Holy Week begins on Sunday, April 10! In response, we’ve prepared a brief overview of the various activities that take place during this special time of year. And, we’ve included a free 7-day Easter devotional for our readers!
Palm Sunday
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion and resurrection. According to John 12, a large crowd gathered to see Jesus as well as Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Christ arrived on a donkey as the people honored Him with palm branches and shouts of praise, such as “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” Palm Sunday is a wonderful time for believers to give reverence to Jesus, and reflect upon the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9.
Maundy Thursday
The Thursday following Palm Sunday is known as Maundy Thursday, a solemn time for the body of Christ to reflect upon the Last Supper of our dear Lord and Savior. John 13 chronicles an incredible display of servant leadership, when Jesus humbly washed the feet of His disciples and gave them a new commandment: to love one another. (“Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum, which refers to a mandate or command.) Maundy Thursday is an opportune time for believers to reflect upon the actions we can take to share the profound love of Jesus with others.
Good Friday
The Friday following Palm Sunday is commonly referred to as Good Friday, which marks our remembrance of Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Upon the cross, He bore the world’s sin and shame so that we might enter into everlasting life with Him. As believers contemplate the eternal significance of Jesus’ actions and the immense suffering that He endured, we can recall His final words upon the cross as recorded in John 19:30: “It is finished.” We praise God that Jesus chose to pay our debt in full.
Easter Sunday
Holy Week culminates with Easter Sunday, a time for the bride of Christ to celebrate our risen King! Christ said He would rise on the third day after his crucifixion, and in Luke 24:6, the angels affirmed, “He is risen!” That’s why, on Easter morning, we joyously proclaim that Jesus defeated both sin and the grave with His mighty resurrection power. For believers everywhere, Easter is a special day to declare to one another that our Redeemer lives. As such, church goers often greet one another on Easter Sunday with a call-and-response of “He Is Risen! … He Is Risen, Indeed!”
You’re Invited to Experience The Resurrected Jesus
Easter is such an important season for us to contemplate as believers. As such, we invite you on a special journey of reflection, prayer, and spiritual transformation through a free 7-day Easter devotional titled “Experience The Resurrected Jesus.”
Readers will walk the lonely road of disappointment with Jesus’ disciples and then discover the hope of Christ’s resurrection—a resurrection that declares there’s no grave, tomb, or situation beyond His saving reach. Each day, you’ll find a biblical excerpt about the individuals who saw Jesus after He rose again, along with a devotional passage and a prayer to align your heart with God’s word during this meaningful Easter season. Visit this webpage to request your free copy of “Experience The Resurrected Jesus” and have a blessed Holy Week!