Free Easter Bible Reading Plan: Journey to the Cross

Easter Sunday is the ultimate day of celebration for redeemed children of God. It’s an opportunity to rejoice at God’s provision for all mankind and celebrate Jesus’ gift of grace poured out at the cross. This free Easter Bible reading plan is your invitation to draw near to the Lord with fresh adoration and worship. May these Bible verses about Easter and forgiveness help you draw near to the Lord this season and beyond.

The Easter Story in the Bible: A Recap

Easter is always a special time of reflection for me. It’s a time when the story of Christ Jesus’s sacrifice transcends the pages of the Bible and calls me to meditate on the depth of God’s love.

To do so, I shift my focus in my Bible study to Holy Week, the last week of Jesus’ life.

Bible Verses About Easter and Holy Week

On the first day of the week, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. With this triumphant entry, the crowds rejoiced at His presence and waved palm branches in His honor. (Matthew 21:1-11)

But Jesus’ favor with the crowd didn’t last long and those same people would call for His death just a few days later.

On Thursday, when dining with His disciples at the Last Supper, the Son of God predicted His betrayal. His own friend and confidant, Judas, betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:14-16)

Later, while praying with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus cried out to His Father for “this cup to pass”. However, He fully trusted God’s perfect plan. It was there, after a heartfelt prayer time, where Jesus was arrested. (Matthew 26:36-56)

After His trial, where the Son of Man was accused of blasphemy, He was sentenced to death. (Matthew 26:57-68)

On Good Friday, Jesus bore a crown of thorns and the sins of humanity to His crucifixion. In those hours, it was the tangible manifestation of divine grace, as God’s own Son faced physical death.

He hung on the cross with nails and His own love for the very human beings who put Him there. There he was mocked, scorned, and pierced in the right side. (Matthew 27:33-44)

As Jesus took His last breath, He uttered in a loud voice, “It is finished.” After He had passed, the curtain of the temple was torn—signifying a new covenant where direct access to the Heavenly Father was opened to us. (Matthew 27:45-56)

With that single act of sacrifice, Jesus bore the sins of mankind once and for all. Jesus’ death permanently bridged the gap between a perfect God and a sinful man. While it looked as though darkness had won, the battle was not finished.

Later, the body of the Lord Jesus was wrapped in a linen cloth and the tomb was sealed with a boulder no man could move. (Matthew 27:57-61)

Saturday brought a silent vigil while Jesus’ friends mourned. Mary Magdalene, the mother of James, and the other women who had followed Jesus held fast to their faith, even as His body lay sealed in a tomb cut from rock. It was guarded by soldiers at the command of the chief priests. (Matthew 27:62-66)

But the light of dawn on the third day broke their chains of despair. The stone that marked the entrance of the tomb had been moved, heralding an unfathomable turn of events.

An angel of the Lord, clothed in a white robe, proclaimed the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, declaring to Mary Magdalene and the others, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:1-10)

It is on this third day, the first day of the week, that the promise of eternal life, a living hope, and new creation burst forth in great power.

In these events lies the core meaning of Easter—God’s forgiveness that washes away our transgressions, a powerful triumph over the dominion of darkness, and the offering of unending love through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What the Bible verses on Easter mean for us today

It is a narrative that doesn’t merely belong to the past but resonates with all believers today because Jesus has changed our life.

The empty tomb stands as an eternal testament that invites me to embrace a new birth into a living hope, a time to celebrate God’s great mercy and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Also, the narrative of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection is a reminder that, through Christ, I have received new life — life that is no longer bound by my old self but is now hidden with Christ in God. Reflecting on this story, I recognize the great power and love of our Heavenly Father, who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all.

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Even though we deserved death because of our sinful nature and eternal separation from the Lord, God did not abandon humanity.

It’s through this great love at the cross and the power of His resurrection, we can receive forgiveness of our trespasses. Through this grace alone, we can have hope for an eternity in the Kingdom of God!

What the Easter Story Means About Forgiveness of Your Sins

At the heart of Easter lies the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, two events that forever changed the relationship between God and humanity.

Sin, as we recognize, is the deviation from God’s intention, the shadow that falls over human hearts leading us away from His perfect love. Yet, redemption is the beautiful reversal of this estrangement, the divine act by which God restores us to Himself.

The crucifixion, that somber Friday, where Christ hung on the cross, was not a mere historical event; it was the moment where Jesus became the vessel for our iniquities. He bore our sins, embodying the ultimate sacrifice to bridge the chasm sin had created. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34), Jesus uttered, extending forgiveness to humanity, even in His suffering.

Three days later, magnificence unfolded as Jesus rose from the dead. This resurrection isn’t just a proof of Christ’s power over death but a testament to His ability to bring us into new life.

Through rising, Jesus demonstrates that sin and death do not hold the final words; there is hope of eternal life. Because He conquered the grave, we too can experience life beyond our imperfections and failures.

We now stand in this grace; the forgiveness of sins is ours through faith in the one who paid our debt. The resurrection assures us of God’s promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). On Easter, we celebrate not just the defeat of death, but the offer of forgiveness that beckons us to embrace a transformed life, free from the shackles of sin, as we anchor our hope in the resurrected Christ.

Easter Bible Verses on Forgiveness of Our Sins

Colossians 1:14

…whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 1:7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Hebrews 9:22

In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Acts 10:43

All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

Romans 3:23-25

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.

Acts 13:38-39

Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

1 John 2:2

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

What the Easter Story Means About Forgiving Others

While forgiveness is such a foreign concept in our world, it’s a cornerstone in the Christian faith. Forgiveness is illuminated by Jesus’ teachings and His ultimate act of mercy on the cross.

