The Journey to the Cross Bible reading plan is a great way to focus on and understand the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ sacrifice during the Easter season. This plan takes you through key Scripture passages in the Gospels that highlight different aspects of Jesus’ final days leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection.
The plan starts in Matthew 21 with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem when he is hailed by the crowds as the Messiah. But soon the religious leaders begin plotting against Jesus and challenging his authority. The plan continues through chapters in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John that cover Jesus’ teachings in the temple, the Last Supper, his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, his betrayal and arrest, Peter’s denial, the trial before Pilate, the crucifixion, and finally the empty tomb on Easter morning.
This chronological plan allows you to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and what it means for your life today. You’ll follow Jesus’ footsteps during his final days on earth. As you read these key passages, you’ll be reminded of God’s incredible love demonstrated through Christ’s willingness to suffer and die for the sins of the world.
Here are some of the main passages that are included in this reading plan:
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-17, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-48, John 12:12-19) – After arriving in Jerusalem riding on a donkey, Jesus is greeted by crowds shouting “Hosanna!” and spreading palm branches. This fulfilled Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah’s coming kingship.
Jesus Cleanses the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-18, Luke 19:45-48) – Jesus drives out those who were buying and selling in the temple courts, overturning tables and condemning the commercialization of worship.
The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-23) – On the Passover, Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples and institutes the Lord’s Supper, explaining that the bread is his body and the wine is his blood of the new covenant.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial (Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:27-31, Luke 22:31-38, John 13:36-38) – Jesus tells Peter that before the rooster crows, Peter will deny knowing him three times. But Peter insists he is willing to die with Jesus.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46) – Jesus is deeply troubled and sorrowful. He prays fervently in the garden, asking God if there is any other way, but submits to God’s will.
Judas Betrays Jesus (Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-11) – Judas leads the chief priests and soldiers to arrest Jesus in the night. When Peter tries to defend Jesus by striking the high priest’s servant, Jesus tells him to put his sword away.
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68, Mark 14:53-65, Luke 22:54-71, John 18:12-14, 19-24) – Jesus is taken before the Jewish high court where false witnesses accuse him of claiming he would destroy the temple and rebuild it. When asked if he is the Christ, Jesus declares “I am” and is condemned.
Peter Denies Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62, John 18:15-18, 25-27) – While Jesus faces condemnation, Peter is recognized and denies knowing Jesus three times in the courtyard, then weeps bitterly realizing he has fulfilled Jesus’ prediction.
Jesus Delivered to Pilate (Matthew 27:1-2, 11-26, Mark 15:1-15, Luke 23:1-5, 13-25, John 18:28-19:16) – Jesus stands trial before the Roman governor Pilate, who finds no guilt in him but bows to pressure from the crowd demanding Jesus’ crucifixion.
The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:27-54, Mark 15:16-39, Luke 23:26-49, John 19:16-37) – Jesus is beaten, mocked with a crown of thorns, and nailed to a cross between two criminals. He suffers and dies after declaring the work of salvation completed.
The Burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42) – Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross and buried in a new tomb donated by Joseph of Arimathea just before the Sabbath begins.
The Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-9) – On the first day of the week after the Sabbath, the women find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Angels appear and declare Jesus has risen as he foretold.
Journeying through these passages day by day creates a deeper understanding of the enormous sacrifice Christ made for us. Following his steps illuminates both Jesus’ humanity as he grappled with the enormous weight of what lay before him, as well as his divinity as the Son of God with power over sin and death. We can see how God used the evil intent of those who condemned Jesus for their own purposes to accomplish the greatest act of redemption and grace.
As we reflect on Jesus’ suffering, we gain insight into servant leadership as he surrendered himself fully for the sake of others. Though he was one with God, he did not cling to power but gave himself up for us all. As Jesus denied himself and obediently chose the Father’s will over his own, we see an example to follow, knowing we must die to self in order to truly live.
Walking through these final days with Christ reminds us of the lavish gift of salvation offered to all who believe in him. It fosters gratitude for God’s mercy and grace. It prompts us to lean into Jesus’ sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. We’re called to surrender our lives fully to him, knowing the high price he paid to make us new creations.
