, and it’s a road that will fulfill ours as well. Calvary Road is a journey towards our redemption. What we’ll be looking at is not only how Jesus entered on the road for the redemption of our souls, but how we enter on this road as well.

A Journey Towards Redemption: Calvary Road Mark 14:1-15:27 Watch on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq8DgUTcbwE Today we’re continuing our Easter Journey. Last week we looked at the road Jesus took as He entered Jerusalem, or the Jerusalem Road. On that road, we saw that it was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:1-15:27 , Luke 9:23 , Hebrews 12:2 , John 18:4-5

Tags: Death , Easter , Persecution , Confession , Redemption , Cross Of Calvary , Gethsemane Prayer  (view more)  (view less)

5. A Journey Towards Transformation: "The Damascus Road”

Contributed on mar 1, 2024.

In a moment, Paul was transformed, where the confronter became the confronted. The hunter became the hunted. The accuser was now the accused. And while he thought he had the authority, in that moment he found himself powerless when he heard the true voice of authority.

Scripture: Acts 9:1-19 , 2 Corinthians 5:17 , Romans 12:2

Tags: Easter , Challenge , Change , Transformation , Confrontation , Saul Of Tarsus , Apostle Paul , Damascus Road  (view more)  (view less)

6. A Journey Towards Our Destiny: The Jerusalem Road

A Journey Towards Our Destiny: The Jerusalem Road Matthew 21:1-11 Watch on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BqI1heN9qcWatch on YouTube As we begin our journey with Jesus towards Easter and the Resurrection, we’ll be taking two roads that Jesus journeyed upon as He approached His ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 , Matthew 20:18-19 , Luke 9:51

Tags: Easter , Humility , Obedience , Destiny , Palm Sunday , Fulfillment  (view more)  (view less)

7. A Journey Towards Hope: The Emmaus Road

Contributed on mar 4, 2024.

On this journey, we’ll look at three secrets. We see these secrets in two of Jesus disciples that were on this road to Emmaus. What they found and what we’ll find is a renewed a hope that erases exhaustion, emptiness, and enslavement.

A Journey Towards Hope: The Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-35 Watch on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwtJr_xu1Vw With all that is happening in our world today, there are Three Basic Secrets simmering just beneath the surface that no one wants to admit. 1. We Feel Exhausted Most of ...read more

Tags: Easter , Hope , Renewal , Journey , Empty , Exhausted , Emmaus Road , Trapped  (view more)  (view less)

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The journey to easter…, easter 2 (a) – 2008.

March 30, 2008

Debbie Royals

The journey to Easter is one filled with questioning and reconciliation as we follow the narrative that brings us to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. These stories provide many examples of what God would have us do and be through the living example of his son, Jesus. We even experience through Jesus the mystery of belief complete with its companions: questioning, doubt, and obedience.

The mystery and complexity of belief is woven throughout scripture. They are at the heart of what it means to be Christian, making the stories of mystery and belief essential for our own understanding of faith and challenging our ability to share that part of ourselves with everyone we encounter in obedience.

Aside from the miracle of creation, for which there were no witnesses, most of the stories in scripture invite us into believing through the relationships of others. Take for example the mystery shrouding Mary’s conception or the miracle for Elizabeth both as she recognizes the child Mary bears to be Jesus and as her own unborn child leaps – already going ahead, announcing Jesus. Or consider the miracle of Lazarus or the widow’s child being raised up from death. Or the healing of the lepers, the blind, or people otherwise afflicted. Or the faith of the Syrophoenician woman that her child could be healed if only Jesus would acknowledge her. Or the Samaritan woman at the well whose only task was to draw water but gained new life instead.

All of these are fine examples of what we might want to explain away with reasoning, but in reality they require our belief – a much greater task. Just ask Thomas, who, unlike the rest of the apostles, was not given the opportunity to see Jesus when he first appeared showing them his wounds and acknowledging their disbelief and wonder. Or ask the two apostles in the gospel of Mark who traveled on a road and ate with Jesus before they recognized their teacher. And what about “the disciple whom Jesus loved” who went into the tomb following Peter and saw and believed? Thomas had been known for so much more, but somehow all anyone remembers him for now is being the one who doubted.

What would people say about you? What do you need to “see” to believe? And do people you encounter know by your actions what you believe?

The gospel reading encourages us to be faithful and believe, to trust. There is a temptation then to say that doubting is bad and belief is good, but I would challenge that perspective. Certainly we encounter doubt every day in our lives. But the presence of trust allows us to process information so that even when we cannot see, we can believe. We seldom have unequivocal proof of anything. So how can we ever be certain?

Doubt and faith are not opposites. The opposite of faith in God is not doubt, but believing in something or someone else. The faith journey is filled with doubt, and maybe doubt needs to be present before belief or faith can be realized. Times of questioning can actually lead to deeper relationship with God and reveal new aspects of understanding what we believe. Periods of questioning open our minds to imagine infinite possibilities with God.

When left on our own, we cannot imagine how God would love us, let alone forgive us. Faced with the grandeur of the universe, we wonder at God’s concern over us as little specks in this diverse creative process. We doubt the usefulness of our gifts in a world where it seems there is so much to do. Our doubt becomes the barrier to the fullness of believing and faithfulness. It becomes the stumbling block rather than the passage to a better understanding of our faith.

But when we allow doubt to be a gift from God that opens us up to deeper levels of understanding and closer relationship to God and all God created, we appreciate that faith and doubt are our companions. They coexist, allowing us to see the many paradoxes of God in Christ: human and divine; with us and transcendent; dead and risen, present in the bread and wine. The Easter experience of resurrection challenges any box we might use to confine the God of infinite possibilities. The gospel uses Thomas to demonstrate that God cannot fit into any box and invites us into the imaginative and creative power of God still loose in the world.

Some 2000 years later, Christians all over the world believe, because we know and experience the realness of the stories of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. It would certainly have been nice to have been there and known Jesus – to see. Today we are given ample opportunities to see the face of God all around us. We only need to believe, and then we will see.

Jesus calls those who do not need to see to believe “blessed.” And then he commissions us by saying, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” He said this to the gathered disciples and then sent them into the world breathing the Holy Spirit upon them.

The First Letter of Peter reminds us, “Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of souls.”

We are tempted to believe that these readings are about faith and doubt, but we must not forget the rest of the story – the commissioning. Blessed are we who believe without seeing and receive the Holy Spirit. Blessed are we who rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, sharing these gifts with everyone we encounter. Together with the apostles we are captured by God’s living presence, imagining the infinite possibilities in creating a world that believes even without seeing.

