As Christians worldwide embark on the sacred journey of Holy Week, we pause to reflect on the profound significance of the events leading up to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Let’s immerse ourselves in Scripture, tracing the timeline of the last week of Jesus—beginning with Palm Sunday and culminating in the glorious victory of Resurrection Sunday.
Day 1: Palm Sunday
Event: Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Scripture References: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19
On this day, Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. The crowds welcome Him with shouts of “Hosanna,” laying palm branches and cloaks on the road before Him, acknowledging Him as the promised Messiah.
Day 2: Monday
Event: Jesus Cleanses the Temple
Scripture References: Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48
Upon entering the temple, Jesus overturns the tables of the money changers and drives out those buying and selling, declaring, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers” (Matthew 21:13). He teaches and heals in the temple, demonstrating His authority as the Son of God.
Day 3: Tuesday
Event: Teachings and Controversies
Scripture References: Matthew 21:18-26:5, Mark 11:20-13:37, Luke 20:1-21:38, John 12:20-50
Jesus engages in intense debates with religious leaders, addressing topics such as authority, hypocrisy, and the coming judgment. He delivers parables, including the Parable of the Tenants and the Olivet Discourse, foretelling future events and emphasizing the need for readiness and watchfulness.
Day 4: Wednesday (Spy Wednesday)
Event: Judas’ Betrayal and Anointing of Jesus
Scripture References: Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:1-10
Some traditions refer to this day as “Spy Wednesday” because it’s believed to be the day when Judas conspired with the chief priests to betray Jesus. Additionally, according to some interpretations, this is when Jesus was anointed with expensive perfume called “spikenard” by a woman during a meal at the home of Simon the Leper.
Day 5: Thursday (Maundy Thursday)
Event: Last Supper and Gethsemane
Scripture References: Matthew 26:17-46, Mark 14:12-42, Luke 22:7-46, John 13:1-18:1
Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples, instituting the Lord’s Supper and foretelling His betrayal. He washes the disciples’ feet, demonstrating humility and servanthood. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus agonizes in prayer, submitting to the Father’s will.
Day 6: Friday (Good Friday)
Event: Crucifixion and Death
Scripture References: Matthew 27:1-66, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 23:1-56, John 18:1-19:42
Jesus endures betrayal, unjust trials, and brutal crucifixion, bearing the weight of humanity’s sin upon Himself. He cries out, “It is finished,” and breathes His last, yielding His life as the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.
Day 7: Saturday
Event: Sabbath Rest
Scripture References: (No specific events recorded in the Gospels)
On this day, Jesus lies in the tomb, fulfilling the Sabbath rest. His disciples and followers mourn His death, unaware of the glorious victory that awaits.
Day 8: Sunday (Resurrection Sunday)
Event: Resurrection
Scripture References: Matthew 28:1-20, Mark 16:1-20, Luke 24:1-53, John 20:1-21:25
The tomb is found empty as Jesus rises triumphantly from the dead, defeating sin and death once and for all. He appears to His disciples, commissioning them to go and make disciples of all nations, and ascends to heaven, promising to return.
As we journey through Holy Week, let us meditate on the profound love and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we embrace the significance of each event, drawing closer to Him and experiencing the power of His resurrection in our lives.
Preacher Chad
chaddonley 