Key Takeaways: Easter Bible Study
- •Central to Christianity: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundational event of Christian faith - without it, Christianity has no power or meaning (1 Corinthians 15:14)
- •Holy Week Journey: Walk through Jesus' final week day-by-day, from triumphal entry to empty tomb, experiencing the Gospel narrative as it unfolded
- •Four Gospel Harmony: Compare Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John's unique perspectives on the Passion and resurrection for complete understanding
- •Prophecy Fulfilled: See how Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled dozens of Old Testament prophecies, confirming His identity as Messiah
- •Life-Changing Power: The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to believers today for transformation and hope (Ephesians 1:19-20)
- •Family & Group Ready: Resources for all ages make Easter study meaningful for children, families, small groups, and entire congregations
He Is Risen - Experience the Power of the Resurrection
Why Easter Bible Study Matters
Easter celebrates the most significant event in human history: the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. On the first Easter Sunday, nearly 2,000 years ago, women visiting Jesus' tomb found it empty. Angels announced, "He is not here; he has risen!" (Luke 24:6). This event transformed a small group of frightened disciples into bold proclaimers of the Gospel who turned the world upside down.
The Apostle Paul emphasized the resurrection's centrality: "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). Everything in Christianity depends on whether Jesus truly rose from the dead. Easter Bible study helps believers examine the evidence, understand the theology, and experience the personal transformation that resurrection faith brings.
The Historical Foundation
The resurrection isn't a myth or metaphor - it's a historical event with compelling evidence. Over 500 people saw the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:6). The disciples, who had fled in fear at Jesus' arrest, suddenly became fearless proclaimers willing to die for their testimony. The empty tomb was never disputed by Jesus' enemies. Easter Bible study examines this evidence, strengthening faith through historical understanding.
The Theological Meaning
Christ's resurrection accomplishes what no human achievement ever could. It declares Jesus to be the Son of God with power (Romans 1:4). It proves that God accepted Jesus' sacrifice for sin (Romans 4:25). It guarantees believers' own resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). It provides victory over death and the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Easter study helps believers grasp these profound truths.
The Personal Application
The resurrection isn't just ancient history - it transforms present reality. Paul prayed to "know Christ and the power of his resurrection" (Philippians 3:10). The same divine power that raised Jesus is at work in believers today (Ephesians 1:19-20). Easter Bible study connects historical event to daily experience, showing how resurrection hope changes everything about how we live, face trials, and anticipate eternity.
What's Included in Easter Bible Study
Everything you need for a transformative Easter season experience. Perfect for family devotions with children, joining a small group study, or deepening your daily Bible reading.
Holy Week Journey
Day-by-day devotions from Palm Sunday through Resurrection Sunday, walking with Jesus through His final week.
Four Gospel Harmony
Compare Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John's accounts of the Passion and resurrection for complete understanding.
Resurrection Focus
Deep study of empty tomb accounts, resurrection appearances, and the theological meaning of Christ's victory.
Passion Narratives
Detailed examination of Jesus' arrest, trials, crucifixion, and burial across all Gospel accounts.
Family Resources
Age-appropriate activities, resurrection eggs, and Easter garden projects for families with children.
Small Group Guides
Discussion questions, leader notes, and video resources for church and community Easter studies.
Four Weeks of Easter Study
Journey from Palm Sunday through Resurrection appearances
Week 1: The Road to Jerusalem
Jesus sets His face toward the cross
- Jesus Predicts His Death (Mark 10:32-34)
- The Anointing at Bethany (John 12:1-8)
- The Triumphal Entry - Palm Sunday (Matthew 21)
- Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44)
- Cleansing the Temple (Mark 11:15-19)
- The Fig Tree Lesson (Matthew 21:18-22)
- Conflicts with Religious Leaders (Matthew 21-23)
Week 2: The Upper Room
Jesus prepares His disciples
- Preparing the Passover (Luke 22:7-13)
- Washing the Disciples' Feet (John 13:1-17)
- The Last Supper Instituted (Luke 22:14-23)
- Identifying the Betrayer (John 13:18-30)
- The New Commandment (John 13:31-35)
- Jesus Comforts His Disciples (John 14)
- The Vine and Branches (John 15)
Week 3: The Passion
Suffering, death, and burial
- Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46)
- The Arrest of Jesus (John 18:1-12)
- Trials Before Jewish Leaders (Mark 14:53-65)
- Peter's Denial (Luke 22:54-62)
- Trial Before Pilate (John 18:28-19:16)
- The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:32-56)
- The Burial (John 19:38-42)
Week 4: Resurrection Victory
He is risen indeed!
- The Empty Tomb (John 20:1-9)
- Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:10-18)
- The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
- Jesus Appears to the Disciples (John 20:19-23)
- Thomas Believes (John 20:24-31)
- Breakfast by the Sea (John 21:1-14)
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
Holy Week Day-by-Day
Follow Jesus through His final week from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday
Palm Sunday - Triumphal Entry
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. Crowds wave palm branches and shout "Hosanna!" declaring Him king.