Our faith in Christ, and his resurrection allows us to live as witnesses to the rich diversity of creation as God continues to be present in all that is around us. We rejoice in receiving the power of the Holy Spirit, applying God’s abundant love in ways that bring the fullness of God’s glory, in the presence of the Kingdom, here and now, through our actions.

In this season of Easter let us all come together as companions in resurrection, approaching our doubts as an invitation on our faith journey to believe without seeing.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the  Sermons That Work podcast  to hear this sermon and more on your favorite podcasting app! Recordings are released the Thursday before each liturgical date.

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Bible Lessons

11 Creative Stations to Celebrate Jesus’ Easter Journey

Published: March 25, 2018

Looking for an Easter journey for families? Try these 11 Easter stations for a memorable event!

Easter is a time of celebration of new life in Jesus! As Christians, we’re obviously elated at what our Savior accomplished for us on the cross and when he arose from the dead. Easter is definitely one of the high-holy happy days in our faith.

Yet, it’s possible that we may overlook the amazing and emotional journey Jesus embarked on in the last days before he was crucified. To keep that from happening, we’ve prepared a multisensory journey for you to take children and their families through the paths that Jesus walked during his last days on earth.

Go far beyond Easter egg hunts and chocolate bunnies—send families on this sojourn to Christ that’ll give them a deeper understanding about his crucifixion and resurrection, and the powerful, everlasting truths of his teachings.

Getting Started

To create this multisensory event, you’ll need a large activity area or classroom. Divide the area into three sections. You can hang sheets as partitions, or use separate rooms. Each section represents an area of the journey.

You’ll need volunteers to dress in Bible-time clothing and be stationed at each section to help manage materials, give instructions, and answer questions. Turn off the overhead lights in the room. Use lamps to light each section independently. Provide several Bibles with the marked Scriptures for that section. Also, make a poster for each section of the Scripture so families can read the verses as they move through.

Be Prepared

Encourage families to wear casual clothes and bring their Bibles .

After all the participants arrive, divide them into groups of no more than 12, keeping families intact. Have groups travel together through this journey. You’ll have to stagger sending groups through as it’s critical to experience this journey sequentially.

All Earthly Possessions

Each family needs a bag with two chocolate coins (available at www.candywarehouse.com ); construction paper cutouts of a coat, a fish, a house, and a loaf of bread; muslin strips; a baggie of dirt; and a baggie of dried beans.

At the entrance of the room, set up a table with these bags of earthly possessions for families to take with them on their journey. For groups or families of more than six, provide two bags. Explain to families that the earthly possessions inside the bag represent everything they have. Their possessions are few, and they’ll have to sacrifice some of them along the way, so they need to choose wisely as they go.

Decorate this section like the interior of a modest home during Jesus’ day. Spread a blanket on the floor, and place a few pillows here and there as seats. Keep the walls bare, or cover them with white butcher paper or sheets. Burn incense or sage in a safe place out of kids’ reach. Hang old shirts in one corner. Place a stuffed goat or lamb in another corner. Play barnyard sounds (available at www.sounddogs.com ) in the background.

In Lazarus’ House

Easter station 1: those who are last, preparation.

Scripture: Matthew 19:23-30

Materials: Large bowl, cold water, slivers of soap, a conspicuously dirty towel. Set up a wash station at the entrance of Lazarus’ house. Make a sign that says,”Many people have come before you to use this soap, water, and towel. Please wash your hands.”

The Station

Before allowing families to enter this section, read aloud the Scripture and have each person dip his or her hands into the water, wash, and then dry with the dirty towel.

Then after everyone has washed, ask: “How did it feel to put your hands in water after other people used it? Do your hands feel clean? Why or why not? What do you think Jesus meant when he said, ‘But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first’? How did it feel to not have clean water, good soap, or fresh towels? Would you have liked to have been the first person to use the water rather than the last? Why or why not? How do you think other people felt who had to use the dirty water? How about the person who used it first?”

Easter Station 2: Palms in the Air

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11

Materials: Green construction paper, scissors, clear tape, staplers, 12-inch wooden dowel rods.

Have children each cut five palm leaves from a sheet of green construction paper. Arrange the leaves so they connect at the base and fan out at the tips. Staple the leaves together at the base. Then tape the base of the leaves to the end of one 12-inch wooden dowel. Make sure the leaves are securely in place.

Have children wave their palm fronds in the air. Then read aloud the Scripture. Afterward, say, “Imagine what it was like when the people heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. What do you think they did? How would you have prepared? Would you have brought a gift or an offering? Why or why not? Why do you think the people put their clothing and palms on the ground for Jesus to use as a path?”

Then ask families to look through their earthly possessions and decide what they’ll put on the pathway leading into Jerusalem to honor Jesus’ arrival. When they’ve decided, have them place their item on the pathway along with others’ offerings.

Station 3: Give Your Best to God

Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13

Materials: One-gallon unscented liquid castile soap, one box chamomile herbal tea bags, bowls, liquid measuring cups, funnels, one 4-ounce plastic bottle with fliptop (available at www.specialtybottle.com , item #PN4F) for each child, peel-and-stick labels, black fine-tipped markers, glitter pens. Brew a pot of tea at three times the normal strength before families arrive. Store it at room temperature.

Read aloud the Scripture. Ask, “What do you think Jesus meant when he said, ‘She has done a beautiful thing for me. You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me’? Why did the woman anoint Jesus’ head with her best, most expensive perfume? What does it mean to give your best to the Lord? Can you think of a way to give your best to God?”

Have parents help their children make some shampoo that’ll remind them of the woman who anointed Jesus with the perfume to get Jesus ready for burial.

Have children mix 1/3 cup of liquid castile soap and 1/8 cup of strongly brewed tea in a bowl. Using a funnel, fill a 4-ounce bottle with the mixture and tighten the fliptop lid.

Then have kids decorate a peel-and-stick label to put on their bottles with the words, “What she has done will be told in memory of her ( Matthew 26:13 ).”

In the Temple

Place an upturned table near one wall. Spread feathers, coins, and dried beans on the floor. Hang a large coin cut from butcher paper on the wall above the upturned table.

Easter Station 3: At What Cost?

Scripture: Mark 11:15-18

Materials: Each family will need two medium plastic foam cups, two 12-inch wooden dowel rods, one chenille craft wire, and six 12-inch pieces of yarn.

Make scales by punching three evenly spaced holes in the lip of each plastic foam cup. Tie a piece of yarn through each hole. Then tie one cup to each end of one wooden dowel to make the scale’s “buckets.”

Form a cross with the dowel rods, keeping the rod with the buckets on top. (This may require more than one person.) Using the chenille craft wire, lash the two rods together. Make sure the rod is centered on top of the other rod.

To use the scale, have one person hold the dowel rod balancing the scales. Another person can carefully place items from the bag of possessions to be weighed in the buckets.

