HOLY WEEK
A One Church Devotional
In honor of Holy Week, we’re coming together as a church to focus and reflect on the week leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Whether you plan to read it on your own, or join us online for discussion and prayer, we pray that this devotional allows you to pause this Easter week and consider what Christ did to bring us back into relationship with God.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
HOLY WEEK TIMELINE
PALM SUNDAY
THE KING IS COMING
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, & John 12:12-19
THOUGHT:
The Children of Israel spent centuries anticipating the day that the Messiah would come and save them from their oppressors. (Isaiah 7,9,53). The promised King of Israel is coming to fulfill all the prophecies their ancestors spoke of for hundreds of years. Imagine their desperation to see the Messiah after 400 years of silence from God. When Mary gave birth to Jesus, word began to spread about how they saw the scriptures fulfilled by this man, Jesus. Many people doubted that this Jesus from Nazareth could actually be the Messiah they had been waiting for all those generations because he didn’t look like what they thought he would.
However, more and more people believed that Jesus was, in fact, the Messiah and King that they had been searching for because of all the miracles he had performed. As Jesus and his disciples entered Jerusalem, He sent them ahead of him to find a donkey colt. He was to ride into the city to fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah 62 and Zechariah 9. Jesus was no longer going to be silent. He was the King who was coming to save His people. When Jesus rode down the street, many people cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!” The King is here!
QUESTIONS:
How do I approach God?
Have I been doubting who Jesus is in my life?
Do I genuinely believe that Jesus is who He says He is? What am I anticipating for God?
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you for coming into this world so that your people no longer have to wait in silent anticipation. You came so that everyone, including myself, could have a real and personal relationship with you. Thank you for being my King, my Savior, and my friend. Amen.
TEMPLE MONDAY
YOU ARE THE TEMPLE
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 21:12–22, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45-48, & John 2:13-17
THOUGHT:
Some of the most magnificent structures erected in Europe are cathedrals, which were once a place for spiritual life and are now little more than a museum. What happened? How does a vital life-giving congregation die? Jesus addressed that question on Holy Monday when he visited one of the synagogues in Jerusalem and witnessed the House of God had become a shopping center open for business that was exploiting the people’s faith and the poor. Jesus reveals His outrage by taking a whip and driving out the money changers for violating God’s intended purpose. Jesus states the purpose with these words: “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” Prayer is the means for connecting with God and accessing His presence, power, and provision. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, the Apostle Paul compares our body to being the temple of God. One implied question that this lesson asks us is, are there areas of our life that need to be addressed so that our temple is living out its intended purpose, a place of prayerful communion with God? Holy week is an appropriate opportunity to look at our hearts and honestly ask, in the activities of my daily rhythms, how important is prayer as part of my walk with Christ? This question is not to ignite shame or guilt but to remind us that prayer is the key to living a vital and victorious life.
QUESTIONS:
Since my body is the place where God lives, are there areas of my life that I need to repent that will free me to be more connected to Jesus? What steps can I take to make my life more effective as a “house of prayer”?
PRAYER:
Jesus, please reveal to me anything in my life that is displeasing to you and is bringing spiritual death rather than life to my walk with You. Give me the power to repent and to recommit to making You the Lord of my life. Make my heart a sanctuary where Your presence and power in my life testify to those around me who need your forgiveness and healing. Amen.
COURAGEOUS TUESDAY ANOINTED KING
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:1-9, John 12:1-8
THOUGHT:
On Tuesday morning, Jesus was at the table of Simon the Leper reclining with his disciples and friends when Mary came in pouring expensive perfume on his feet and wiping it with her hair. With no care for what the others thought about her, Mary poured her love over Jesus, unmoved by their criticism. What an extravagant act of love and devotion this was in front of everyone. Matthew and Mark’s accounts emphasize the prophetic significance of the anointing of Jesus, alluding to His death and burial. This is significant in identifying Jesus’ kingship since, in the Old Testament, the anointing of the head was often associated with the dedication of kings (1 Samuel 9:15—10:1; 16:12–13; 1 Kings 1:38–40). Mary’s anointing again points to Christ’s identity as Messiah-King, but it also points to His humble position as Servant-King. When Mary anoints Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair, she foreshadows Jesus’ actions at the upcoming Last Supper (John 13:1–20). The word Messiah means “anointed one” and derives directly from the Hebrew word for “anointed.” Christ comes from the Greek word Christos, which also means “anointed one.” Jesus Christ is God’s anointed Messiah. Mary sets a beautiful example of what it looks like to be aware of the culture of the day and still be led by God on how, when, and where to stand firm in the faith and love for Christ courageously…there is no better witness!
