For Christians, or those simply wishing to study the Christian origins of Easter, the Bible gives the following information-
During the Easter season, (especially on Good Friday), Christians focus on the passion of Jesus Christ. This is the phrase used to describe his suffering and death on the cross. Here is a breakdown of the significant events recorded in Scripture, including the events just before and immediately following the Crucifixion. It is these events that comprise the Christian view of Easter. It is important to keep in mind that many of the actual times of these events are not recorded in Scripture. This timeline represents an approximate sequence of events, and can be referred to in the referenced scriptural passages.
The Last Supper-Jesus has a last supper with his disciples. He explains that he is leaving them, but they fail to understand the significance of his words. (Matthew 26:20-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-38; John 13:21-30)
Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane-Jesus prays alone, while a few of his closest disciples stand watch. It is at this point Christians believe that he atoned for the sins of the world, and bled from every pore. (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-45)
Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested-It was at this time that Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot and is arrested. (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11)
The Religious Leaders Condemn Jesus-At this point in the timeline, the ruling religious leaders condemn Jesus. He is first sent to stand trial before Pilate, then Herod, and then back to Pilate, where he is sentenced to death. (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71; Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-37; Luke 23:6-12; Luke 23:11; Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15; Luke 23:23-24; John 19:16)
Jesus is Led Away to Calvary-Jesus is taken to Calvary, to a place known as Golgotha, where he is to be crucified. (Matthew 27:32-34; Mark 15:21-24; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:16-17)
Jesus is Crucified-Scriptures record that he was crucified in the third hour, which in Jewish time, would have been about 9 a.m. While on the cross, Jesus is reported to have asked for forgiveness for those around him. In addition, soldiers cast lots for his clothing while a crowd mocks and taunts him. (Luke 23:34; Mark 15:24; Matthew 27:39-40; Mark 15:31; Luke 23:36-37; Luke 23:39; Luke 23:40-43)
Jesus Speaks to Mary and John-A significant event is recorded in the Bible, as Jesus is reported to have spoken to his mother, and the disciple he loved, by saying they are now family. After this John takes Mary into his home. (John 19:26-27)
Jesus cries out to the Father-At hour six, Jesus is reported to have cried out to the Father. He is given vinegar to drink, and then declares, "It is finished". He commends his spirit into the hands of God. (Matthew 27:46; John 19:28-29; Luke 23:46)
Jesus is Laid in the Tomb-Jesus is laid in the tomb of a friend. Scriptures record that this was done hastily, as the Jewish Sabbath was approaching, and one could not be dealing with these matters on a Sabbath day. The rock was rolled over the entrance, to guard the body. (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)
Jesus Rises from the Dead-The scriptures record that Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb to dress the deceased body of Christ. She finds the tomb empty, and then converses with the resurrected Christ, who urges her to tell others of what she has seen. This resurrection is the key point of the Easter celebration for Christians who believe Jesus Christ arose and lives again. (Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9)
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