Read aloud the Scripture. Ask, “ Why did Jesus turn over the vendors’ tables and free their livestock? What did he mean when he said, ‘But you have made it a den for robbers’? Why did the people turn God’s temple into a place of business? How do you feel about that? Can you think of ways we can better honor God’s temple? ”

Easter Station 4: Judas Balloons

Scripture: Mark 14:17-20

Materials: Multiple colors of balloons, paper strips, marker, string, scissors.

Write each disciple’s name on a paper strip, roll it, and insert it into a deflated balloon. Make enough balloons for several groups with 12 in each group. Make sure you know which balloon is the Judas balloon. Inflate and hang a group of balloons from the ceiling, making sure they’re easily reached.

Read aloud the Scripture. Ask, “What do you imagine Jesus’ disciples were thinking when Jesus told them one among them would betray him? What does it mean to betray someone? Have you ever depended on someone who betrayed you or let you down? Explain. How did you feel? Do you think Judas knew all along he would betray Jesus? Why or why not?”

Have everyone select a balloon, then sit in a circle. Explain that even though they don’t know it, someone in their group has chosen the Judas balloon. Have group members think about how they can tell which is the Judas balloon. Then have each person select the balloon he or she thinks is the Judas balloon.

Say, “Even though Jesus knew he would be betrayed, he put his life in the hands of his disciples. I’m going to ask you to put something precious to you in someone else’s hands.” Have each person select something from the bag of earthly possessions and put it in the center of the circle.

Say, “Each of you will pop your balloon, and we’ll see if anyone guessed the Judas balloon correctly. If you didn’t guess correctly, you forfeit your earthly possession. If you guessed right, you get to keep your possession.”

Starting with someone sitting next to the person you know has the balloon with Judas’ name in it, go around the circle and have kids and adults identify which balloon they think is the Judas balloon. Make sure the person who’s chosen the Judas balloon goes last.

Ask, “How did you feel if you guessed wrong and you had to give up your earthly possession? What if you really had to give up your home, food, or clothes based on that guess? That’s really hard to imagine, isn’t it? Imagine how Jesus felt knowing for sure that someone would betray him and that he would die because of the betrayal. How do you think Jesus felt? What would you have done if you had been Jesus?”

Easter Station 5: The Lord’s Supper

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-25

Materials: Fresh bread loaves, small paper cups, grape juice.

Invite families to share in the Lord’s Supper as they read the Scripture. Depending on your church tradition, you may need to have a pastor lead this time.

Easter Station 6: Cup of Suffering

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-39

Materials: Small plastic foam cups, bulk whole cloves (available at www.bulkfoods.com), scissors.

(Best for kids ages 6 to 12)

Read aloud the Scripture. Then ask, “ When Jesus asked God to take the cup of suffering from him, what did he mean? Have you ever had a responsibility you didn’t want to fulfill or that you really dreaded? Explain. Did you fulfill it? Why or why not? ”

Say, “ Even though Jesus pleaded with God to take away his responsibility, in the end Jesus still said, ‘Yet not as I will, but as you will.’ What do you think this means about responsibility? Jesus made the greatest sacrifice of all for us because it was what God wanted, and Jesus intended to fulfill that responsibility even though it caused him great pain. How can we be more like Jesus when we have a responsibility that we dread or dislike? ”

Have each child cut the top half off a plastic foam cup to make a shallow cup. Give each child a small handful of cloves. Then have kids push the cloves through their cups, starting at the inside bottom and working their way up to create a “thorny” cup of suffering.

Have kids smell their cups. Say, “ Whenever you see the cup of suffering you’ve made, you’ll see its thorny appearance. Sometimes our responsibilities look threatening or even scary. When you hold the cup, the spikes poke into your hands. Sometimes our responsibilities feel unpleasant or difficult. But when you smell the cup, its sweet scent overwhelms you. And when we fulfill our responsibilities-even if they seem unpleasant or difficult-we please God and we feel a sense of accomplishment. Every time you smell the cup, remember the sweet reward of Jesus’ sacrifice when he fulfilled God’s Word by giving his life for us. ”

In the Tomb

To re-create Jesus’ tomb, you’ll need large cardboard boxes (refrigerator boxes work best) to make a crawl space, flashlights, crayons, sheets, a cot, and strips of muslin.

The entryway to this section is a crawl space made of cardboard. Scatter crayons through the crawl space and provide families with a flashlight. As they crawl into the tomb, encourage them to write or draw something special about Jesus’ life.

Decorate the tomb with an empty cot. Spread plain white sheets over the cot, then drape the strips of muslin over it to represent the empty shroud. Keep the room very dim, and cover or remove anything on the walls. Use gray spray paint on torn chunks of foam to make artificial stones and toss them around the room. Use a lamp with a dimmer on it so you can light up the tomb after everyone has crawled through the crawl space.

Dot a few cotton balls with fragrant perfume and place them around the area in out-of-reach places. Play cave or tomb sounds (available at www.sounddogs.com ).

Easter Station 7: Good News Tulips

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-8

Materials: Pre-cut 4×5-inch pieces of red, pink, blue, and white felt; glue; ribbon; glitter; scissors; staplers; green chenille kraft bump stems; plastic sandwich baggies; mixed dried fruit; yellow paper strips; fine-tipped permanent markers.

Read aloud the Scripture. Then say, “It may seem dark and gloomy inside this tomb, but this is really a place of great joy! When Mary Magdalene and Mary went to visit Jesus’ tomb, the angel told them Jesus was raised from the dead. Imagine how excited they were! The angel told them to spread the word about Jesus’ resurrection.”

Have kids layer three 4X5-inch pieces of the same color felt, then cut the layers into an egg shape that’s 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide. Have kids take the top egg off the stack. Then staple the two stacked pieces along the edge of the right side, leaving the top ¼ open.

Fold both pieces in half toward the stapled outer edge. Then lay the third piece on top of the other two, matching the edges, and staple them together along both edges. Again leave the top ¼ open. You should have a triangular shape with all three egg shapes standing upright to form a tulip bud. Trim the bottom of the tulip to get it to stand up.

Decorate the outside of the tulip with glitter and ribbon. Then form leaves at the base with green chenille kraft bump stems.

As the glue dries, fill baggies with dried fruit and tie baggies with ribbons. Place the fruit baggies inside the tulips.

Write “I am with you always”- Matthew 28:20 on the yellow paper strips and place them inside the tulips. Have children deliver their Good News Tulips to friends and neighbors.

Easter Station 8: Gumdrop Flowers

Materials: Large gumdrop candies, rolling pins, sugar, wax paper, scissors, plastic sandwich bags.

