Do you know Passion (Holy) Week begins on Sunday and culminates on Easter - Resurrection Sunday? Do you know what Passion Week is? It's the final week of Jesus' earthly life, during which Christ's suffering brought God the ultimate glory. Jesus showed His passion for us by dying on the cross, paying the price for our sins and satisfying God's wrath. Through Christ's death on the cross, we are given access to God, and our sins are wiped away. Peace and joy in this life can be attained despite the suffering we may endure. Incredible! All one needs to do is trust in Christ as Lord and Savior.
Perhaps you prefer looking at cute bunnies (I don't) and eating Cadbury Creme Eggs (I love those things), but Passion Week is something we must teach our children. During Passion Week 2,000 years ago, the greatest crime of all time happened - Christ's crucifixion. That's not the end of the story, though. During Passion Week 2,000 years ago, the greatest miracle of all time happened - Christ's resurrection. We should be shouting from the rooftops about Passion Week. To help you better understand the events of Passion Week, below is a list of what took place during the most important week in history. I hope you discuss this with your family, remembering Christ's sacrifice and celebrating Christ's resurrection. To God be the glory!
- Palm Sunday is the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Jesus came humbly on a donkey as prophesied by Zechariah 450-500 years earlier. The Jewish crowd praised Jesus, shouting Hosanna, which is from the Hebrew language, meaning "Save us!" They spread palm branches on the road and waved them. The palm branches symbolized victory, and the people believed Jesus would deliver them from Roman rule.
- Holy Monday, according to Matthew 21:12-22, is when Jesus cleansed the temple again, acknowledged the praise He received from children, and cursed a fig tree.
- Holy Tuesday, according to Matthew 21:23-25:46, is when Jesus' authority was challenged by the Pharisees and Sadducees, and Jesus spoke His seven woes against the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus also delivered the Olivet Discourse when He spoke about end times.
- Spy Wednesday, according to Matthew 26:6-16, is when Jesus was anointed with an expensive ointment, and Judas Iscariot conspired with local authorities to betray Jesus.
- Maundy Thursday is when Jesus celebrated the Passover, the Last Supper, with his disciples. Maundy comes from a Latin word meaning commandment. On this night, Jesus washed his disciples' feet, showing us how to love and serve one another and commanding us to do the same.
- Good Friday is when Christ was crucified. This was good because God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). We don't need to face God's wrath in Hell; we can have a relationship with God now and worship Him forever in Heaven.
- Holy Saturday is the day when Jesus "rested" from His work providing salvation to those who follow Him.
- Easter or Resurrection Sunday is when Jesus rose from the grave, conquering disease, death, and destruction; sin, Satan, and suffering. Jesus came back to life. He died for us, He lived for us, and He is alive today. He is risen. He is risen, indeed! Do you believe this? Let's share this good news with all creation!
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