How Do We Get Ready for Easter? (10 Steps Jesus Gives Us)

Jesus’ knowledge of Scripture readied Him for the upcoming events in His life. Luke 18:31 states how, “Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.’”

Even if you’ve read of Jesus crucifixion and resurrection numerous times, commit to re-reading the passages in Scripture, asking God to make it anew in your heart.

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Mark 10:32 describes the processional to Jerusalem as Jesus leading the way, accompanied by astonished disciples and a crowd of followers afraid of what was going to take place there.

In following Jesus’ journey to the cross, it’s clear He was set on following God’s leading.
Romans 8:14 states that “those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”

Ask God to lead you during this time, too, believing, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him” (Psalm 37:23).

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When Jesus reached Jerusalem, He did some Spring Cleaning. Scripture states, “Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there” (Matthew 21:12).

Jesus took time to clean out His temple by taking the opportunity to rid it of all that was not honoring to God.

Because now your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), you, too, can take an opportunity to clean your house of things that are not pleasing to God. You can ask Him to direct you in discarding stuff and behaviors that distract you away from serving Him.

As Scripture urges, “Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness” (Romans 6:13).

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After Jesus cleaned-up the temple, instead of withdrawing, Matthew 21:14 describes how “the blind and lame came to Him at the temple, and He healed them.”

It’s easy in today’s culture with cell phones, sunglasses, garage door openers, and tinted windows to not be accessible to those around you. In all the busyness of life, it can feel like no time is convenient for others to approach you.

Still is there a neighbor or someone at church who has been trying to connect with you, but you’re not ever available?

Consider giving your time as an investment rather than a loss. Luke 6:38 urges you to, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Look for ways to be approachable and meet real needs in the lives of those around you, whether it’s through conversation, prayer, or meeting a practical need. 

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As Jesus did in the days leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection, He made the most of teachable moments, like encouraging His disciples’ faith through practical demonstrations.

After the disciples witnessed the withering of a fig tree, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask in prayer’” (Matthew 21: 21,22).

In the midst of Easter activities, be willing to encourage individuals to grow in their relationship with God.

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In the days leading up to His death, Jesus spent time teaching. Matthew 21:23 states He “entered the temple courts, and, while He was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him.”

Of course they came to question His authority but still Jesus did not let it hinder Him from interacting with them.

Like Jesus encountered, it can be uncomfortable to enter into dialogue and discuss your faith, especially nowadays with all the differences in personal beliefs and biblical interpretations.

As the authority of Jesus was challenged, so today is the authority of God’s Word questioned as the basis of truth. Even so you can trust God to work through your words to draw individuals closer to Him.

You can have confidence when speaking God’s Word of its lasting effect, as stated in Isaiah 55:11, “My Word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

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The evening before being arrested, Jesus shared a Passover meal with those closest to Him. During this last supper with His disciples, He taught them how to remember Him through drinking of the cup and breaking of the bread (Luke 22:7-22).

After sharing the meal and communion, Scripture states Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn (Mark 14:26). Singing has a way of opening up and softening your heart towards God.

Whether in your home, at church, or through a community event, be open to sharing a meal, taking communion, and singing with those around you.

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After dinner and hymn singing, Jesus headed out to pray. Spending time in prayer was a priority for Jesus. Luke 22:39 states “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives.”

Despite all that was conspiring and happening around Him, Jesus did not let the surrounding activities keep Him from spending time in prayer.

If life’s busyness and distractions have been keeping you from spending time in prayer, look to Christ’s example of making it a priority, especially during this season and in times of your greatest needs.

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Scripture reveals how during His time of prayer, Jesus agonized with what God was asking Him to do. Luke 22:44 states “And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”

Mark 14:35,36 describes how, “Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him.” Saying, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Is there something God has been asking you to do but you’ve been hoping He’ll change His mind or give you another option? Follow Jesus’ example to trust God’s will for your life more than your own feelings.

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For many individuals, the days leading up to Easter is a time of giving up things. Yet when looking at Scripture, there is something even more pleasing to God than sacrifice as stated in 1 Samuel 15:22, “To obey is better than sacrifice.”

After His time of prayer and submission to God’s will, Jesus “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).

He was perfectly obedient to His Father’s will. Hebrews 5:8,9 describes how, “Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered, and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal Salvation for all who obey Him.”

Jesus’ life wasn’t taken from Him, He gave it up as stated, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us” (1 John 3:16).

Make a commitment to choose obedience. By doing so, along with knowing Scripture, following God’s leading, cleaning house, being approachable, encouraging spiritual growth, open to conversation, making time for fellowship, devoting yourself to prayer, and submitting to God’s will, you are preparing your heart for Easter.

Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.

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