Have children cut large gumdrops in half around their middles for the petals of a flower. Then have them design their flowers using a yellow sliced gumdrop for the center of the flowers and different colors for the petals. They can use green gumdrops to form the stems and petals.

Have kids arrange their flowers on a sugared piece of wax paper, then sprinkle sugar on top of the candies to keep them from sticking. The have kids roll out their flowers.

Have children carefully slide their flowers into plastic sandwich bags.

Mary Davis Montrose, Iowa

Easter Station 9: Stained Glass Craft

Materials: Colored tissue paper, clear self-adhesive vinyl (available at grocery stores), scissors.

Give each child two 10X10-inch pieces of clear self-adhesive vinyl. Peel the backing off the first piece and lay it down tacky side up.

Have kids tear small pieces of tissue paper and place them on the tacky side of the self-adhesive vinyl in the shape of a cross, fish, heart, or crown. When they’re done, peel the backing off the second piece of self-adhesive vinyl and carefully lay it over the artwork (tacky side down).

Cut around the shape with scissors.

Kids can lightly moisten one side and stick their stained-glass art to a window.

RoseAnne Sather Greeley, Colorado

Easter Station 10: God’s Promise

Materials: Coffee filters, scissors, hole punch, yarn, tape, tempera paint, paintbrushes, water.

Have children make butterflies to remind them of God’s promise of everlasting life.

Have kids fold a coffee filter in half. Then using scissors, make butterfly wings by trimming the folded edges from the center out, careful to leave the center intact. Decorate butterflies by dipping them in watery tempera paint. Let the paint bleed into the filters. Variations in the color can be guided by dipping different points into the paint. Paintbrushes work well to fill in empty spots. The filters dry very quickly.

Once the butterflies are dry, punch a hole in the center of the filter. Tie yarn through the hole.

Kids will love to see the way their butterflies flutter in the breeze.

Lynn Oberbroeckling Knoxville, Iowa

Easter Station 11: Come, Wash Your Hands

Materials: Large tub, several pitchers of clean water, new sample-size soap bars, clean towels.

Say, “You made it through your journey with fewer earthly possessions but more eternal possessions. You learned about Jesus’ teachings.

“Come wash your hands. The water and towels are clean. Remember what Jesus said. ‘Many who are first will be last, and those who are last will be first.’ No one else has used this water or these towels.

They have been brought here especially for you. As you wash, remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us. He rinsed away our sins and gives us eternal hope for a new life. Go spread the word; be joyful as you celebrate this Easter!”

Jennifer Hooks is the executive editor for Children’s Ministry Magazine.

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10 thoughts on “ 11 Creative Stations to Celebrate Jesus’ Easter Journey ”

Hi, I am really interested in your Easter activity with the 11 stations. Please could you advise how long it would take and the age range it is suitable for? Thank you

Hi Emma! We usually allow for about 1-2 hours depending on how large your church is. While the stations are shorter in nature, it takes some time to move groups from station to station. Also, this is meant to be a family activity so people of all ages are welcome!

Hi. I was wondering how the groups sacrifice the bags of earthly possessions as they travel through the stations? I love this this activity and hope to do it this Easter.

Hi Bobbie! Families will be promoted at different stations to look through their bag and sacrifice possessions. Those promptings are listed in the sections that apply. Hope that helps!

Could you advise on how to condense this for a 35-40 minute time slot for Sunday school?

Hi Tera! It might be very difficult to condense so much content into such a small window of time. You could always try to host this over 2-3 Sunday school sessions!

I was wonder how long each station takes. Are they all approximately the same time in length? How long does it take each family to move through? Thank you.

Hi Aimée! We recommend taking about 3 hours for the entire event. Stations should take close to the same amount of time, to make transition times easier! But, the main key is to try and remain flexible and know that some things will take less time or more time than expected!

What do you do with families as they are waiting to enter? If everyone shows up for this event at 10 am, seems there will be many standing around as they wait to start the journey. Love the overall concept though!

Hi Kim! You can either have people space out while waiting, or you can stagger the start and end times. This will extend the time of your event, but it will keep the time for each family the same!

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11 Creative Stations to Celebrate Jes...

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Holy Week Timeline: From Palm Sunday to the Resurrection

Follow along with the steps of Jesus Christ during Holy Week

• Cultivating Prayer as a Way of Life
• Essential Bible Verses
• Christianity Origins
• The New Testament
• The Old Testament
• Christian Life For Teens
• Christian Prayers
• Inspirational Bible Devotions
• Denominations of Christianity
• Christian Holidays
• Christian Entertainment
• Key Terms in Christianity
• Catholicism
• Latter Day Saints

• General Biblical Studies, Interdenominational Christian Training Center

While the exact order of events during Holy Week is debated by biblical scholars, this timeline represents an approximate outline of major events of the most holy days on the Christian calendar. Follow along with the steps of Jesus Christ  from  Palm Sunday through Resurrection Sunday, exploring the major events that occurred on each day.

Day 1: Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday

On the Sunday before his death , Jesus began his trip to Jerusalem, knowing that soon he would lay down his life for our sins. Nearing the village of Bethphage, he sent two of his disciples ahead, telling them to look for a donkey and its unbroken colt. The disciples were instructed to untie the animals and bring them to him.

Then Jesus sat on the young donkey and slowly, humbly, made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling the ancient prophecy in Zechariah 9:9:

"Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

The crowds welcomed him by waving palm branches in the air and shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David ! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

On Palm Sunday, Jesus and his disciples spent the night in Bethany, a town about two miles east of Jerusalem. This is where  Lazarus , whom Jesus had raised from the dead, and his two sisters,  Mary and Martha , lived. They were close friends of Jesus, and probably hosted Him and His disciples during their final days in Jerusalem.

Jesus' triumphal entry is recorded in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19.

Day 2: On Monday, Jesus Clears the Temple

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The following morning, Jesus returned with his disciples to Jerusalem. Along the way, he cursed a fig tree because it had failed to bear fruit. Some scholars believe this cursing of the fig tree represented God's judgment on the spiritually dead religious leaders of Israel. Others believe the symbolism extended to all believers, demonstrating that genuine faith is more than just outward religiosity; true, living faith must bear spiritual fruit in a person's life.

When Jesus arrived at the Temple, he found the courts full of corrupt money changers . He began overturning their tables and clearing the Temple, saying, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves" (Luke 19:46).

On Monday evening Jesus stayed in Bethany again, probably in the home of his friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus . 

Monday's events are recorded in Matthew 21:12–22, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17.

Day 3: On Tuesday, Jesus Goes to the Mount of Olives

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On Tuesday morning, Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem. They passed the withered fig tree on their way, and Jesus spoke to his companions about the importance of faith.