Read: Matthew 21:1-11, John 12:12-19
Monday - Cleansing the Temple
Jesus drives out money changers, declaring "My house will be called a house of prayer." He curses the fruitless fig tree.
Read: Mark 11:12-19, Matthew 21:12-17
Tuesday - Teaching in the Temple
Jesus teaches parables, answers challenges from religious leaders, and delivers the Olivet Discourse about end times.
Read: Matthew 21:23-24:51, Mark 12-13
Wednesday - Day of Rest
Scripture is silent about this day. Jesus likely rested in Bethany with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus before the approaching ordeal.
Read: John 12:1-8 (the anointing at Bethany)
Thursday - Last Supper
Jesus washes the disciples' feet, institutes the Lord's Supper, gives the Upper Room Discourse, and prays in Gethsemane.
Read: John 13-17, Luke 22:7-46
Good Friday - Crucifixion
Jesus is arrested, tried before Jewish and Roman authorities, crucified at Golgotha, and buried in Joseph's tomb before sunset.
Read: Matthew 26:47-27:66, John 18-19
Saturday - In the Tomb
Jesus' body rests in the tomb. Guards are posted. Disciples hide in fear. The world waits in darkness.
Read: Matthew 27:62-66, 1 Peter 3:18-20
Resurrection Sunday - He Is Risen!
Women find the tomb empty. Angels announce the resurrection. Jesus appears to Mary, the disciples, and others. Death is defeated!
Read: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20
Stories from Easter Study Participants
How Easter Bible study transformed their celebration and faith
"Our entire congregation did Bible Way's Easter study together. Walking through Holy Week day-by-day transformed how we experienced Easter Sunday. Many said it was the most meaningful Easter of their lives."
"The family resources were perfect for our kids ages 5-12. The resurrection egg activities and Easter garden project made the Gospel tangible. Our children now understand why Easter matters more than bunnies and candy."
"Comparing all four Gospel accounts of the resurrection opened our eyes to details we'd never noticed. The discussion questions sparked deep conversations about how the resurrection changes everything."
Easter Study Resources
Everything you need for a meaningful Easter season
Daily Devotionals
Scripture readings, reflections, and prayers for each day of Holy Week and beyond.
Gospel Harmony
Side-by-side comparison of all four Gospel accounts of Passion and resurrection.
Video Teachings
Expert commentary on resurrection evidence, theology, and application.
Family Activities
Resurrection eggs, Easter gardens, and age-appropriate studies for children.
Group Discussion
Leader guides and discussion questions for small group Easter studies.
Scripture Memory
Key resurrection verses with memorization tools and prompts.
Celebrate Easter with a Study Group
Journey through Holy Week and resurrection with fellow believers. Experience the power of Christ's victory in community through shared daily devotions, discussion of Gospel narratives, and celebration of resurrection hope. Find or start an Easter study group that fits your church or community.
Holy Week Groups
7-day intensive study from Palm Sunday through Easter
Church-Wide Studies
Entire congregations studying together with sermon integration
Family Easter Devotions
Daily activities and readings for parents and children together
Virtual Easter Groups
Online communities for those unable to attend in-person
Active Easter Groups
Holy Week Journey
DailyWalk through Jesus' final week day-by-day with Gospel readings and reflection.
2,847 participants • Palm Sunday - Easter
Resurrection Evidence
Thursdays 7PMExamine historical evidence for the resurrection and its implications.
1,456 members • 4-week study
Family Easter Adventures
Daily 6PMFamily devotions with activities, crafts, and discussion for all ages.
1,923 families • Kid-friendly
"Walking through Holy Week together transformed our church's Easter celebration. Everyone arrived on Sunday having journeyed to the cross and ready to celebrate resurrection!"
— Pastor Michael R., Grace Community Church
The Heart of Christianity
Easter isn't just a holiday - it's the foundation of everything Christians believe. The resurrection of Jesus Christ confirms His identity as the Son of God, validates His sacrifice for sin, and guarantees eternal life for all who believe. Without the resurrection, Christianity would be meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:17). With it, death is defeated and hope is secured forever.
Continue exploring the depth of Christian faith with our Bible study on salvation, prepare for next Christmas with Advent Bible study, or maintain spiritual growth through daily Bible reading.
"The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central fact of Christian history. On it, the church is built; without it, there would be no Christian church today. Jesus Christ was put to death for His claim. His resurrection vindicated that claim and validated Christianity."
— Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict
Frequently Asked Questions About Easter Bible Study
Get answers to common questions about studying the resurrection and Holy Week
What is an Easter Bible study and why is it important?
An Easter Bible study is a focused exploration of Scripture passages related to Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection - the central event of the Christian faith. It typically covers Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday), examining the Passion narratives in all four Gospels, Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice, and the theological significance of the resurrection. Easter Bible study is important because it helps believers deeply understand and personally connect with the foundational truth of Christianity: that Jesus conquered death and offers eternal life to all who believe.