As I read the Gospels, I notice that Jesus not only spoke about forgiveness but also embodied it. Even in His final breaths, Jesus forgave those who condemned Him, teaching by example that forgiveness is an expression of His perfect love.

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34), He interceded, setting an extraordinary standard for forgiving others, even when it’s painful.

Jesus instructed his followers to forgive, not just once, but multiple times—seventy times seven, symbolizing an infinite number (Matthew 18:22). This isn’t an easy task; forgiving someone who has inflicted pain upon us can be one of the hardest things we do. Yet, it’s through this challenging act that we release the burden of bitterness and open ourselves to healing through the Lord.

Embracing this spirit of forgiveness in my own life, I strive to let go of grudges and seek reconciliation, remembering that Christ Jesus bestowed forgiveness abundantly upon me. As I meditate on this during Easter, I think of how each of us has the opportunity to reflect God’s love through our willingness to forgive others.

Jesus taught us to pray, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12), which reminds me that to receive forgiveness, I must also be ready to extend it.

I encourage you to join me in this season of reflection. Consider the relationships in your life that may need the healing touch of forgiveness. In doing so, we not only honor the sacrifice of our Lord but also foster peace and grace within our hearts and communities. Let us pray for the strength to forgive as freely as we have been forgiven and to live out the fullness of love that Christ exemplified through his resurrection.

Easter Bible Verses on Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Matthew 18:21-22

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”

Luke 6:37

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

How to Use These Easter Bible Verses

Reading and studying Scripture will help you get to know the character of God and learn to rely on God’s strength in all seasons of life. But learning how to study the Bible or use a free Bible reading plan doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming.

Use this Easter season as a way to start a quiet time with God or revive a personal Bible study time. Grab the free Easter Bible reading plan above and then choose one of these simple ways to strengthen your walk with the Lord.

A personal quiet time with God

Starting a quiet time with God is easier than you think. Dedicate a specific time each day to meditate on one or two verses. Find a quiet space where you can reflect without interruption. As you read, pause after each phrase, allowing the words to resonate deeply in your heart. Journal your thoughts, feelings, and any revelations you receive to deepen your personal encounter with the risen Christ. For the best Bible study tips for beginners, start here.

Family Devotions

Share the Easter story with your loved ones by reading a verse together each day as a family. Encourage open conversations about the meaning and the impact of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. This can be a beautiful time for family bonding and spiritual growth, especially when you converse about God’s grace and love within your household.

Community Worship

During church services, or small group gatherings, use the Easter Bible verses as a foundation for prayer, teaching, and testimonies. These verses can inspire us as we share our faith journey and listen to others, fostering a sense of unity and encouragement in our walk with Christ.

Scripture Memorization

Challenge yourself and others to memorize Scripture, especially these impactful verses. They can serve as a source of strength and hope throughout the year, not just during the Easter season. Write them on note cards, recite them as Christian affirmations, or even incorporate them into Bible journaling as a constant reminder of God’s promises.

Sharing the Good News

The message of Easter is one of hope and new beginnings. Don’t hesitate to share these verses with friends, co-workers, or anyone you feel led to reach out to. A verse sent via a text message, handwritten in an Easter card, or spoken during a conversation can plant seeds of hope in the hearts of others.

Whether you’re using these verses for personal growth, connecting with loved ones, or spreading the joy of the Resurrection with your community, remember to take time to truly appreciate the weight and glory captured within these sacred words. They hold the promise of eternal life and God’s unshakeable love for us, a truth that beckons us to celebrate not just on Easter, but every single day of our lives.

Easter Bible Verses Extension Activities and Free Scripture Guide

Delving deeper into the themes of Easter can be a powerful experience. I find that journaling offers a personal way to reflect on scripture and the powerful impact of Christ’s resurrection.

Create a journal: set aside time each day to write about the verses you’ve read and what they reveal to you about God’s grace and forgiveness. Vintage and handmade journals add a special touch to this activity, making it a treasured keepsake for years to come.

Need a more structured, but meaningful approach to Easter Bible Study? Check out the Journeys to the Cross: Easter Bible Study Journal

In line with expressing faith through creativity, I encourage you to engage in arts and crafts that embody the Easter message.

Design Easter cards: use the verses to inspire artwork or messages that you can share with friends and family.

Make a Resurrection Garden: a simple and visual way to depict the empty tomb and bring to life the story of the third day.

Small group Bible study: For a communal approach, I’ve seen how group study sessions offer a rich ground for discussion and growth. choose a specific Easter Bible verse each week and exchange insights and perspectives with others. It promotes not just understanding of the word, but also builds fellowship.

Remember, Easter isn’t just a day to be celebrated; it’s a season to deeply ponder the gravity of the resurrection and what it means in our lives. Whether through written words, crafted art, or shared reflections, let the truth of Easter permeate your heart and renew your spirit.

Journey to the Cross: Free Easter Bible Reading Plan

How does it work?

Using the printable guide (grab your copy above), read one of the designated Scripture passages daily. Since this Bible reading plan is self-paced, there’s no need to worry about getting behind. Simply start and consider pacing the readings to coordinate the resurrection on Easter Sunday.

What age groups will benefit from this plan?

The Easter Bible reading plan is perfect for families of all ages! Adults can read this on their own to refresh their heart with the Good News of the Gospel. Plus, parents can read these sacred passages aloud to little ones to help them grow deep roots of faith. Plus, the recommended verses are short enough to keep the kid’s attention, too.

Easter Bible Reading Plan: Bible Verses About Easter and Forgiveness