QUESTIONS:
What areas of my life am I holding back my love and witness for Christ? How can I be passionate about my faith and compassionate towards those around me so that they feel God’s love and grace without judgment?
PRAYER:
Lord, use my life, I pray, and give me the courage to be a good and faithful witness to Jesus, in word and deed. Help me to pour my love over you regardless of who is watching in Jesus’ name. Amen
SILENT WEDNESDAY
RESTING WITH CHRIST
SCRIPTURE:
Mark 6:30-31, Matthew 11:28-30, & John 17:24
THOUGHT:
The Bible does not say what Jesus did on the Wednesday of Holy Week. Scholars speculate that after two exhausting days in Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples spent this day resting in Bethany in preparation for Passover. Why the Holy Spirit did not inspire the Gospel writers to record how Jesus spent His Wednesday is a mystery. Was Jesus taking time to rest, knowing the rest of the week would be exhausting? This is an idea worth considering.
Jesus often pulled away to be alone with the Father and his disciples to rest and connect with them relationally (Mark 6:30-31). I don’t think this day was any different. Jesus knew what was coming and how difficult it would be for him and his disciples. Again, I wonder why the Holy Spirit didn’t record these moments in the gospels, but we can be confident knowing that Jesus spent these last hours loving those the Father had given him (John 17:24).
Jesus said come to me, and I will give you rest. Perhaps Silent Wednesday in Holy Week is an excellent time for all of us to take a deep breath and a well-deserved time of rest. Jesus reminds us that His burden is light, and He will carry it for us (Matt 11:28-30).
QUESTIONS:
What areas of my life are out of balance and need rest? What can I do to take the time to worship, rest, and play? In my life, which relationships with those I love the most, receive my leftovers instead of my best?
PRAYER:
Lord, help me find my rest in you. Help me to pay attention to my soul as well as my body. Help me to hear your gentle voice above all the others that clamor for my attention. You will show me those things you want me to do, and you will be right there beside me as I do them, giving me strength. Amen
HUMBLE THURSDAY
LOVE DEMONSTRATED
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, & John 13:1-38
THOUGHT:
The greatest act of love was about to be demonstrated as Jesus broke bread with his disciples at the Passover meal. As the Lamb of God, Jesus was about to fulfill the meaning of Passover by giving His body to be broken. His blood to be shed in sacrifice, freeing us from sin (Luke 22:44). I think it was significant that Jesus waited until his last night with all of his disciples before he did something unthinkable: taking off his outer robe and demonstrating to them what it means to be a humble servant by washing his disciple’s feet, including Judas Iscariot. Those feet would run from him and betray him just a few hours later. Jesus demonstrated his love towards Judas even while he was plotting to turn him over to the authorities. Jesus said to His disciples after washing their feet at the Last Supper, “A new commandment I give to you, love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). It is hard to imagine the kind of love and humility it takes to disrobe and be vulnerable before someone who could hurt you so deeply. Jesus said, if you only love those who love you back, what credit is that to you? (Luke 6:32)
QUESTIONS:
Do I only love the ones who love me back? What are some ways that you can love people who are hard to love? What next steps can I take to follow Jesus’ example of loving someone who hurt me?
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me not only love like you but to demonstrate love like you. Not only those close to me and the easiest to love but also those who are difficult to love. Help me see You in the eyes of those I struggle to love. May everyone know that we belong to you because of how we love one another.
GOOD FRIDAY THE VEIL
Exodus 30, Matthew 27, & 2 Corinthians 5:19
THOUGHT:
In the Old Testament, a veil was hung in the temple to separate the Holy of Holies, and only a High Priest could enter behind it once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer a sacrifice for the people’s sins. There was a specific process that the priest had to do before going behind the veil, or he could lose his life. The priest would act as a mediator between the people and God. People could not directly access God or enter into His presence anytime they wanted. It is essential to understand the significance of this to understand what happened on Friday when Jesus died for us on the cross. Jesus was making a way for us to have direct access to Him. In the moments after Jesus’ death, the veil hanging in the temple tore from the top to the bottom. Imagine being one of the priests standing in the temple that day and seeing this occur. What must they have been thinking? The veil that separated them from the presence of God was open for the first time in centuries. They must have been afraid of the consequences of that happening. However, they probably did not know or understand that Jesus was making it possible for every person to have direct access to Him. He was reconciling us to himself. All the people could enter His presence without fear of being worthy enough. He would now come and live on the inside of each person who believed in Him. Jesus’ death made it possible for people to be connected to Him for all eternity. His plan was always to have a personal relationship with humanity because He loves us so much.