When should I start an Easter Bible study?
Most Easter Bible studies begin on Ash Wednesday (40 days before Easter, excluding Sundays) and continue through Resurrection Sunday, following the traditional Lenten season. However, you can also do shorter studies: a 7-day Holy Week study from Palm Sunday to Easter, a 14-day study covering the final two weeks of Jesus' ministry, or a 21-day study beginning three weeks before Easter. Bible Way offers flexible study lengths to fit your schedule.
What topics does an Easter Bible study typically cover?
A comprehensive Easter Bible study covers: Old Testament Prophecies (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22), The Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday, Holy Week Events (cleansing the temple, teaching, Last Supper, Garden of Gethsemane), The Passion Narrative (arrest, trials, crucifixion, burial), The Resurrection (empty tomb accounts, resurrection appearances), Theological Significance (atonement, justification, victory over death), and Personal Application for daily life.
How is Easter Bible study different from Lent or Advent?
Advent (pre-Christmas) focuses on anticipation of Christ's first coming and prophecies of the Messiah. Lent (40 days before Easter) emphasizes self-examination, repentance, and spiritual disciplines. Easter Bible study specifically focuses on the events and meaning of Christ's death and resurrection - the climax of the Gospel story. Think of it this way: Advent celebrates Jesus' arrival, Lent prepares us for the cross, and Easter study proclaims victory over the grave.
Can I do an Easter Bible study with my family or small group?
Easter Bible study is excellent for families and small groups! For families with children: use age-appropriate retellings of Holy Week events, create Easter garden displays, and do resurrection egg activities with Scripture connections. For small groups: read through one Gospel's Passion narrative together, discuss application questions, and share how the resurrection impacts daily life. Bible Way provides family devotion guides and small group discussion questions for Easter season.
What Bible passages should I read for Easter Bible study?
Essential Easter passages include: Palm Sunday (Matthew 21, John 12), Last Supper (Matthew 26, John 13-17), Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46), Trials and Crucifixion (all four Gospels chapters 26-27 or 18-19), Resurrection (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21), Old Testament Prophecies (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22), and Resurrection Theology (Romans 6, 1 Corinthians 15).
How can Easter Bible study deepen my faith?
Easter Bible study deepens faith by: providing historical confidence in Christianity's truth claims, revealing the depth of God's love for personal salvation, offering hope for the future through guaranteed resurrection, providing power for daily living through 'resurrection power' (Philippians 3:10), defeating fear of death, and giving purpose through the Great Commission. When Easter moves from annual holiday to deeply studied truth, faith becomes unshakeable.
What makes Holy Week special for Bible study?
Holy Week is the most scripturally detailed week in human history. The Gospels dedicate roughly one-third of their content to these seven days, providing hour-by-hour accounts of Jesus' final week. You can follow Jesus day-by-day, compare four Gospel accounts, build dramatic tension toward the cross and resurrection, visualize specific locations, and explore multiple characters' perspectives.
Are there different Easter Bible study approaches for different denominations?
While the resurrection is universal to all Christians, denominations have distinctive emphases: Catholic and Orthodox traditions incorporate liturgical elements like Stations of the Cross. Mainline Protestant churches often follow lectionary readings. Evangelical churches focus on Gospel narratives and personal application. Bible Way's Easter study is accessible across traditions, focusing on Scripture itself.
How do I lead an Easter Bible study group?
Leading effectively involves: preparation (reading passages multiple times, studying commentaries), structure (balancing teaching, reading, discussion, and application in 60-90 minute sessions), creating reverent atmosphere, encouraging participation, connecting ancient events to modern life, using visual resources, and incorporating prayer throughout. Bible Way provides complete leader guides for Easter study groups.
Helpful External Resources
Explore these trusted resources for more information about Easter, the resurrection, and Holy Week:
- Bible Gateway - Matthew's Passion Narrative (Chapters 26-28)
Read the complete account of Jesus' final days in Matthew's Gospel
- Got Questions - Why Is the Resurrection Important?
Theological explanation of the resurrection's significance
- Christianity Today - Easter Articles and Resources
Contemporary articles on celebrating and understanding Easter
- Bible Hub - Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 15 (Resurrection Chapter)
In-depth scholarly commentary on Paul's resurrection teaching
- USCCB - Easter Season Information
Catholic perspective on Easter traditions and liturgy
- Desiring God - Easter Resources
Reformed perspective on the resurrection and its implications
Still have questions about Easter Bible study?
Contact SupportRelated Bible Studies
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Experience the Power of Resurrection This Easter
Don't let Easter be just another Sunday. Journey through Holy Week with daily devotions that prepare your heart for the empty tomb. Study the Passion narratives across all four Gospels. Experience the transforming power of Christ's resurrection in your own life. Download Bible Way and make this your most meaningful Easter ever.