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Walking With Jesus Through The Holy Week

Walking With Jesus Through The Holy Week

The Holy Week (or Passion week) of Jesus Christ is the most important season of the Christian calendar. Here, each Gospel account slows down to focus on the words and the witness of our Lord and Savior. This practice of walking with Jesus through the final week of his earthly life is instructive for the church today as well.

So on this Holy Week, let us meditate on the Gospel accounts and visualize the activities of Christ each day, beginning with the celebration on the evening before Palm Sunday and concluding with Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.[i] I encourage you to read the Scripture passages in bold, then reflect on the activities of Jesus which are highlighted for each day. As the Church enters this week together, we anticipate five transformative results of walking with our Risen Savior.[ii]

  1. It solidifies our Christian worldview, showing that our faith is not wishful thinking but founded on historical facts as revealed in God’s Word (1 Cor 15:12–34).
  2. It helps us to understand the disciples of Jesus more clearly as we place our feet into their sandals.
  3. It convicts us of our own responsibilities as disciples of Jesus today who respond in faith to his person and his work.
  4. It draws us into deeper and more sincere worship of Christ, who gave up his precious life for us.
  5. It leads us into greater intimacy with our Lord and Savior after walking with him through the events of this week.

As you read the suggested passages, let your imagination fill in the sights and senses that Jesus himself might have experienced. Allow your thoughts and emotions to mingle with his, even as you go about your everyday activities.

Preparation Saturday

  • Jesus has just arrived in Bethany (a small town near Jerusalem) before dusk on Friday night (John 11:55–12:1). He and his disciples have stayed in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus—the one whom Jesus raised from the dead (see 11:1–44).
  • During the Sabbath day, they fellowship over meals and worship together as believers.
  • That evening, Mary of Bethany anoints the feet of Jesus in the home of Simon, the former leper (John 12:2–8; see Matt 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9).

Questions for Reflection:

  1. Who are the friends you fellowship with either in times of great joy or times of great sadness? Imagine the kind of relationship Jesus has with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
  2. Close your eyes and imagine the scent of the anointing oil filling the room. (Myrrh is extracted from tree sap and has been described as woody, warm, and pungent.) How does Mary’s lavish gift prepare Jesus for his burial? In what ways are you preparing your own heart for Good Friday this Passion Week?
  3. Reflect on the extravagant cost of Mary’s sacrifice. Do you think she poured out the oil because of a zealous impulse or out of purposeful intent? What have you personally given up in order to worship Jesus?
  4. Judas and the other disciples grow indignant when they witness what they consider to be a waste of resources. Who or what often hinders you from fully worshiping Christ in spirit and in truth?
  5. How does your local church celebrate on Easter Week? Are there ways to contribute your time, resources, or gifting to serve the Lord and your fellow believers in the church?

Palm Sunday

  • Jesus enters Jerusalem as a triumphant king (Matt 21:1–11; see Mark 11:1–11a; Luke 19:29–44; John 12:12–19).
  • Jesus surveys the temple (Mark 11:11b).
  • Jesus returns to Bethany (Mark 11:11c; see Matt 21:17).

Questions for Reflection:

  1. Imagine the sights and sounds as you travel through the crowd with Jesus on your way to Jerusalem. What is the prophetic significance of the colt, the foal of a donkey (Zech 9:9)? What about the palm branches and cloaks (Zech 14:16–19; e.g., 2 Kgs 9:13)? What is Jesus thinking as he sees all this?
  2. Why do the people shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”? (Ps 118:25–26). What is the prophetic significance of God’s covenant with David (2 Sam 7:8–16)? How can Jesus be both David’s son—fully man, and also David’s Lord—fully God (Matt 22:41–46; see Ps 110)?
  3. How does Jesus fit the Jewish anticipation of their messianic king? How does he disappoint the people’s hopes? What kind of king is Jesus to you?

Cleansing Monday

  • Jesus curses the fig tree on his way to Jerusalem (Mark 11:12–14; see Matt 21:18–19).
  • Jesus cleanses the temple of the moneychangers and merchants (Mark 11:15–17; see Matt 21:12–13; Luke 19:45–46).
  • Jesus performs miracles of healing in the temple (Matt 21:14–16). He then takes on the challenges of the Jewish leaders (Mark 11:18; see Luke 19:47–48).
  • Jesus predicts that the Son of Man must be lifted upon a cross (John 12:20–36; see John 18:32) and makes his final public appeal to the unbelieving Jews (John 12:37–50).
  • Jesus returns to lodge in Bethany once again (Mark 11:19).