QUESTIONS:
Am I living as if there is still a veil separating me from God?
Am I fully comprehending what it means to know why Jesus tore the veil?
Am I welcoming God’s presence into my life?
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins and for making it possible for me to have a personal relationship with you. I am so thankful that I do not have to wait for someone to go to you on my behalf. Thank you for tearing down the barrier that kept me separated from you. Thank you for your presence.
SCRIPTURE:
HIDDEN SATURDAY
TO HELL AND BACK
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, John 19:40, & Matt. 27:51
THOUGHT:
Jesus’ body was hidden in a tomb while the disciples were hiding in fear of what the Jewish high priest could do to them. Their faith was shaken because the death of Jesus was now a reality. On Saturday, all over Jerusalem, the aftermath of an earthquake and the aftershocks that had occurred the day before were visible. But there was a more significant shaking going on in Hell. By Saturday, Satan knew that Jesus’ death was only temporary. Jesus’ body was hidden in the tomb that Saturday so that we can be hidden in Him forever! Some theologians believe that on Saturday, Jesus paid Hell a visit and took back the keys to death; having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of the enemy (Col 2:13-15) and gave us back the keys of the Kingdom. One of Satan’s tools against God’s people is and will always be fear. If you find yourself hiding behind the doors of fear, remember Jesus has given us His keys of authority! Jesus went to Hell and back to give you His keys; today is a good day to use those keys to unlock the door of fear.
QUESTIONS:
How is fear holding me back? In what areas does the enemy use to keep me in bondage? Who can I ask to partner with me in prayer, to believe God for greater things in my life?
PRAYER:
Father, I come to you in the powerful name of Jesus with a belief and confidence that you are greater in me than anything I face in this world. Today, I take the keys of your authority and declare that no weapon formed against me will prosper. I am free from any bondage to fear and, by faith, declare I am hidden in Christ! Amen.
RESURRECTION SUNDAY
KINGDOM INHERITANCE
SCRIPTURE:
Matt 28:7, Mark 16:7, John 20:21-22, & Colossians 1:12-14
THOUGHT:
Mary Magdalene came to the tomb to mourn the death of Jesus and discovered that He was not there. He had risen. Jesus was alive! Jesus told Mary to go and tell the others and Peter. He entered the place where they were hiding, and Jesus breathed on them and said receive the Holy Spirit, and at that moment, they were now spiritually alive. In that moment, they were transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light (Col 1:12-14). The disciples would inherit everything that Jesus had spoken about and promised. The great news is that this experience was not just for the disciples or the Jews but for everyone. Once a person becomes a believer, they, too, can receive everything that Jesus promised. Many scriptures throughout the Bible reveal what a believer will inherit. Ephesians 1 says that a person will inherit every spiritual blessing that Jesus offers, including the promise of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings comfort, conviction, and power. He enables believers to operate with a power and boldness they never would have experienced. Romans 8 says a person will become an heir of God and joint heir of Jesus because they have become a son or daughter of God, adopted into the family of God. Hebrews 9 says that the believer will receive eternal life. Jesus wanted to ensure that His children had everything they ever needed, not just for the future in Heaven but for here on Earth. On this Resurrection Sunday, we pray that you will come to know Jesus as your personal Savior and that you can start experiencing the Kingdom of God now on Earth.
QUESTIONS:
Am I living in the inheritance that Jesus provided for me? In what areas of my life am I lacking confidence in knowing who I am in Christ? How am I experiencing the Kingdom of God here on Earth?
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you. Thank you for all the spiritual blessings and inheritance you made possible for each believer. Thank you for your sacrifice, your forgiveness, and for your love. My prayer is that I will be able to continue to carry out the Great Commission like the disciples did. Thank you. Amen.
