The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” – Psalm 118:22-23
Preparation for the Holy Week
As we approach Holy Week, we take the time to prepare our hearts and minds for the events to unfold. This week signifies the culmination of Jesus’ journey on Earth, ending with His sacrifice for our sins. We are invited to reflect on our own lives, recognizing the importance of preparation in our faith. Much like the disciples prepared for the Passover, we find that dedicating time for prayer and reflection helps us align our spirits and hearts with God’s will. We can use this time to examine ourselves and ask God to prepare us for the celebration of His resurrection. This week gives us an opportunity to deepen our faith and strengthen our relationship with God.
Matthew 21:1-3
“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.’” – Matthew 21:1-3
Luke 19:28-30
“After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you; there, as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.’” – Luke 19:28-30
Mark 11:2-4
“Jesus said to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” – Mark 11:2-4
John 12:1-2
“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.” – John 12:1-2
Matthew 26:1-2
“When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, ‘As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’” – Matthew 26:1-2
The Triumphal Entry
The Triumphal Entry marks a significant moment in Holy Week as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. This fulfilled the prophecy and symbolized peace, humility, and His role as the Messiah. The shouts of “Hosanna” from the crowd reflected their expectations of a conquering king, while Jesus humbly accepted their praise. We can take this time to acknowledge Jesus as our King and to join in that chorus, remembering that He came to serve rather than to be served. This moment also invites us to consider how we recognize Jesus in our lives and how we respond to His call to follow Him.
Matthew 21:9
The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ – Matthew 21:9
Mark 11:9-10
“Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heavens!’” – Mark 11:9-10
Luke 19:38
“‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’” – Luke 19:38
John 12:13
“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the king of Israel!’” – John 12:13
Matthew 21:10-11
“When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’” – Matthew 21:10-11
The Last Supper
The Last Supper signifies an intimate gathering where Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. During this moment, He instituted the practice of Communion, revealing the new covenant through His broken body and shed blood. This event was not just a meal but a profound teaching moment filled with love and sacrifice. As we remember this act, we are called to reflect on the significance of fellowship, the gift of grace, and the importance of breaking bread together. It encourages us to serve one another as Jesus served His disciples, embodying love in our relationships.
Luke 22:19-20
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” – Luke 22:19-20
Matthew 26:26-28
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” – Matthew 26:26-28
Mark 14:22-24
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,’ he said to them.” – Mark 14:22-24
John 13:14-15
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” – John 13:14-15
1 Corinthians 11:23-25
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’” – 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Jesus’ Crucifixion
The crucifixion of Jesus is the heart of Holy Week, representing the ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. This profound moment reveals the depth of God’s love for us, as He chose to send His only Son to die for our sins. Even in suffering, Jesus displayed love, mercy, and forgiveness. It is during this time we can personally reflect on the meaning of sacrifice. Understanding what Jesus endured leads to gratitude for the grace that has been bestowed upon us. Each pain He bore brings us closer to understanding our need for Him and helps us recognize the great love that God has for humanity.
Matthew 27:35
“When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” – Matthew 27:35
Luke 23:33
“When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.” – Luke 23:33
John 19:16-18
“Finally, Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.” – John 19:16-18
Mark 15:25
“It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.” – Mark 15:25
Matthew 27:46
“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)” – Matthew 27:46
The Resurrection
As we reflect on the Resurrection, we are reminded that Holy Week doesn’t end with the cross, but rather it culminates in glorious victory. The Resurrection signifies hope and new life for us all. It reminds us that death is not the end but a gateway to eternal life through Christ. As believers, we can rejoice in the truth that Jesus overcame death, offering us a way to be reconciled with God. This joy and assurance give us strength to face our own challenges, knowing that we have a Savior who triumphantly rose again. In this moment, we celebrate the gift of salvation and the promise of being made new in Christ.
Matthew 28:5-6
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.’” – Matthew 28:5-6
Mark 16:6
“‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.’” – Mark 16:6
Luke 24:5-7
“In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” – Luke 24:5-7
John 20:18
“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her.” – John 20:18
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Reflections on Holy Week
Holy Week serves as a powerful reminder of the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As we engage with the events leading up to Easter, we are invited to reflect on the depths of grace extended to us. This week challenges us to consider how we can live our lives in a way that reflects Christ’s love and humility. Through our actions and interactions, we are called to share the hope that comes from His death and Resurrection. As we reflect on Holy Week, let us strive to embody the teachings of Jesus, showing love, compassion, and mercy to all we encounter. We can hold fast to the promise of new life and allow it to transform not just our lives, but the lives of those around us.
Hebrews 12:2
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2
Colossians 3:1-2
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:1-2
1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Philippians 2:5-8
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:5-8
Final Thoughts
Holy Week is a profound and transformative time for us as Christians. It calls us to reflect on the immense sacrifice that Jesus made for our salvation. Each event of Holy Week—from the preparation to the resurrection—carries deep significance, reminding us of God’s love, grace, and mercy. As we engage with these scriptures, we can truly comprehend the beauty of the gospel. We are encouraged to live a life that reflects Christ’s love, embodying the grace we’ve experienced. Let us take the lessons of Holy Week into our daily journeys, spreading hope and love to those around us.
As we engage with the themes of Holy Week, let’s remember to open our hearts to God’s message in our daily lives. We can be inspired to uplift others, just as we have been uplifted through Christ’s sacrifice. For further exploration of faith, I encourage you to read about blessing holy water and consider the importance of sacrifice for others. Together, we can grow in our understanding and reflection of Christ’s love.
Thank you for engaging with this meaningful journey through Holy Week.