Passion Week
- 2 days ago
- 13 min read
Passion Week 2026
Day | Date | Event | Scripture | Significance |
Palm Sunday | Sunday, March 29 | In the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, crowds welcome Jesus with palms | Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19 | Marks the beginning of Passion Week, fulfills prophecy, Jesus acknowledged as Messiah |
Holy Monday | Monday, March 30 | Cleansing of the Temple, curse of the fig tree, teaching in Jerusalem | Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48 | Emphasizes the sanctity of God's house and His authority |
Holy Tuesday | Tuesday, March 31 | Teaching in the Temple, Olivet Discourse, Judas plots betrayal | Matthew 21:23–26:5, Mark 11:20–13:37, | Jesus prepares His disciples and warns of coming events |
Holy Wednesday | Wednesday, April 1 | No recorded public activity; Jesus and disciples in Bethany; Judas plans betrayal | Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:1-6 | Reflection and preparation: pivotal day leading to arrest |
Maundy Thursday | Thursday, April 2 | The Last Supper (Passover meal), washing of disciples’ feet, prayer in Gethsemane, Jesus’ arrest | Matthew 26:17-75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, John 13:1-38 | Institution of Lord’s Supper, example of servanthood and love, betrayal begins |
Good Friday | Friday, April 3 | Trials before Jewish authorities and Pilate, crucifixion, death and burial | Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63–23:56, John 18:28–19:42 | Jesus’ atonement for sin, key event of Christian faith, seven last sayings on the cross |
Holy Saturday | Saturday, April 4 | Jesus' body laid in the tomb; a guard was placed by Pilate | Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, John 19:40 | Day of reflection and waiting; anticipation of resurrection |
Easter Sunday | Sunday, April 5 | Jesus rises from the dead, appearances to Mary Magdalene, disciples on the road to Emmaus, Simon Peter, and others | Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, John 20:1-23 | Triumph over sin and death, foundation of Christian faith, beginning of new hope |
The following lists the days of the Holy Week timeline and the events that took place on those days. While most churches have special programming for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, others devote each day of Holy Week to special meals, songs, and prayers.
*Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!" and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the entire city stirred and inquired, "Who is this man?" The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:1-11
**Jesus had been teaching about the kingdom of God and His identity as the Jewish Messiah for about three years when the time came for Him to formally and publicly claim Israel’s capital of Jerusalem (John 12:12-15). When He arrived, people greeted Him with a famous ancient symbol of victory—palm branches. The thousands of Jews carrying the branches had heard Jesus’s teaching about God’s kingdom and had been beneficiaries of his miracles. Many believed that He came to usher in the new kingdom promised in the Old Testament. They had waited 400 years to hear from God. Now, here was someone who seemed to be God's Son, claiming to be the king of Israel.
But even Jesus’ mode of transportation into the city—a lowly donkey rather than a majestic warhorse—revealed the Jews’ misaligned expectations. Centuries of prophecies had suggested the Messiah would come and overthrow the Roman government and bring Israel back to the glory it enjoyed under King David (Psalm 110, Isaiah 2:2, Isaiah 11:12, Ezekiel 37:24). But the kingdom God was introducing was an eternal, universal kingdom, not a local, political movement. Just as Jesus’ birth was marked by unadorned humility, so would be the rest of His short time on earth.
During Palm Sunday services, churches across the world gather to wave palm branches as a nod to Jesus’ triumphal entry. The leaves can also be dried and woven into small, handheld crosses. More traditional churches might sing noted Palm Sunday hymns such as “All Glory Laud and Honor.”
*Monday: Jesus curses the fig tree and clears the temple.
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask in prayer.” Matthew 21:12-22
**Jesus had spent the evening of Palm Sunday out of the city, and upon return the next day, he taught in the temple of Jerusalem. He shared parables that used simple imagery to explain the kingdom of God. The Jewish leaders thought he was being blasphemous by doing so and questioned him (Matthew 21:23). Later, as he walked through the temple, Jesus became angry that the holy place of worship had become a place for buying and selling—and taking advantage of the poor. In his zeal, he overturned tables, enraging the vendors (Matthew 21:12-16). Then he spent the evening with his friends Lazarus, Mary, and Martha (Matthew 21:17).
It is here, at the beginning of the week, that Jesus increases and intensifies His public messages. The Gospels record the outrage of the leaders of the day, and we are meant to recognize that Jesus’ death on Good Friday will not be accidental or unexpected. Instead, Jesus deliberately stirs up the anger of those who wish to kill Him because He fully understands His mission as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.
The magnitude of Jesus’ messages contrasts with His decision to reconnect with several close friends. This event was doubtless an encouragement to the three siblings in question and Jesus Himself as He processed what lay ahead of Him. Jesus had declared Himself to be “the resurrection and the life” shortly before raising Lazarus from the dead—a clear foreshadowing of His own death and resurrection.
