Happy Easter

Happy Easter from http://www.appolinespiritual.bogspot.com/

May you enjoy reviewing the Easter Story, and perhaps share this page with some friends to make their Easter more meaningful.


Introduction
Time Lines of Jesus - Final Week Final Hour
Read Original Words
Watch Video
Common Questions
Listen to Audio Explanation
Listen to Easter Music
Related Topics

Easter Story: General Introduction Easter is the celebration of Jesus' victory over death and mankind's hope for eternal life.

The highlights of the Easter story include Jesus' execution (or crucifixion on the cross), His burial and, most importantly, His rising from death (or resurrection).

The accounts of Jesus' trial and execution are described in detail in the historical records of Jesus (Gospels). Essentially, he was condemned by religious leaders objecting to Jesus' claim to be their "Messiah", and then sentenced to death by authorities of the Roman government. Jesus was brutally tortured to death by nailing his hands and feet to an upright post in the shape of a cross.

The account of Jesus' rising from death was also recorded in the historical records of Jesus (Gospels): Three days after His death, a few women first found His tomb empty. Then Jesus appeared in front of these women and His disciples, talking and eating with them. Out of doubts still, one disciple did not believe Jesus was alive again until he actually touched Jesus' fatal wounds. In the following forty days, hundreds of people witnessed this Jesus who had returned from death until He ascended to Heaven.

Before His death, Jesus had promised eternal life to those who followed Him. If the story ended at His death, Jesus would have been no more than a religious figure with a finite life span. But the fact the Jesus rose from death demonstrated He has the power over death, and only through Him can people have hope for eternal life. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Easter Story: Timeline
Time Lines of Jesus - Final Week Final Hour
Notable aspects of Jesus Final Week (see timeline)
Jesus repeatedly predicted his own murder in Jerusalem
Jesus did not take defensive actions or avoid Jerusalem
Jesus endured significant physical torture over a 16 hour period
Jesus endured significant emotional distress over a 16 hour period
Jesus was tortured to death and was buried
Jesus' followers reported and recorded his live appearances throughout forty days after his execution
Notable aspects of Jesus Final Hours (see timeline)
Final words of Jesus indicated completion of personal mission
Words of witnesses emphasized prominence of Jesus
Death (from asphyxiation) was conclusive
Simultaneous external events intensified the drama
Easter Story: Original Words

Read the Easter story from ancient biographer, Luke (Chapter 24).
The Last Supper
Luke 22:7-38
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
Luke 22:39-46
Jesus Arrested
Luke 22:47-53
Peter Disowns Jesus
Luke 22:54-62
The Guards Mock Jesus
Luke 22:63-65
Jesus Before Pilate and Herod
Luke 22:66-23:25
The Crucifixion
Luke 23:26-43
Jesus` Death
Luke 23:44-49
Jesus` Burial
Luke 23:50-56
The Resurrection
Luke 24:1-12
On the Road to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
Luke 24:36-49
The Ascension
Luke 24:50-53
Read the Easter story from Jesus' follower, Matthew.
Jesus Before Pilate
Matthew 27:11-26
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
Matthew 27:27-31
The Crucifixion
Matthew 27:32-44
The Death of Jesus
Matthew 27:45-56
The Burial of Jesus
Matthew 27:57-61
The Guard at the Tomb
Matthew 27:62-66
The Resurrection
Matthew 28:1-10
The Guards` Report
Matthew 28:11-15
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20