In the ancient city of Jerusalem, during the time of Roman rule, there lived a man named Jesus of Nazareth. He was known for his teachings of love, compassion, and forgiveness, and many people followed him, believing him to be the Messiah promised by the prophets.

The freedom feast

Luke 22: 8-23

As the Passover festival approached, a feast where they celebrated freedom and remember how their ancestors escaped from slavery in Egypt, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem with his chosen followers. The city was buzzing with excitement and anticipation, but Jesus knew that his time on earth was drawing to a close. He gathered his closest followers for a meal, known as the Last Supper, where he broke bread and shared wine, telling them that these symbols represented his body and blood, soon to be sacrificed for the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus is betrayed by his close friend

Luke 22:39-49

That night, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed really hard, knowing tough times were coming. One of his friends, Judas Iscariot, turned on him, and Jesus got arrested by the temple guards and taken to the Jewish leaders. Even though they accused him of things he didn’t do and didn’t give him a fair trial, Jesus stayed quiet, knowing this was all part of God’s big plan to save everyone.

Jesus is nailed on the cross

Luke 22: 63- 23:1-43

Condemned to death by crucifixion, Jesus was mocked, beaten, and forced to carry his own cross through the streets of Jerusalem. At Golgotha, also known as Calvary, he was nailed to the cross alongside two criminals. Amidst his suffering, Jesus showed compassion, forgiving his killers and promising paradise to one of the criminals who repented.

Jesus dies and is buried

Luke 23:44- 24:12

As darkness descended upon the land, Jesus cried out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” With these words, he breathed his last breath and surrendered his life. The earth shook, and the curtain of the temple was torn in two, symbolising the breaking of the barrier between God and humanity.

Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb, sealed with a large stone. For three days, his followers mourned his death, but on the morning of the third day, something miraculous happened. The tomb was found empty, and angels proclaimed, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said!”

Jesus is alive!

Luke 24:13-49

Jesus appeared to his disciples, alive and victorious over death, fulfilling the prophecies and proving his divinity. His resurrection became the cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering hope of eternal life to all who believe in him.

From that day forward, Easter has been celebrated as a triumph of light over darkness, love over hatred, and life over death. It is a time of joyous celebration, as Christians around the world commemorate the resurrection of their Savior, Jesus Christ.

The full story about the death and resurrection of Jesus is found in the following scriptures;

Matthew chapters 26-28

Luke chapters 22-24

John chapters 17-21