Holy Week Guide
Holy Week Guide by Jason Thompson
The Church, the body of Jesus throughout the world is entering into one of the most hallowed seasons of the year, Holy Week. This is an occasion to slow down and reflect on the days leading up to our King’s greatest sacrifice and greatest victory. By far there is no greater pre-occupation that we can have in this coming week but to behold Jesus in His glory. This guide has been created to help either churches or individuals in a time of devotion on the theme of each day of Holy Week. As you begin each reflection, be sure to have your Bible with you, take time to be silent for a few minutes then ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you as the Suffering Servant in Scripture.
PALM SUNDAY
Read: Matthew 21:1-11
How does Jesus come to you? Many times we have to break down the false pictures we have of Jesus. What image of Jesus is challenged in your mind as you see him in this passage?
Jesus was of course fully man. Take a moment and imagine the emotions he is experiencing as Jerusalem so enthusiastically welcomes him, but he knows that in 5 days they will abandon him and cry out for his death. How have you emulated the crowd in your own life? Take a minute to ask the Lord to show places in your life where you have walked away from him. If an occasion comes to mind...confess it and receive his forgiveness.
Jesus comes into Jerusalem with shouts of “Hosanna” (meaning “Save”) which is exactly what he intends to do. Take time to pray and ask Jesus to save people you know. Whether that be those in need of spiritual saving or those who are in danger of any kind.
Take time now to sit quietly and imagine the scene of Palm Sunday unfolding before you, how else does Jesus reveal Himself to you?
Close your time in prayer and praise for Jesus. For He is the one who rides humbly on a donkey yet is the one who saves.
HOLY MONDAY
Read: Matthew 21:12-17
Knowing you had but a few days left to live, how would you spend them? Jesus does not waiver in his final days. He still makes it a priority to be about the work of His Father. How does the image of Jesus as the Confronter of institutional sin confront your own false images of Jesus?
He who sides with the oppressed and himself will soon suffer under a Roman beating and cross takes the time to heal the blind and the lame that come to Him. Jesus demonstrates the priority of others before himself in this passage, a theme that is repeated throughout Holy Week. How can you emulate Jesus today by considering the needs of others more important than your own?
Ask Jesus to make you aware of opportunities in this next week where the needs of others can come before your own.
HOLY TUESDAY
Read: Matthew 21:33-45
Jesus continues to complete the task his Father gave him when he began his ministry...to preach the kingdom of God. This parable is powerfully striking in its content as Jesus’ death soon approaches. Why do you think Jesus waits to tell this parable til now?
How does the Pharisees’ answer to Jesus’ question in verse 40 strike you?
Jesus describes himself as the cornerstone. Everything is centered and dependent upon him. This of course is the mistake of the Pharisees….they are their own center. How does your life need to be reoriented if Jesus is the cornerstone?
SPY WEDNESDAY
Read: Matthew 26:14-16
This may be one of the most disturbing passages in the Bible. It is Judas’ heart laid bare and it is troubling. How can someone so close to Jesus for years stray so far from him? Yes, we know full well in John’s gospel that “Satan entered into him” but what do you think made this possible? Take some time and imagine what caused Judas’ betrayal.
Judas asks the question…”what are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” (v15). As unsettling as it is, all of us must confront our own price...the evil in our own heart. What is your price?
There is nothing to compare with the gift that Jesus’ life and death are for us. Take some time to reflect on all that Jesus has done for you and around you. How good is He? How kind and merciful? Is there a price for that?
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Read: John 13:1-17
Jesus’ time is drawing to a close. As most would want, he chooses to spend his last night in the company of those closest to him. But even then, he remains ever serving. Considering the needs of others more important than his own. What an amazing example. To know what awaits you and yet to press on meeting the needs of others.
How does Jesus’ actions address your own false images of him in this passage?
How does Jesus demonstrate the full expression of his love?
Isaiah speaks of Jesus as the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Take a moment to read this passage. What attribute of Jesus’ character draws your attention in this passage?
In what ways can you put the needs of others before your own today?
GOOD FRIDAY
Read: Matthew 26:30—27:61
The end. Without a doubt, today marks the darkest day in history. It is difficult to remember the brutality leading up to Jesus’ death...all the while he is innocent yet determined to see this through for you, for me, for our families, for our neighbors, for our cities and for the world.
Take time today to read this entire passage. Feel the anxiety of it. Feel the strain of it. Jesus’ death is not only a theological truth but a fact grounded in history...with real nails, bludgeoning whips, mockery and ultimately God forsakenness. He endured it all for us. But not only did he do it for us, He did it because that was the will of His Father. He was as Paul said in Philippians “obedient to death, even death on a cross”
How does this passage reveal Jesus’ glory? How does this challenge your previously held views of Jesus’ glory?
Take time throughout the day thanking Jesus and reflecting upon the details of His death.
SATURDAY
Today, we wait. Silently anticipating what we know is victory.
Take some time today to just be silent and alone. Take a walk in the woods or a place where you can simply be quiet and alone. This is the day of silence, simply waiting on Jesus
EASTER SUNDAY
Read Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Today is remembering the greatest day in history! Rejoice!
Take some throughout the day to read all four accounts of the resurrection in the gospels. Soak in this wonderous story. You could read each gospel’s telling of the resurrection story at different times of the day. You could read Matthew 28 in the morning, Mark 16 in the early afternoon, Luke 24 in the evening and John 20 as you go to bed.
Celebrate today with other believers.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
