Scripture Readings for Your Easter Service

Luke 24:1-8

Luke’s narrative of the resurrection brings a special excitement. It captures the moment these women experience the empty tomb. Perfect to read as a call to worship.

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.

(NIV)

Matthew 28:5-7

This passage gets straight to the point of Jesus’ resurrection. It’s excellent for both a call to worship or a passage in between songs.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

(NIV)

Acts 2:24

If you’re looking for a powerful quick word from the Lord, this passage is it. This would fit nicely leading into a song or exiting a song.

But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

(NIV)

These passages emphasize the resurrection of Jesus Christ, in unique ways. May your Easter services be blessed and may you richly enjoy the day we celebrate Chirst’s resurrection.

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