Back at the Temple, religious leaders were upset at Jesus for establishing himself as a spiritual authority. They organized an ambush with the intent to place him under arrest. But Jesus evaded their traps and pronounced harsh judgment on them, saying: 

"Blind guides!...For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity. Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness...Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?" (Matthew 23:24-33)

Later that afternoon, Jesus left the city and went with his disciples to the Mount of Olives, which sits due east of the Temple and overlooks Jerusalem. Here Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse, an elaborate prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age. He speaks, as usual, in parables, using symbolic language about the  end times events, including His Second Coming and the final judgment.

Scripture indicates that this Tuesday was also the day Judas Iscariot negotiated with the Sanhedrin , the rabbinical court of ancient Israel, to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16).

After a tiring day of confrontation and warnings about the future, once again, Jesus and the disciples returned to Bethany to stay the night.

The tumultuous events of Tuesday and the Olivet Discourse are recorded in Matthew 21:23–24:51, Mark 11:20–13:37, Luke 20:1–21:36, and John 12:20–38.

Day 4: Holy Wednesday

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The Bible doesn't say what the Lord did on the Wednesday of Passion Week. Scholars speculate that after two exhausting days in Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples spent this day resting in Bethany in anticipation of  Passover .

Just a short time previously, Jesus had revealed to the disciples, and the world, that he had power over death by raising Lazarus from the grave. After seeing this incredible miracle, many people in Bethany believed that Jesus was the Son of God and put their faith in him. Also in Bethany just a few nights earlier, Lazarus' sister Mary had lovingly anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume.

Day 5: Passover and Last Supper on Maundy Thursday

Holy Week takes a somber turn on Thursday.

From Bethany, Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to the Upper Room in Jerusalem to make the preparations for the Passover Feast. That evening after sunset, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as they prepared to share in the Passover. By performing this humble act of service, Jesus demonstrated by example how believers should love one another. Today, many churches practice foot-washing ceremonies as a part of their ​ Maundy Thursday services.

Then, Jesus shared the feast of Passover with his disciples, saying:

"I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God." (Luke 22:15-16, NLT )

As the Lamb of God, Jesus was about to fulfill the meaning of Passover by giving his body to be broken and his blood to be shed in sacrifice, freeing us from sin and death. During this Last Supper , Jesus established the Lord's Supper, or Communion , instructing his followers to continually remember his sacrifice by sharing in the elements of bread and wine (Luke 22:19-20).

Later, Jesus and the disciples left the Upper Room and went to the Garden of Gethsemane , where Jesus prayed in agony to God the Father . Luke's Gospel says that "his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground" (Luke 22:44, ESV ).

Late that evening in Gethsemane, Jesus was betrayed with a kiss by Judas Iscariot and arrested by the Sanhedrin. He was taken to the home of Caiaphas , the High Priest, where the whole council had gathered to begin making their case against Jesus.

Meanwhile, in the early morning hours, as Jesus' trial was getting underway, Peter denied knowing his Master three times before the rooster crowed.

Thursday's events are recorded in Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, and John 13:1-38.

Day 6: Trial, Crucifixion, Death, and Burial on Good Friday

Good Friday is the most difficult day of Passion Week. Christ's journey turned treacherous and acutely painful in these final hours leading to his death.

According to Scripture, Judas Iscariot, the disciple who had betrayed Jesus, was overcome with remorse and hanged himself early Friday morning.

Meanwhile, before the third hour (9 a.m.), Jesus endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple unlawful trials, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion , one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods of capital punishment known at the time.

Before Christ was led away, soldiers spit on him, tormented and mocked him, and pierced him with a crown of thorns . Then Jesus carried his own cross to Calvary where, again, he was mocked and insulted as Roman soldiers nailed him to the wooden cross .

Jesus spoke seven final statements from the cross. His first words were, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34, NIV ). His last words were, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46, NIV)

Then, about the ninth hour (3 p.m.), Jesus breathed his last breath and died .

By 6 p.m. Friday evening, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea  took Jesus' body down from the cross and lay it in a tomb.

Friday's events are recorded in Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, and John 18:28-19:37.

Day 7: Saturday in the Tomb

Jesus' body lay in its  tomb , where it was guarded by Roman soldiers throughout the day on Saturday, which was the Sabbath . When the Sabbath ended at 6 p.m., Christ's body was ceremonially treated for burial with spices purchased by Nicodemus:

"He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus' body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth." (John 19: 39-40, NLT )

Nicodemus, like Joseph of Arimathea, was a member of the Sanhedrin, the court that had condemned Jesus Christ to death. For a time, both men had lived as secret followers of Jesus, afraid to make a public profession of faith because of their prominent positions in the Jewish community.

Similarly, both were deeply affected by Christ's death. They boldly came out of hiding, risking their reputations and their lives because they had come to realize that Jesus was, indeed, the long-awaited Messiah . Together they cared for Jesus' body and prepared it for burial.

While his physical body lay in the tomb, Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sin by offering the perfect, spotless sacrifice. He conquered death, both spiritually and physically, securing our eternal salvation :

"For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God." (1 Peter 1:18-19, NLT )

Saturday's events are recorded in Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, and John 19:40.

Day 8: Resurrection Sunday

On Resurrection Sunday , or Easter, we reach the culmination of Holy Week. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event of the Christian faith. The very foundation of all Christian doctrine hinges on the truth of this account.

Early Sunday morning, several women ( Mary Magdalene , Joanna, Salome, and Mary the mother of James) went to the tomb and discovered that the large stone covering the entrance had been rolled away. An angel announced:

"Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen." (Matthew 28:5-6, NLT )

On the day of his resurrection, Jesus Christ made at least five appearances. Mark's Gospel says the first person to see him was Mary Magdalene. Jesus also appeared to Peter , to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and later that day to all of the disciples except Thomas , while they were gathered in a house for prayer.

The eyewitness accounts in the Gospels provide what Christians believe to be undeniable evidence that the resurrection of Jesus Christ did indeed happen. Two millennia after his death, followers of Christ still flock to Jerusalem to see the empty tomb.

Sunday's events are recorded in Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, and John 20:1-23.

• What Is Palm Sunday?
• Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-11)
• Why Are Palm Branches Used on Palm Sunday?
• Palm Sunday Bible Story Summary
• What Easter Means to Christians
• How Long Did Jesus Live on Earth?
• Orthodox Easter Dates
• Joseph of Arimathea, Donor of Jesus' Tomb
• Timeline of Jesus' Death
• What Is Good Friday?
• Jesus Drives the Money Changers from the Temple
• Bible Story Summaries (Index)
• Facts About the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
• Get to Know the 12 Apostles of Jesus
• Israel Tour Pictures: Photo Journal of the Holy Land
• Explaining the Differences Between John and the Synoptic Gospels

The Easter Journey

Great for big groups to act.