Questions for Reflection:

  1. What startles you about Jesus’ actions on this day? Why does Jesus curse the fig tree for being fruitless? How does the hypocrisy of Israel’s leaders convict the church today?
  2. Why does Jesus cleanse the temple? Do you have a similar zeal to remove everything in your life which hinders the true worship of Christ? Confess to the Lord any wrong motives or desires which you have allowed to control your heart.
  3. How does the Son of Man’s impending death trouble his soul, while at the same time assure us of his promised glorification? In what way does Christ’s death still accomplish both of these purposes in your own life today?

Confrontation Tuesday

  • Jesus and his disciples encounter the withered fig tree as they walk to Jerusalem again (Mark 11:20–25; see Matt 21:20–22).
  • The temple leaders challenge Jesus’ authority, but he refutes them through parables (Matt 21:23–22:14; see Mark 11:27–12:12; Luke 20:1–19). They try to trick him with their questions, but he repeatedly thwarts them (Matt 22:15–46; see Mark 12:13–37; Luke 20:20–44).
  • Jesus condemns the Jewish leaders (Matt 23:1–39; see Mark 12:38–40; Luke 20:45–47), but commends a humble widow (Mark 12:41–44; see Luke 21:1–4).
  • After leaving Jerusalem, Jesus foretells the End Times from the Mount of Olives (Matt 24:1–25:46; see Mark 13:1–37; Luke 21:5–36).

Questions for Reflection:

  1. Jesus tells parables to establish his authority (Matt 21:23–27). What is the meaning of these parables and what do they teach you about life in the Kingdom of Christ?
    • The two sons (Matt 21:28–32)
    • The wicked tenants (Matt 21:33–46)
    • The wedding of the crown prince (Matt 22:1–14)
  2. Explain the malicious motives behind the Kingdom Q&A in Matthew 22:15–46. How do Jesus’ answers give you confidence in his wisdom to be your King?
    • Should you submit to a corrupt government (Matt 22:15–22)?
    • Do sane people still believe in the resurrection (Matt 22:23–33)?
    • What is the greatest commandment in the Bible (Matt 22:34–40)?
    • How is David’s Son also David’s Lord (Matt 22:41–46)?
  3. Why does Jesus teach about his Second Coming before his death and resurrection? How does the Olivet discourse fill you with hope as you anticipate the final return of Christ?

Silent Wednesday

  • Jesus continues his daily teaching in the temple (Luke 21:37–38).
  • Jesus predicts his crucifixion will take place two days hence (Matt 26:1–2; see Mark 14:1a; Luke 22:1).
  • The rulers of the Sanhedrin plot to kill Jesus (Matt 26:3–5; see Mark 14:1b–2; Luke 22:2).
  • In the evening, Judas returns to Jerusalem alone and makes arrangements for betraying Jesus (Matt 26:14–16; see Mark 14:10–11; Luke 22:3–6).

Questions for Reflection:

  1. Pause your everyday activities and observe a prolonged period of silence to prepare your heart in prayer this Holy Week. Does being still with God ever make you feel uncomfortable (Ps 46:10)?
  2. Consider that Jesus knew from the beginning that his primary purpose was to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45)? How does this knowledge of his conscious humiliation complete your joy and love for him (Phil 2:1–11)?
  3. What motivates Judas to betray his master? In what ways do you sometimes turn away or turn against the Lord?
  4. Good Friday and Easter remind us of our Savior’s love. How will you worship Christ this week in the way that he deserves?

Maundy (Holy) Thursday

  • On Thursday morning, Peter and John scout Jerusalem in advance to make arrangements for the Passover (Mark 14:12–16; see Matt 26:17–19; Luke 22:7–13).
  • After sundown, Jesus observes the Passover meal with his disciples (Mark 14:17–26; see Matt 26:20–35; Luke 22:14–30).
  • During this Last Supper, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet, institutes communion, teaches the Upper Room discourse, and exhorts his followers to “love one another” (John 13–17).
  • Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane and surrenders his will to the Father (Mark 14:32–42; see Matt 26:36–46; Luke 22:39–46; John 18:1).

Questions for Reflection:

  1. Walk through each element of the Passover meal as you remember God’s faithfulness to Israel in the exodus from Egypt (Exod 12).[iii] Then, walk through Christ’s institution of the Last Supper as you remember God’s faithfulness in the person and work of his beloved Son (John 1:1–18, 29–34). Finally, walk through your church’s practice of observing the sacrament of communion and remember God’s faithfulness to us who are his children (1 Cor 11:23–28).
  2. How can you humbly serve the people in your community, including those who often seem to be more like Judas? How much of your love is truly sacrificial in the way that Christ first loved you?
  3. What difficult situation are you facing today? Are you able to pray like Jesus: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36)?

