Easter is the culmination of God’s grand story of redemption—a story that began not in the New Testament but in the very first pages of Scripture. This Easter, join us for a powerful sermon series, Tracing Redemption from the Old Testament to the Cross, as we explore how key events and prophecies in the Old Testament point to Jesus’ death and resurrection. From the first promise of a Savior in Genesis to the triumphant cry of “He is risen!” on Easter Sunday, this series will deepen your understanding of God’s redemptive plan and inspire you to celebrate the hope we have in Christ.
The First Gospel (Genesis 3:1-15)
The story of redemption begins in the Garden of Eden, where sin entered the world. Yet, even in the midst of the curse, God gave the first promise of a Redeemer—a Savior who would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). This passage, often called the protoevangelium (the first gospel), sets the stage for the entire Bible. It reminds us that the story of Scripture is not about human effort but about God’s relentless pursuit of His people through Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaway: The whole Bible is about one thing—God redeeming His people through Jesus Christ.
The Blood of the Lamb (Exodus 12:1-30)
The Passover in Exodus is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice. The blood of the lamb on the doorposts saved the Israelites from death, just as the blood of Jesus, our Passover Lamb, saves us from sin and death. This message explores the power of the blood and how Christ’s sacrifice fulfills the Passover story.
Key Verse: “Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us.” – 1 Corinthians 5:7
The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53)
Centuries before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah prophesied about a Suffering Servant who would bear the sins of many. This profound chapter describes the purpose of Christ’s pain and the healing we receive through His wounds. It’s a reminder that God’s plan often involves suffering, but it always leads to redemption.
Key Verse: “By His wounds, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
The Triumphal Entry (Zechariah 9:9 & Matthew 21:1-11)
Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as the humble King prophesied in Zechariah 9:9. This message explores the contrast between the people’s expectations of a political Messiah and the reality of Jesus’ mission—to bring salvation through sacrifice.
Key Verse: “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.” – Zechariah 9:9
The Betrayal & the Cup (Matthew 26:36-56)
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced the agony of what was to come. Yet, He willingly submitted to the Father’s plan, even as He was betrayed by one of His own. This message delves into the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and His unwavering commitment to our redemption.
Key Verse: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” – Jesus in Luke 22:42
The Seven Last Words (Luke 23 & John 19)
On Good Friday, we reflect on Jesus’ final words from the cross—words of forgiveness, hope, and victory. Each statement reveals the heart of God and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. This message reminds us that the cross is not the end of the story but the turning point of history.
Key Quote: “The cross is not the end of a story, but the turning point of history.” – Tim Keller
He Is Risen! (Luke 24:1-12)
Easter Sunday celebrates the empty tomb and the resurrection of Jesus. This message explores the witnesses of the resurrection and the victory that Jesus’ resurrection secures for us. It’s a declaration that death has been defeated and that we have new life in Christ.
Key Verse: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He is risen!” – Luke 24:5-6
Conclusion: A Story of Hope and Victory
The Easter story is not just a historical event—it’s the climax of God’s redemptive plan, a plan that began in Genesis and finds its fulfillment in Jesus. This sermon series will take you on a journey through Scripture, showing how every story, every prophecy, and every sacrifice points to the cross and the empty tomb.