The Easter Journey tells the Easter story from Jesus’ triumphant entry in Jerusalem to the Last Supper, to his betrayal, his trial, his crucifixion and his resurrection. It ends with Jesus’ commission and promise of the Holy Spirit to come. The play has been written especially for large groups to perform. There are over 35 speaking parts of various sizes meaning that everyone can be involved… and there are crowd scenes too, so you can include as many participants as you wish. One or many roles can be played by each actor meaning that the size of the cast is truly flexible. The structure of the play also allows for the placement of your favourite Easter songs between scenes if desired.

Characters: Jesus, Pharisee 1, Pharisee 2, Pharisee 3, Pharisee 4, Person 1, Person 2, Person 3, Matthew, Mark, Thomas, Andrew, James, Peter, John, Simon, Thaddaeus, Nathaniel, Philip, Judas, Witness 1, Witness 2, Witness 3, Witness 4, Mary, Joanna, Magdalene, Soldier 1, Soldier 2, Criminal 1, Criminal 2, Guard 1, Guard 2, Guard 3, Guard 4, High Priest, Pilate. Length: 20 - 30 Minutes (Flexible) Cast: 15 - 40 (Flexible) Price: $15 (Buy once, download, and then print as many copies as you need for your actors).

Script Sample

SCENE 1 – Palm Sunday Pharisees enter from different places, and meet stage center. They greet each other. Pharisee 1 There are a lot of people in Jerusalem for the Passover this year. Pharisee 2 Yes. I have advised the merchants to increase the amount of tables at the temple. We need to make sure there are enough birds to go around. (Pause) Pharisee 3 So, is he here? Has anyone seen him? Pharisee 4 Nothing. I have my men on high alert in case he tries to sneak into the city. (People begin to run in, through the audience, if possible, with branches, calling out and very excited. Use a lot of people, and spread them out, so there is a steady stream running through the auditorium during the next dialogue. If you can't run people through the audience, then just across the stage. Person 3 should be last off) Pharisee 4 What is going on? Pharisee 1 (Stopping Person 1) Hey, you! What is happening? Person 1 He's coming! (Pulls away) Pharisee 2 Who? Who is coming? Person 2 Jesus! Praise God! (Runs off) Person 3 God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! (Runs off) Pharisee 3 (To others) We should have him arrested now. Pharisee 4 And have a riot on our hands? Look how they run to him. The whole world is following him! Pharisee 1 Let's go and see Caiaphas. He'll know what to do. (Exit) SCENE 2 – Passover Preparation (Some disciples enter) Matthew Did you see the way they greeted him? Mark There were so many people. Thomas They will make him the King. Did you hear them calling 'God bless the king of Israel'? Andrew I'm not sure he wants to be king. Thomas Of course he does. James Well, I'd like him to be the king! (Peter and John enter) Peter Have you seen Judas? (Jesus enters) Jesus Peter, John, go and get the Passover meal ready for us. John Where do you want us to get it ready? Jesus Go into the city and you will meet a man carrying a jar. Follow him to the house, then tell the owner 'the teacher says where is the room that my disciples and I will eat the Passover meal?' He will show you a room upstairs. (They exit. To the others) Come. (All exit) SCENE 3 – The Last Supper Peter and John enter and start setting up the room as necessary, with chairs and food. [A few women can help with this set up] Jesus and other disciples enter. Disciples all sit. Jesus takes a towel and bowl and begins to wash their feet. He says the following as he washes their feet. [The washing of the feet is just a simple splashing some water on the feet, a quick dry, and moving on to the next person] Jesus You call me Teacher, and Lord and that is right. And here I am, washing your feet, a job for the lowliest servant. Who is greatest amongst you? I am telling you the truth. No slave is greater than his master. But I have come to serve you. The greatest amongst you is the one who serves. As I have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet. (During this, the disciples are confused, but a huge impact has been made upon them. Peter tries to resist, but Jesus urges him. He finishes and washes his hands, then takes his place at the head of the table. They all eat and drink) I have wanted so much to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer. John What do you mean, Lord? Jesus I tell you the truth; one of you will betray me. (Disciples look shocked, and look around at each other, all talking) ...the script continues.

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Happy Home Fairy

Helping Moms Build Happy Homes

The Joy Journey – Christ-Centered Easter Activities (FREE Printable)

This Easter, I invite you and your family to go on a journey.

A journey that gives us a chance to look into the work of our Savior.

Hebrews 12:2 says, “We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne.”

This is it, my friends.

We want joy?  We must do as Jesus did.

We must look beyond the trials, the troubles, the tears of this world and remember the JOY that is waiting for us –

BECAUSE OF WHAT HE DID AT EASTER.

While this is the message to preach to our Happy Homes – to the world – every. single. day, this month brings an especially tangible and precious opportunity to make this joy come alive for our loved ones.

It’s called The Joy Journey .

**You can print the 20 activity cards at the bottom of this post.**

I purposely tried to gather the easiest and most doable ideas (’cause, you know, if it requires more than 4 things, I usually start breaking out in a sweat).

You can grab a supply list for each activity HERE .

The goal is to do one activity per day during the days leading up to Easter and prayerfully engage my little ones in the sweet message of our Lord’s journey to joy.

Oh, dear bloggy friends!  I pray that this little website can help assist you in focusing your Happy Homes on the cross this Easter!

Bunnies are fun and adorable and are even a small part of this journey and are, in fact, created by the Lord, Himself, but they are not what Easter is about .

Easter is about the joy we can experience today.

Because Easter is about  Jesus .

** click here for the free printable joy journey christ-centered activity cards **, free printable “nobunny loves you like jesus” tag here, free printable “joy comes in the morning” tag here, free printable christian “you’ve been egged” sign here.

Happy Easter, everyone. 🙂

**Would love it if you could share this post with the people in your world.**

Tape resist cross idea is from the golden gleam ., many other ideas inspired from thriving family ..

About Happy Home Fairy

Julie Brasington is a Preschool Director, wife of a South Florida Worship Pastor and mom of 3 boys. She writes at Happy Home Fairy where you can find easy craft ideas, FREE printables, simple recipes, holiday fun, thoughts on raising kids, and encouragement for moms.

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Did you enjoy this post? Never miss another! Encouragement and fun ideas delivered to your inbox.

Reader interactions, 32 comments.

March 29, 2014 at 10:37 pm

I have pinned! Love this! Praying for you!

March 30, 2014 at 12:58 am

Stunning idea love it!

March 18, 2021 at 8:29 pm

I was so delighted to have found this web site for my granddaughters and our Sunday school group

March 30, 2014 at 7:23 am

Thank you so much for these ideas! Pinned!