This chronological reading plan helps apply the truth and power of Jesus’ final days, death and resurrection to our lives today. We remember his sacrifice and what it means for us as we walk in faith. It draws us closer to the Savior as we prepare our hearts to celebrate his victory over sin and the grave.
Here are some key lessons and reflections from this Journey to the Cross reading plan:
– Jesus was fully aware of the suffering that awaited him but willingly gave up his life out of love for us and to fulfill God’s good plans. His sacrifice provides the only way of salvation.
– Despite Jesus’ warnings that Peter would deny him, Peter insisted on his own strength and loyalty. Like Peter we often stumble and fall short, but can receive God’s grace and forgiveness.
– Jesus taught and ministered up to the very end, even when abandoned and unjustly accused. He forgave and had compassion even on those who crucified him.
– In the garden, Jesus was grieved and troubled, needing the support and prayers of his disciples. He understands our human frailties and intercedes for us even now.
– Pilate found no fault in Jesus, yet catered to politics and the crowd’s unjust demands. We must boldly stand for truth over compromise and expediency.
– At the cross Jesus quoted Scripture, entrusted Mary to John’s care, and ensured his work was completed. He stayed focused on God’s greater plan.
– The torn temple curtain symbolized Christ’s death opening direct access to God. No separation remains for those who put faith in Christ alone.
– In darkness sin and evil appeared to win, but only paved the way for the glory of Christ’s resurrection on Easter morning.
– The power at work raising Jesus from the dead is the same mighty power available to believers today through the Holy Spirit.
– The resurrection is our living hope. Because he lives we can walk in newness of life and trust him to sustain us until he returns.
This Journey to the Cross chronological reading plan helps us slow down to thoroughly reflect on Christ’s sufferings. We see him ultimately condemned for declaring himself the great I AM in human flesh. Though mocked as king with a crown of thorns, Jesus was accomplishing his mission to serve as the spotless Lamb of God sacrificed for sin.
As we follow Jesus’ footsteps we receive motivation to live differently, fully embracing his call to discipleship. His willing submission sets an example for us. We’re reminded to serve humbly, love unconditionally, and bring the light of the gospel to a dark world. Walking through these passages with Jesus moves us to confess and repent of sin, to forgive others freely, and to live passionately for God’s kingdom purposes.
This reading plan provides a powerful boost in focusing completely on Jesus as Easter approaches. All the busyness of special services and family gatherings can distract us. SoJourneying with Jesus to the cross daily prepares our hearts afresh to celebrate Christ’s victory and what it means for our lives. It leads us to worship him for the great sacrifice made on our behalf so we could become part of God’s family.
The Journey to the Cross Bible reading plan allows God’s Word to speak to us anew. It gives opportunity for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth we may have glossed over before. Details take on deeper significance. We understand in a profound way the tremendous love of Christ that took all of our sin and shame upon himself, nailing it to the cross, in order to give us new life in Him. This strengthens our faith and renews our joy as we celebrate Easter.
The chronological arrangement of events leading to the crucifixion and resurrection enables us to walk in Jesus’ footsteps, so to speak. As he rides into Jerusalem we sense the tension mounting. In the Last Supper we feel the poignancy of his words to the disciples. We enter into his agony in Gethsemane and feel the betrayal of Judas’ kiss. We want to pull Peter aside before he denies Jesus rather than watch his bitter tears. We feel the false condemnation as Jesus stands silent before Pilate. Ultimately we stand at the foot of the cross mourning the unbearable cost of our sin before kneeling at the empty tomb on Easter morning in wonder and praise.
This powerful journey creates intimacy with Jesus. We experience the cross and the tomb before celebrating resurrection life. This leads us to surrender and commitment to the One who lavishly gave all for us. Following Jesus to Calvary makes Easter far more personal and life-changing. The chronological plan helps us take in all the truth step-by-step so we fully understand the impact of Christ’s sacrifice.
In today’s busy culture it’s easy even at Easter time to rush past the core message of Christ’s death and resurrection. Taking time for an in-depth walk with Jesus as he gives himself up for us out of inexpressible love can be life-altering. It brings the truth of the gospel home to our hearts in a powerful, meaningful way. Focusing completely on Jesus and his sacrificial love renews our awe and gratitude. This overflowing joy and passion is exactly what God desires for us as Easter people.