Reflecting on the Resurrection: A Christian Easter Reading List

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Good Friday and Easter is a special time for Christians. It is a time to reflect on the meaning of the Cross and of our Lord. It’s a wonderful time to be grateful that we had a Savior that died in our place. Not for the best parts of us, but for the worst.

There are so many great books and/or devotions for this special time of the year. I have read several of these and many are on my to read list. I try to pick at least one Easter type book to read every year at this time.

Anytime I’m writing books on faith I like to remind you that we all come from different denominations, we may worship different and we may or may not agree with certain authors. The only author that is perfect is God himself so nothing replaces the Bible and if there is only time for one book it should be that one! So scan the list and see what appeals to you and know that it all won’t and that is totally ok!

Easter Books

The Characters of Easter by Daniel Darling

Discover the unlikely people who were there for the most important moment in history.

At Easter, Jesus took on the sin of the world and triumphed over the devil, death, and the grave. But what’s surprising is who was there to witness it all—everyday people like frightened fishermen, hated tax collectors, overlooked women, weak leaders, and even betrayers.

The Characters of Easter introduces you to the unexpected mix of people who saw Jesus’ death and resurrection firsthand. Through their stories, you’ll get a deeper look at the events of Easter and find yourself drawn closer to Jesus. Step into life in first-century Palestine and experience these powerful moments alongside well-known figures like Peter, Judas, Pilate, John, Mary Magdalene, and more.

I read The Characters of Christmas that this author wrote and I loved it. I can’t wait to dive into this one!

Resurrection Witness by Doug Powell

Did Jesus actually rise from the dead? What evidence is there, and which explanations make the most sense? Resurrection iWitness takes you on a journey through the historical facts and different theories, showing why the biblical account is the only one that fits everything we know. Step into the story, examine the empty tomb, and explore the evidence for yourself as you investigate what really happened.

This book is so neat. It has hidden flaps and beautiful illustrations. I’m reading this one this year!

On Calvary’s Hill by Max Lucado

During his final week on Earth, Jesus understood that the end was approaching. He was aware of the pain and finality of the crucifixion on Friday—but did he also foresee the hope and triumph of the resurrection on Sunday? In On Calvary’s Hill, bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado invites you to walk alongside Jesus in those last days—experiencing his deep love, recognizing his authority, and hearing his message that death doesn’t have the final say.

This book paints a powerful picture of Jesus during that pivotal week: simply dressed, yet completely focused. As he leaves Jericho and heads toward Jerusalem, he doesn’t stop or speak casually—this is his final journey, one that even the angels watch in silence, knowing the weight of what’s to come. Eternity itself hinges on these moments.

The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs

ECPA Bestseller – This beautifully packaged Bible study is perfect for Lent and focuses on three incredible women who were deeply connected to Jesus and played important roles during the first Easter.

Author Liz Curtis Higgs offers powerful insights and practical lessons for women today, as she takes a closer look at three Marys from the Bible:

Mary of Bethany, who lovingly anoints Jesus’ feet, preparing Him for burial;
Mary of Nazareth, His mother, who stays with Him faithfully from birth to death; and
Mary Magdalene, once freed from seven demons, who stands by Jesus in His final moments and is the first to share the news of His resurrection.

Three inspiring women. One amazing Savior.

We read this in our church bookclub. It was so neat hearing about the role that the women played in the Easter story and how important they were.

Preparing for Easter by C.S. Lewis

This special book brings together some of the best writings from beloved author C. S. Lewis, focusing on the powerful event of Jesus’s resurrection.

Preparing for Easter is a short, easy-to-carry guide meant for Christians of all backgrounds—or anyone curious—to explore the meaning of the Easter season. It invites readers to reflect on Jesus’s sacrifice and his triumphant resurrection.

The selections are thoughtfully chosen, highlighting key themes from Lewis’s reflections on the Christian faith, and offering reasons for trusting in the truth of the cross.

The Case for Easter: A Journalist Investigates Evidence for the Resurrection by Lee Strobel

Did Jesus of Nazareth really come back to life?

Out of all the world’s religions, Christianity is the only one that claims its founder rose from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith.

But let’s be real—how can anyone today, in a world driven by science and reason, believe that someone actually came back from the dead? Some people think Jesus didn’t really die on the cross at all. Others say the story of the empty tomb isn’t reliable because the details don’t always match up.

So how strong is the evidence for—or against—the resurrection? Lee Strobel, an award-winning legal journalist, decided to dig into that question himself. He started out as an atheist but ended up believing, based on the facts he uncovered.

Easter: Behold Your King by Lifeway Women

The Easter season is a time filled with joy, celebration, and new life. With all the excitement—like plays and pastel decorations—it’s easy to lose sight of the wonder of Jesus during this meaningful time.

Easter: Behold Your King offers a thoughtful perspective on Easter, exploring the key events and deeper meaning behind Passion Week. It covers topics such as how Old Testament prophecies point to Jesus as the Messiah, the importance of moments from Palm Sunday through Holy Saturday, and the significance of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. This study not only helps readers grasp the depth of Christ’s sacrifice, but also encourages them to live in the light of these powerful truths.

It also includes Easter-themed activities designed for kids, teens, and adults to enjoy and celebrate together.

It is Finished: A 40 Day Pilgrimage to the Cross by Charles Martin

A Publishers Weekly and ECPA Bestseller

It Is Finished takes you on a powerful 40-day journey through the Bible, showing how the message of the cross connects from Genesis all the way to your life today.

With rich storytelling and deep biblical insight, Charles Martin—an acclaimed author and teacher—guides you through forty reflections that help you see the cross from new perspectives. Each day invites you to pause and ask:

What did Jesus really mean when He said, “It is finished”?
When did this work actually begin?
How does His death from 2,000 years ago still matter in my life now?
What is God offering me at the cross that I often overlook?
What truths about myself has God never forgotten?

Whether this is your first time or your thousandth time reflecting on the cross, Charles Martin walks beside you like a friend on the same journey, gently helping you wrestle with the biggest question of all: “What will I do with Jesus?”

If you like to have a list to print out to take to your library of the books mentioned in this post sign up below:

He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado

Is your heart feeling unsettled by everything going on in the world? Are you weighed down by hard days, anger, or anxiety? Take a moment today to rest in God’s selfless love, and lay all your burdens at the foot of the cross.

Nothing about the days leading up to Jesus’ death happened by accident. His final moments weren’t random or out of control. God planned every step—He chose the nails, placed the crosses, and even had the sign made. In those moments, God’s control and power were clearer than ever. He didn’t have to go to such lengths; all that was needed to save us was the shedding of Jesus’ blood. But He gave us so much more. Way more than we could ever deserve.

The Gift of the Cross: Embracing the Promise of Resurrection by Charles Stanley

Have you ever taken a closer look at the Easter story and asked how Jesus’ death on the cross can truly shape your everyday life? In The Gift of the Cross, trusted pastor Dr. Charles F. Stanley guides you through the Lent and Easter seasons, unpacking the meaning of Jesus’ journey to the cross, the power of His resurrection, and what it means for us as believers today.

This life-changing event is the foundation of the Christian faith, and it doesn’t just influence how we observe Easter—it transforms how we live with joy and hope throughout the entire year.

Both men and women will be encouraged in their walk with God as they reflect on powerful truths like: