Studying the Easter story brings couples closer together by making Jesus the center, deepening their conversations, strengthening their faith, and providing a deeper understanding of God and each other. Let this be a priority this year and be changed by the wonder-working power of the Easter story.
It's no secret that couples grow closer by spending meaningful time together and having in-depth conversations. So, how can the Easter story fit into this picture?
Depending on how you were raised, the Easter story was either centered around a fictional bunny who delivered easter baskets or the biblical account of Jesus' death and resurrection. However, most people only know the basic story of Easter and haven't studied in detail the wonder-working power of the greatest story in the world.
Here are several ways couples can grow closer together through studying the Easter story:
Jesus Is Brought Back to the Center
In Matthew 27:6-13, a woman anointed Jesus with a costly jar of oil in preparation for His burial. The disciples complained, insisting she could sell the oil at a high price and give the money to the poor. Jesus' response to them was, "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." (NKJV)
This account isn't always included in the Easter story, but it marks the start of Jesus' journey to the cross. The woman's outpouring of lavish love showed that Jesus was at the center of her actions. Because of her devotion, she didn't hesitate to pour out the most valuable thing she had for the Savior she loved.
What a tender example for couples who want to grow closer and learn more about the Easter Story. Starting with Matthew 27:6-13, they can study the woman's offering and the preparation of Jesus' body for burial. In the process, couples will be encouraged to give all to Jesus even when others don't understand.
When Jesus is brought back to the center of Easter, the holiday goes from a one-day social event to a meaningful season for personal reflection and devotion. Let the woman with the alabaster jar be a discussion springboard as you make Jesus the center of your celebration and relationship.
A Prayer for Jesus to be the Center:
Lord, please turn our hearts to You this Easter as we invite You to be the center of our relationship. Remove any distractions that get in the way of putting you first. Please bring us closer together as we study the Easter story; in Your precious name, we pray, amen.
Your Conversations Go Deeper
Mark 14:17-20 tells us about the Passover meal Jesus shared with His disciples - the last supper before His death. It also recounts the moment Jesus revealed that one of them would betray Him. It says, "When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, 'Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.' They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, 'Surely you don't mean me?' 'It is one of the Twelve,' he replied, 'one who dips bread into the bowl with me.'"
When studying this passage as a couple, you'll be drawn closer together as you try to imagine the scene. How the disciples must have questioned Jesus and speculated about one another! Conversations will arise, such as:
- What was Judas' countenance when Jesus mentioned His betrayer?
- Did the other disciples figure out it was Judas?
- How could Judas have gone through with it after knowing the love of Jesus so intimately?
Stories like the Passover meal can spark in-depth discussions about the intensity of the Last Supper. And by studying each of the Gospels in comparison, couples will discover minute details they might have missed in years past. Your conversations will go deeper because the text of the Scriptures will take you deeper. What an intentional way to grow closer as a couple!
A Prayer for Deeper Conversations:
Lord, as we study the Easter story together, please let the details sink in like never before. We look to You to provide the talking points to help us grow deeper with you and each other. Please prevent us from rushing through the text and instead study each part in-depth. We pray this in Your holy name, amen.
It Strengthens Your Faith
For some, studying the Easter story can be difficult and challenging to their faith. After all, the terrible injustices and excruciating death Jesus experienced, as recorded in Mark 15:6-15 and Luke 23:26-46, can be very painful to read. However, couples who study the Easter story with hearts to understand will be strengthened. In the process, tough questions will be addressed, such as:
- Why did the Father allow His Son to go through such agony?
- Wasn't there any other way for the world to be saved?
- Was I really on Jesus' mind when He went to the cross?
If you want to go beyond the surface this Easter, study Scripture together and bring your questions to God. Be honest with Him while also being open to receiving His wisdom. As you recall the painful details of Jesus' death, don't let it hinder your faith, but instead, let it strengthen you with the same fortitude Jesus had when He obediently went to the cross on your behalf.
A Prayer for Strengthened Faith:
Lord, please strengthen our faith as we read about Your death and the pain you suffered. Help the Easter story deepen our love and appreciation for Your perfect sacrifice. Even when we don't understand what You went through, help us study the Bible with new eyes to grasp the amazing love You displayed on the cross. In Your holy and mighty name, we pray, amen.
It Provides a Deeper Understanding of God and Each Other
Of all the ways studying the Easter story can bring you closer as a couple, having a deeper understanding of God and each other tops them all. The remarkable thing about God's Word is that we receive something new and wonderful every time we read it!
In John chapter 20, the Bible details the conclusion of the Easter story. It talks about the empty tomb and how Jesus appeared to many for forty days before He ascended to heaven. Then, at the very end of the chapter, John writes, "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."
What a beautiful ending to one of the most powerful stories ever written! John's account doesn't leave us to wonder what happened. Instead, it provides couples with a joyous conclusion to study together as they rejoice in the risen Savior.
The true Easter story not only happened but was written so that all would believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and have life in His name. When couples grasp this life-changing truth, it can transform their understanding of God and each other.
Studying the Easter story brings couples closer together by making Jesus the center, deepening their conversations, strengthening their faith, and providing a deeper understanding of God and each other. Let this be a priority this year and be changed by the wonder-working power of the Easter story.
A Prayer for Deeper Understanding:
Lord, please let our study of the Easter story deepen our relationship with You and each other. Give us insight and understanding of the most powerful event in the world. Thank You for giving us life and salvation, in Jesus' name!
More Easter Resources to Enjoy as a Couple:
How the Resurrection Power We Celebrate at Easter Impacts Our Marriage
Easter - Holiday Meaning, Traditions, and Symbols Explained
6 Scripture-Based Easter Prayers
