Holy Week

Palm Sunday (Triumphal Entry)

Theme: Christ the King is presented

Text: Matthew 21:1–11; John 12:12–19

Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey (fulfilling Zechariah 9:9).

Crowds cry “Hosanna!” acknowledging Him as King.

Holy Monday

Theme: Authority and judgment

Text: Matthew 21:12–22

Jesus cleanses the temple.

Curses the fig tree as a symbol of fruitless religion.

Holy Tuesday

Theme: Teaching and confrontation

Text: Matthew 21:23–24:51

Jesus teaches in the temple.

Confronts religious leaders.

Gives the Olivet Discourse about the end times.

Spy Wednesday (Holy Wednesday)

Theme: Betrayal

Text: Matthew 26:14–16

Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

Often a quieter day in the Gospel record.

Maundy Thursday

Theme: Love and covenant

Text: John 13; Luke 22:7–38

Jesus shares the Last Supper.

Institutes the Lord’s Supper.

Washes the disciples’ feet.

The word “Maundy” comes from Latin mandatum (“command”), referring to John 13:34.

Good Friday

Theme: Atonement and sacrifice

Text: John 18–19; Luke 23

Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified.

Dies as the substitute for sinners.

Often connected to Crucifixion of Jesus.

Holy Saturday

Theme: Waiting and silence

Text: Matthew 27:57–66

Jesus lies in the tomb.

The disciples mourn and wait.

A day emphasizing the reality of His death.

Resurrection Sunday

Theme: Victory and new life

Text: Matthew 28; John 20

Jesus rises from the dead.

Confirms His victory over sin and death.

Central to the gospel (1 Corinthians 15).