Passages to Read

For a full account of the events of this day, see Matthew 28:1–20, Mark 16:1–8, Luke 24:1–53, and John 20:1–21:25.

Personal Study

He has risen! Early this Sunday morning, several women went taking spices to finish the burial ritual, but as we know, when they arrived, were greeted by an angel sharing that Jesus was no longer in the grave and to go spread the news. On the day of His resurrection, Jesus made five appearances. Mark’s Gospel points out that Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, to Peter, to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and later in the day to all of the disciples that had gathered in a house for prayer. 

Scripture shows that the terrified guards ran to the chief priests who paid them a “sufficient” sum of money to tell everyone that the disciples had stolen His body. Despite all that had been said and reported, some still rejected the Lordship of Christ. Based on the eyewitness accounts given in all four Gospels, we can come with faith that what has been said is true. 

As believers in Christ, we see the many prophecies telling of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. 

Jesus’ resurrection was both literal and physical. In Luke 24:39, Jesus asked them to look at His hands and His feet. The men and women who saw Jesus after the resurrection couldn’t go back to how things used to be. To that point, Jesus was clear about what the next steps should be when he offered the Great Commission. 

Prayer and Reflection Point

Easter isn’t just a day. It is a time to celebrate, reflect, and respond to what Christ desires from each of us. Being His disciple is a daily choice to grow closer to Him and seek His will with the gifts and talents that He has given each and every single one of us. Where is God calling you to trust Him in faith today? How does your life reflect your belief that Jesus is alive? Who do you need to pray about sharing your faith in Christ with today? Spend time in prayer with God today giving thanks and seeking His will for this coming week, month, and year ahead.

Family Application and Map Check Point

Read Matthew 28:1-10 and share how you felt the first time you saw your children. Explain your feelings holding them. Talk about what it would have been like to see Jesus face to face that Sunday! Ask your child what is the most excited they have been about something. Discuss as a family what you have learned this week or what stood out as we looked at this special Holy Week leading up to the Resurrection (and maybe enjoy those resurrection rolls while you’re doing it!). 

Holy Week Timeline

• Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 28:1-8).
• Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18).
• Jesus appeared to the followers on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).
• Jesus appeared to His Disciples (John 20:19-23).