March 30, 2014 at 8:14 am

Excited to do these. I have two little boys ages 4 and 6. Thank you HHF!

March 30, 2014 at 11:06 am

This is what Easter is about and you have made an amazing gift for us to share with our children. I printed these for my grandson, who is almost four, for us to do together. Thank you so much for sharing your love of the Lord with all of us. The colors and artwork are simple and beautiful also.

March 30, 2014 at 11:17 am

This is awesome! Thank you so much!

March 30, 2014 at 3:46 pm

Thank you so much for sharing your ideas:)! God has used you to bless my family in so many ways:)!

March 30, 2014 at 4:45 pm

This is so awesome! my son is 2 so I am going to pick about 10 of these and do one everyother day until Easter. Thank yo so much!

March 31, 2014 at 1:27 pm

This is wonderful! It is so hard to find activities connected to Jesus, the real meaning of the holiday. You’ve given us 20! Thanks for including a science experiment so I can tell everybody about it. 😀 😀

February 8, 2024 at 6:42 pm

I am a children’s minister. May I have permission to print copies of this to hand out to the families at my church?

March 31, 2014 at 5:02 pm

Thank you so much for sharing your faith in such an awesome way. I teach 3 and 4 year old’s at Mother’s Day Out. We aren’t allowed to use the bunny or eggs for Easter. I would love and am trying to think of ways to incorporate these actives into my lesson planning. Thank you again and what an awesome job you have done. Blessings ♥ Betsy

April 2, 2014 at 12:50 am

Thank you so much for the work you put into this so that others can help their families prepare their hearts for Resurrection Day! I will be using this with my 6 children. Thank you for blessing others with your gift of creativity!

April 2, 2014 at 2:47 pm

Reblogged this on mrsmocha and commented: I love this! I will be doing this fabulous activities with my boys.

April 3, 2014 at 12:31 pm

Thank you so much for this! I started this with my girls(ages 2 & 4) on the 1st and we are all loving it!! I appreciate the printables & all the thought that went into this activity.

April 8, 2014 at 12:40 am

Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together for all of us. There are some out there that want to make a buck..or $8 for similar thing. I appreciate you doing this for FREE.

April 16, 2014 at 2:12 pm

We have been doing these everyday and my 5&2 year olds are really connecting everything. Thank you so much for sharing. We will be keeping this for years to come. 🙂

April 17, 2014 at 10:44 am

Oh my gosh! THANK YOU!!! I love that you offer this for free and shared so much with us. =) SO excited to do this! I’m getting a late start, but am gonna do it next year and a modified version this year. =) You are fabulous!!!

March 1, 2015 at 12:52 am

Hey there! I don’t know how I stumbled on your site but I’m glad I dis! I was looking for some Easter activity ideas to do with my kids this year as my we are diving into Lent abs learning what it’s all about. Can you recommend any children’s books that explain the Easter story well? We have a 4, 3, 20 months and a newborn 🙂

February 8, 2024 at 6:43 pm

February 14, 2024 at 5:41 pm

Yes! I love when people share my work. Please make sure to give me credit and provide links to my site. Thank you so much!

March 10, 2015 at 10:37 am

Maybe a silly question…but is there any specific order in which we do the activities?

March 10, 2015 at 9:22 pm

Leslie, YES! I tried to line up the activities with what day it was… Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, etc. But the other activities before Holy Week can kind of be interchangeable. 🙂 Have fun!

March 28, 2015 at 8:55 pm

wow! This is great! Thanks so much. I want to start doing this with my son. God bless!

March 20, 2016 at 9:20 pm

I was looking for last minute doable Easter idea for my 2 and 4 year-old. Definitely snagging these cards to do at least a few of these projects this year (since I’ve only got a week left) and saving all the idea for next year. Thanks so much! Sharing.

March 21, 2017 at 12:48 pm

love these ideas

March 21, 2017 at 12:57 pm

Thank you, Alice!!!

March 27, 2017 at 10:05 am

I love this so much! What a gift this is!! Thank you SO much! Praising God for your talent that He gave you and that you share so freely! Praying He blesses you back two-fold for your time and treasures!

February 15, 2018 at 9:56 am

We did this last year and I still have neighbors thanking us for their Easter eggs we delivered. This really blessed us and showed my children the importance of outreach. Can’t wait to start again!

February 15, 2018 at 10:21 pm

That blesses me so much sweet Beth!

March 24, 2021 at 9:29 am

This is by far my favorite Easter activity/ies that I’ve found (while spending way too much time searching). Thank you so much for your creativity and thoughtfulness in sharing this! It will be used this year with my boys, ages 6 and 2, and surely in the years to come!!

March 24, 2021 at 5:13 pm

Oh my goodness! This means the world to me! Thank you for letting me know!!! I pray it blesses you!!!!

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When is Easter? How its date is determined each year and why some celebrate.

F or millions of Christians worldwide, Easter is an important day for members of the faith. The holiday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which occurs after the 40-day period known as  Lent .

Church services, reflection and prayer are some ways that people observe the holiday. Others enjoy a more secular celebration of Easter filled with bunnies, baskets and colorful eggs.

Each year, Easter falls on a different day. So, when does it occur in 2024? Here's  some information on how Easter came to be and why it's celebrated. 

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

When is Easter?

This year, Easter will be Sunday, March 31, 2024.

Why is Easter so early in 2024?

Easter's date changes depending on the year. The holiday is one of several "moveable feasts" in the liturgical year, the History Channel reports. Others include Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday .

Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the  Paschal full moon , which is the first full moon on or after the spring equinox . Since Western Christianity uses the Gregorian calendar, Easter typically falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25, according to the History Channel.

In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the date of Easter also varies. The branch follows the Julian calendar, meaning orthodox Easter falls between April 4 and May 8, the History Channel reports. This year, it will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024. 

History of Easter

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the last day of the Holy Week, consisting of several days — each with its significance. These include: 

• Palm Sunday: commemorating when Jesus entered Jerusalem
• Holy Thursday: commemorating the Last Supper and washing of feet 
• Good Friday: commemorating Jesus' crucifixion and death
• Easter Sunday: commemorating the resurrection of Jesus

Of the four canonical Gospels, each has a version of the Passion, or final period of Jesus' life. While the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are similar in their accounts, the Gospel of John varies. 

According to the text, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus who was arrested by Roman authorities after saying he was the Son of God. Jesus predicted this would happen at the Last Supper. 

Jesus was then put on trial and later sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea. The events of the  stations of the cross followed, ultimately leading to the crucifixion of Jesus.

Jesus was then buried in a tomb. And on the final day (Easter Sunday), Jesus' tomb was found empty. The Bible proclaims he rose from the dead.

Why do we celebrate Easter?

