Quick Summary
- Holy Week is the final week before Easter
- Begins with Palm Sunday, ends with Easter Sunday
- Commemorates Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection
- The most significant week in Christianity
- Each day has special meaning and events
The Seven Days of Holy Week
Palm Sunday
Triumphal Entry
Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem. Crowds welcomed Him with palm branches, shouting "Hosanna!" He was hailed as King, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.
Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19Monday
Cleansing the Temple
Jesus entered the temple and drove out money changers, declaring "My house will be a house of prayer." He condemned corruption and false worship.
Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19Tuesday
Day of Teaching
Jesus taught in the temple. Religious leaders questioned His authority. He gave parables, discussed the greatest commandment, and warned of the end times.
Matthew 21-25, Mark 11-13, Luke 20-21Wednesday (Spy Wednesday)
Judas' Betrayal
Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Meanwhile, Jesus rested in Bethany.
Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6Thursday (Maundy Thursday)
Last Supper & Gethsemane
Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples, instituting communion. He washed their feet, teaching servant leadership. That night, He prayed in Gethsemane and was arrested.
Matthew 26:17-56, Mark 14:12-52, Luke 22:7-53, John 13-18Friday (Good Friday)
Crucifixion
Jesus was tried before religious leaders and Pilate, beaten, mocked, and crucified at Golgotha. He died at 3 PM, saying "It is finished." He was buried in Joseph's tomb.
Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 18-19Saturday (Holy Saturday)
In the Tomb
Jesus' body lay in the tomb. Disciples mourned. Guards were posted. Saturday was the Sabbath—a day of waiting between death and resurrection.
Matthew 27:62-66Sunday (Easter)
The Resurrection
Jesus rose from the dead! Women found the empty tomb. Angels announced "He has risen!" Jesus appeared to Mary, disciples, and 500+ witnesses. Death was defeated!
Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20Key Events of Holy Week
The Last Supper
Jesus instituted communion, breaking bread as His body and wine as His blood. This memorial continues today in every church.
Gethsemane
Jesus prayed "Not my will, but yours be done," accepting the cup of suffering for our sins. His agony shows the cost of redemption.
The Trial
Falsely accused, Jesus remained silent before His accusers. He was innocent yet condemned so we could be guilty yet pardoned.
The Cross
Jesus bore our sins on the cross. He experienced God's wrath in our place. His death paid the penalty we owed.
The Empty Tomb
The resurrection proves Jesus is God, validates His sacrifice, and guarantees our future resurrection.
How to Observe Holy Week
- Read the accounts daily: Follow along in the Gospels each day
- Attend services: Many churches hold special services throughout the week
- Reflect on Christ's sacrifice: Meditate on what Jesus endured for you
- Practice fasting or silence: Enter into the solemnity of the week
- Celebrate Easter with joy: Let the week build anticipation for resurrection Sunday
Remember:
- Holy Week is the most important week in Christianity
- Every event points to Jesus' mission to save humanity
- The cross and resurrection are inseparable—both essential
- Observing Holy Week deepens appreciation for Easter