A Beginner’s Bible Easter Story: What Is Easter All About?

Easter is one of the most beautiful and meaningful times for Christians around the world. It’s more than chocolate eggs or spring celebrations—it’s about the greatest story ever told: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you’re new to the Bible or just starting your journey of faith, this article will help you understand the Easter story in a clear, simple, and heartfelt way.

We’ll walk through the events of Easter using key passages from the Bible, mainly from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. You’ll learn what happened, why it matters, and what it means for your life today.

What Is Easter All About?

Easter is the celebration of Jesus Christ rising from the dead after He was crucified on the cross. It is the center of the Christian faith because it proves Jesus is the Son of God, who conquered sin and death so that we could have eternal life.

The Easter story begins with Jesus’ suffering and ends with His victory. It includes moments of sorrow, but also great joy. It’s a story of love, sacrifice, hope, and new beginnings.

The Week Leading Up to Easter: What Happened?

Jesus Enters Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)

About a week before Easter, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. This day is known as Palm Sunday. Crowds of people welcomed Him by waving palm branches and shouting:

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” — Matthew 21:9

The people were excited because they believed Jesus was the promised King who would save them.

The Last Supper

A few days later, Jesus had a final meal with His disciples. This is called the Last Supper. During the meal, Jesus took bread and wine and gave them new meaning. He said:

“This is my body, given for you… This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” — Luke 22:19–20

Jesus was preparing His friends for what would happen next—His death on the cross.

Jesus Is Arrested and Crucified

Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested

That night, Jesus went to a garden to pray. One of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Him by leading soldiers to arrest Him. Even though Jesus was innocent, He was taken away and put on trial.

Jesus Is Crucified

Jesus was mocked, beaten, and sentenced to die by crucifixion—a painful and shameful way to die. He was nailed to a wooden cross and hung between two criminals.

As He was dying, Jesus prayed for the people hurting Him:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” — Luke 23:34

After hours of suffering, Jesus cried out:

“It is finished.” — John 19:30

He then died and was taken down from the cross. His body was placed in a tomb, and a large stone was rolled in front of it.

The Good News: Jesus Is Alive!

The Tomb Is Empty

Early Sunday morning, some women went to visit Jesus’ tomb. But when they arrived, they found the stone rolled away—and Jesus’ body was gone.

An angel told them:

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” — Matthew 28:6

Jesus had come back to life! This is the miracle of Easter.

Jesus Appears to His Friends

Over the next few weeks, Jesus appeared to many of His followers. He talked with them, ate with them, and showed them His wounds. He wanted them to know that He really was alive.

One of His disciples, Thomas, didn’t believe the others at first. But when he saw Jesus himself, he believed and said:

“My Lord and my God!” — John 20:28

Jesus’ resurrection gave His followers great joy and courage. They knew He had power over death and that everything He had taught them was true.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die?

This part of the story can be hard to understand, especially if you’re new to the Bible. Here’s a simple way to explain it:

• God created us to know Him and live in His love.

• But sin (the wrong things we do) separates us from God.

• We can’t fix this problem on our own.

• Jesus, who never sinned, died in our place.

• By trusting in Jesus, we can be forgiven and have a relationship with God.

As the Bible says:

“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

What Easter Means for You

Easter is not just a story from the past. It’s a message of hope and new life for everyone, including you.

1. You Are Loved

Jesus willingly went to the cross because He loves you. His death shows how far He was willing to go to bring you back to God.

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8

2. You Can Be Forgiven

No matter what you’ve done, Jesus offers forgiveness. His blood was shed to wash away your sins.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us.” — 1 John 1:9

3. You Can Have New Life

Because Jesus rose from the dead, you can have new life too—both now and forever. When you believe in Him, you become a child of God.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

4. You Are Never Alone

Jesus is alive. That means He is with you every day. He gives strength, peace, and guidance when you need it most.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20

How to Begin a Relationship with Jesus

If you’re just learning about Easter and feel touched by what Jesus has done for you, here are a few simple steps to help you start a relationship with Him:

Believe – Trust that Jesus is the Son of God who died for your sins and rose again.

Ask for forgiveness – Tell God you’re sorry for your sins and ask Him to forgive you.

Invite Jesus into your life – Ask Him to be your Savior and Lord.

Follow Him – Learn more about Jesus by reading the Bible, praying, and joining a church.

You can pray something like this:

“Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me. I believe You died on the cross and rose again. Please forgive me for my sins. Come into my heart and help me live for You. Amen.”

A Simple Summary of the Easter Story

Let’s recap the Easter story in a short and easy-to-remember way:

• Jesus came to earth to show us God’s love.

• He died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins.

• He was buried in a tomb.

• Three days later, He rose from the dead!

• He is alive today, and we can know Him personally.

Celebrating Easter as a Beginner

If this is your first Easter as a Christian—or you’re still exploring what it all means—here are a few ways to celebrate meaningfully:

Read the Easter Story

Try reading one of the Gospel accounts of the resurrection, like John 20, Matthew 28, or Luke 24. Read it slowly and think about what each part means.

Pray and Thank God

Take time to thank Jesus for His love and what He did for you on the cross. Talk to Him like a friend—He’s listening.

Attend a Church Service

Many churches hold special Easter services that are joyful, welcoming, and focused on the resurrection. It’s a great time to connect with others and grow in your faith.

Share the Story

You don’t need to be a Bible expert to share the good news. Just tell others what you’ve learned and what Easter means to you.

Final Thoughts: Easter Is Just the Beginning

The Easter story is the most important part of the Bible. It reminds us that no matter how dark things seem, there is always hope because Jesus is alive.

As a beginner, you don’t need to know everything right away. Just start with the basics:

• Jesus loves you.

• He died for you.

• He rose again.

• He wants a relationship with you.

That’s the heart of Easter—and it can change your life forever.