Passion Week, also known as Holy Week starts from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday.
The Term “Passion” refers to the suffering and death of Jesus, which are central themes during this week.
Passion Week holds profound spiritual significance as it encapsulates the core beliefs surrounding salvation and redemption through Christ’s sacrifice. The events of this week are fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah and demonstrate God’s love for humanity by providing a path for reconciliation through faith in Jesus.
Palm Sunday – Read Scriptures: Mark 11: 1-11; Luke 19: 28 – 44
This day marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed him by waving palm branches and proclaiming him as King.
Holy Monday – Read Scriptures: Matthew 21:12-17; 22:15-23:39; Mark 12:38-44
Cleansing of the Temple
Holy Tuesday – Read Scriptures – Mark 11:12-14, 20-25; 13:1-37
On the Mount of Olives, Fig Tree
Holy Wednesday – Read Scriptures – Mark 14:3-11; John 12:1-11
Anointing with Perfumed bottle for burial
Maundy Thursday – Read Scriptures: Mark 14:12-52; John 17:1-18:11
This day commemorates the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples, where he instituted the Holy Communion and washed their feet as a sign of humility and service.
Good Friday – Read Scriptures: Mark 14:53-15:41; Luke 22:54-23:49; John 18:12-19:30
What could compel Jesus to give his life, be tortured and humiliated on the cross? Love. In the Bible, we read the words of Jesus in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
On Good Friday, the words of Apostle Paul become real, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Holy Saturday – Read Scriptures: Matthew 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; John 19:31-42
Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified, and Resurrection Sunday, when He rose from the dead. It is a time of waiting and reflection
Resurrection Sunday – Read Scriptures: Matthew 28:1-20; Luke 24:1:53; Acts 1:9-11; John 20:1-31
An Empty Tomb. It signifies victory over sin and death. The resurrection confirms Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and serves as a promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies and establishes a new covenant between God and humanity.
In summary, Resurrection Sunday is not only a celebration but also a profound affirmation of faith for Christians worldwide.