Easter is celebrated to remember the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. As a result, many Christians will go to Church services and pray in observance. Other aspects of the holiday, such as Easter eggs, also derive from Christian traditions.

The colorful Easter eggs you might decorate with your family are actually symbols of new life and rebirth. Ancient Christian communities in Mesopotamia would stain eggs red to represent the blood of Christ, which was shed at the crucifixion, NBC Chicago reports . The eggs also signify the empty tomb of Jesus.

As for the Easter bunny, its origins are not necessarily rooted in Christianity. The exact origins of the anthropomorphic rabbit are unclear. However, since ancient times, the hare has been said to  represent rebirth , according to Smithsonian Magazine.

German Lutherans used an Easter hare for the Easter season, similar to Santa Claus' role during Christmas. Known as "Osterhase" or "Oschter Haws ," the rabbit would gift baskets of toys and candy to good children the night before Easter, the History Channel reports.

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From " When is the first day of spring? " to " How to protect plants from frost? " to " Can cats eat chocolate? ", we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our  Just Curious section  to see what else we can answer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is Easter? How its date is determined each year and why some celebrate.

Easter at The Journey

7:15 | 8:30 | 10:00 | 11:30

We invite you to celebrate Easter with us at one of our four services on March 31st! The 7:15 service will not have kids programming, however there will be kids' activity bags for the services, breakfast burritos to help wake up, and a shorter service. The following three services will all be identical and offer kids' classes.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What should i wear.

Come as you are. No need to dress up or feel like you must have it all together. This is for everyone, and that includes you!

DO I NEED TO RESERVE A SEAT?

No, you do not need to reserve a seat. We recommend arriving a bit early, so that your whole party can sit together. There is room for everyone!

HOW EARLY SHOULD I ARRIVE?

We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to allow yourself time to find a parking spot, grab some coffee and say hello before you grab a seat for the start of the service. 

Easter Baptisms

There is no better way to celebrate Easter than to take that step of baptism! If you are ready to get baptized and want to do that at one of our Easter services, fill out this form to let us know.

Easter Offering

Every Easter we give away the offering gifts for the week leading up to and including Easter Sunday. This year, we are giving our offering to these three different areas:

- Generosity Feeds

- Counseling

You can give toward our Easter offering through Church Center GIVING, or by dropping your gift in the offering boxes on Sunday morning.

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Walking With Jesus: An 8-Day Exploration Through Holy Week

An Easter devotional featuring podcast teacher Tara-Leigh Cobble from “The Bible Recap.” This 8-day exploration of the events of Holy Week allows you to walk with Jesus through the momentous days from Palm Sunday through Easter. Along with devotional content that helps bring the personal experience of Jesus to life.

We would like to thank World’s Biggest Small Group for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.worldsbiggestsmall.group/

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Walking with Jesus: Devotions for Lent & Easter 2024

SOLD OUT on Shopguideposts! Additional paperback copies & Kindle edition available on Amazon.

Experience a journey of spiritual growth this 2024 Lenten season. This remarkable book is a compilation of thought-provoking reflections from various women of faith. Prepare yourself for Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection with daily devotions that not only deepen your understanding but also strengthen your faith.

*Shopguideposts.org special offers are not applicable to Guideposts product purchases on Amazon.

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Immerse yourself in a transformative spiritual journey this Lenten season with our new devotional, Walking with Jesus: Devotions for Lent and Easter 2024. This faith-nurturing book is a curated collection of reflections from women of faith across diverse walks of life.

Honor Jesus’s Preparation with Us  Lent is a period of spiritual preparation and self-reflection. We invite you to prepare your heart and mind for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This new book offers daily devotions that inspire you to apply the lessons to your own life, deepening your understanding and strengthening your faith.

Connect with Other Women of Faith  Walking with Jesus spotlights first-person devotions from ordinary yet faithful women. These personal reflections celebrate the most important liturgical time for Christians, providing a unique perspective on how Lent resonates in their lives.

What to Expect

•  47 daily devotions , starting with Ash Wednesday (February 14, 2024) and continuing through Easter Sunday (March 31, 2024).
• Each daily devotion includes inspiring scripture to reassure you that God is with you always, a meaningful reflection sharing how God is at work in the writer’s life, and a practical faith step to strengthen your Christian walk.
• Lent is never mentioned in the Bible, though its roots are deeply biblical . Stretching from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week, Lent draws from Jesus’s 40 days in the wilderness. Are you wondering about those extra days on the calendar beyond 40? Sundays are meant for celebrating the Resurrection, no matter the season, and are exempt from our Lenten intentions and restrictions.
• A curated collection from Mornings with Jesus , Guideposts’ best-selling annual devotional written by women for a woman’s heart.

Join the Growing Trend of Devotional Practices 

Whether you already have a daily or weekly devotional or prayer practice, or you are looking for a way to incorporate a simple, daily faith habit, Walking with Jesus: Devotions for Lent and Easter 2024 is the perfect opportunity to enrich your spiritual journey this Lenten and Easter season.

Consider reading this devotional with family members and friends to discuss your interpretations. Even if you do not have a daily devotion reading habit, Lent is a powerful time to incorporate devotions into your worship practice.

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Journey to celebrate 50th anniversary with 30 shows in 2024: See where they're headed

Journey is continuing the celebration of its five-decade career with a run of 2024 shows.

The 50 th Anniversary Freedom Tour kicks off Feb. 9 in Biloxi, Mississippi and will play 30 dates in North America through April 29 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. local time on Sept. 29 via ticketmaster.com.

Toto, which supported Journey on their tour earlier this year to celebrate their "Freedom" album, will again join Journey founder, guitarist Neal Scho n, keyboardist Jonathan Cain, lead singer Arnel Pineda, keyboardist Jason Derlatka, drummer Deen Castronovo and bassist Todd Jensen as show openers.

Journey's tour finds the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers tearing through a set list of anthems including "Any Way You Want It," "Faithfully," "Be Good to Yourself" and, of course, "Don't Stop Believin'."

When "Freedom" arrived in July 2022, Schon told USA Today that the album title was originally tapped for the band's 1986 release, "Raised on Radio," but then-singer Steve Perry didn't like it, "so we sat on it for many years … when we were tossing around album titles said, why not just call the whole thing 'Freedom?' It's for the times right now."

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Schon was also sanguine when reflecting on the band’s legacy.

"It’s quite an accomplishment and I’m very proud of what we’ve done and how we’ve gotten through emotional and personnel changes and survived," he said. "It’s pretty mind-boggling but also a lot of hard work."

More: Journey co-founder George Tickner dies: 'Fly free above the stars'

Here are Journey's 2024 Freedom Tour dates

*Sioux City on sale Thursday, October  5