Good Friday

  • After midnight, Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and forsaken by his disciples (Mark 14:43–52; see Matt 26:47–56; Luke 22:47–53; John 18:2–12).
  • Just before sunrise, Jesus stands trial before the Jews: Annas, Caiaphas, and the entire Sanhedrin (Mark 14:53–65; 15:1; see Matt 26:57–75; 27:1–2; Luke 22:54–55, 63–71; John 18:13–24).
  • During this time, Peter denies Jesus three times (Mark 14:66–72; see Matt 26:69–75; Luke 22:56–62; John 18:17–18, 25–27).
  • Jesus then stands trial before the Romans: Pilate, Herod Antipas, and Pilate again (Mark 15:2–15; see Matt 27:11–26; Luke 23:1–25a).
  • Jesus is crucified approximately 9am – 3pm (Matt 27:27–56; see Mark 15:16–41; Luke 23:25b–49; John 19:1–37).
  • Just before sundown, Jesus’ followers bury him in a borrowed tomb (Matt 27:57–61; see Mark 15:42–47; Luke 23:50–56a; John 19:38–42).

Questions for Reflection:

  1. Observe how Jesus responds to his accusers: three trials before the Jews and three before the Romans. How does he respond to Judas’ betrayal and to Peter’s denial? How does our Savior’s example reveal your own heart toward those who wrong you (1 Pet 2:19–25)?
  2. Meditate on the seven last sayings of Jesus as he hung upon the cross. Then, consider their meaning for the church today:
    • “Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34a).
    • “Behold your mother!” (John 19:25–27).
    • “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
    • “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt 27:46; see Mark 15:34).
    • “I thirst” (John 19:28).
    • “It is finished” (John 19:30b).
    • “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46; see Matt 27:50; Mark 15:37; John 19:30c).
  3. Mourn with Jesus’ followers as they bury him in the tomb. Imagine your own loss of hope if you had been there to see your Savior crucified.

Sabbath Saturday

  • The Jewish leaders request from Pilate that a guard be stationed to secure the tomb from grave robbery (Matt 27:62–66).
  • Jesus’ followers observe the Sabbath as they mourn their master’s death (Luke 23:56b). Some huddle together in that same Upper Room, still fearful of what man may do to them (John 20:19; see Matt 10:26–33).
  • Our Lord’s bodily corpse remains in the tomb, though his soul remains alive (1 Cor 15:22; see Matt 12:40; Acts 2:27).

Questions for Reflection:

  1. What makes it so hard for you to wait on the promises of God? What promises are you presently waiting for right now?
  2. What realities will you experience the moment you die physically (2 Cor 5:6–8; Phil 1:23)? What will happen to your body and your soul in the final resurrection (1 Cor 15:50–54; Rev 21–22)?
  3. How does picturing Christ’s “sabbath” in the tomb give hope as you remember your loved ones who have previously died (1 Thess 4:13–17)?

Easter Sunday

  • Resurrection witnesses encounter Jesus (Matt 28:1–8; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12).
  • Resurrection appearances bring delight in their Risen Savior (Matt 28:9–20; Luke 24:13–53; John 20–21; see 1 Cor 15:1–8).
  • 40 days later, Jesus ascends into heaven to be received by his Father (Luke 24:44–53; Acts 1:3–12).

Questions for Reflection:

  1. Imagine yourself in the sandals of those to whom Christ appears. Describe your emotions, thoughts, and responses to this miracle of the resurrection.
    • Mary Magdalene and the other women (John 20:1–2, 11–18; see Matt 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–10)
    • Peter (John 20:3–10; 21:1–23; see Luke 24:11–12)
    • Thomas (John 20:19–29)
    • The two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35)
  2. Why do Jesus’ followers seem surprised by his resurrection even though he had repeatedly prophesied about it? What promises of Jesus do you still find hard to believe yourself?
  3. How does Christ’s resurrection secure the living hope of your own resurrection (1 Pet 1:3–9)? What is Jesus doing on your behalf right now (Heb 4:14–16)?

[i] Research for this project comes from Andreas Köstenberger & Justin Taylor (The Final Days of Jesus), Michael Wilkins (Matthew, NIVAC), Harold Hoehner (Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ), the ESV Global Study Bible, and my personal study on the chronological life of Christ. Although some of these decisions are debated, the chronology does not alter the truths of the biblical account.

[ii] See Michael J. Wilkins, Matthew, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004), 710–712.

[iii] Consider observing a Passover Seder with messianic Jews who also delight in the Risen Christ (see https://chosenpeople.com/the-significance-of-the-passover-elements).