The Eastern Orthodox Church observes Holy Monday with Bible readings and special hymns recounting the day’s events.
*Tuesday: Today our journey takes us back to the Temple in Jerusalem and then to the Mount of Olives. Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Matthew 21:23–24:51, Mark 11:20–13:37, Luke 20:1–21:36, and John 12:20–38 document the tumultuous events of Tuesday and the Olivet Discourse.
Jesus answered the crowd, “The light will be with you for a little while. Walk while you have light so that darkness won’t defeat you. Those who walk in the dark don’t know where they’re going.” John 12:35 GW
**Holy Tuesday
Gospel accounts suggest that on Tuesday, Jesus continued to publicize His message by teaching parables in the temple. The parable of the tenants in particular (Matthew 21:33-44) depicts a dramatic and even violent reflection of Jesus’ eventual sacrifice—an assignment from His Heavenly Father. Jesus also addresses the end times, the kingdom of God, the hypocrisy of those who claim to fear God, and what to expect when the Son of Man comes. In each parable, He speaks with certainty and gravity. Once again, Jesus’ authority to teach in such a way is questioned. This time, the chief priests seek to arrest Jesus after sensing He is speaking against them (Matthew 21:45). At this point, the crowd still reveres Jesus, so these plans are put on hold.
Each of these events is designed to show the reader that Jesus was the Son of God and that He knew it. No one could accuse Jesus of being a humble teacher indignant at the thought of being worshiped. Instead, Jesus invites this recognition of His deity (Matthew 24:25, Matthew 26:1).
Though not as highly celebrated as some of the other weekdays, the Catholic Church observes Holy Tuesday with relevant Scripture readings and hymns. In Mexico and Spain, Tuesday marks another day of Semana Santa (“Holy Week”), in which schools and many businesses are closed to allow for an extended celebration.
*Wednesday or ‘Spy Day' The Gospels don’t reveal what the Lord did on the Wednesday of Passion Week. Scholars speculate that after two exhausting days in Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples spent this day resting in Bethany in anticipation of the Passover
Scripture reflection from 1 Peter 2:24 Berean Standard Bible: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes, you are healed.”
**Holy Wednesday
Jesus’ popularity had reached an apex with His entry into Jerusalem (John 12:19), and the Jewish religious leaders ramped up their efforts to rid themselves of Him. Between (alleged) blasphemy, public miracles, and blatant attacks on the religious establishment, they had now compiled what they believed was sufficient reason to take action. On Wednesday, plans were set in motion to capture Jesus—and kill Him. In the words of Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year, “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (John 11:49-53). Later, Jesus is anointed by Mary at Bethany, with an expensive jar of perfume that Jesus later suggests is a preparation for His burial.
Jewish leaders were understandably angry at Jesus' claim to be the Son of God and feared losing power if he "came to power." Yet Jesus was very popular with many people, and his miracles were hard to explain away. They needed to find and arrest him, but how? Their question was answered when Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, approached them with an offer to hand over Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Judas’ possible motives have been debated throughout the centuries. One thing is for certain: his involvement meant the chief priests didn’t require any extended searches for Jesus the next evening.
Eastern Christian churches sometimes refer to this day as Good Wednesday or Great and Holy Wednesday. In the West, it's sometimes called Spy Wednesday. In countries such as the Czech Republic, Wednesday is used to give homes a thorough cleaning in preparation for Easter Sunday.
*Maundy Thursday: The Passover and Betrayal (‘Maundy’ = ‘mandate’ or ‘command’)
Jesus and the Disciples prepared and celebrated Passover in the Upper Room (including the Last Supper), then went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where the Betrayal of Jesus occurred.
Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. Everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." John 13:34-35
"And (Jesus) took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise, the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." Luke 22:19-20
**Holy Thursday
To some, Maundy Thursday may seem like an archaic, mysterious name. Is it a noun? An adjective? What does it have to do with Jesus? It turns out that maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, where we derive the word “mandate” (a word much more familiar to us). The mandate, or command, in question is Jesus’ command that His followers love one another (John 13:34). It is fascinating that the early church chose Jesus’ new command as the namesake for Maundy Thursday, even though other moments from this historical day—such as the Last Supper, the washing of the disciples’ feet, and Judas’ swift exit from the table—often receive more attention.
Many Christians reenact the Last Supper with a traditional seder meal similar to the one Jesus would have shared with His disciples; in this scenario, the words of Jesus are uttered by the priest or pastor. (Foods eaten can include a lamb shank bone, bitter herbs, and salted vegetables.) This special service can also include a foot-washing ceremony.
Some churches (particularly Lutherans and Catholics) will choose to offer a Tenebrae service ("Tenebrae" means "shadow"). Here, the sanctuary’s candles or lights are gradually extinguished as clergy strip the altar of its linens. This can be accompanied by a loud noise at the end, meant to encourage meditation on the sufferings of Christ. Tenebrae may also start three days of special services, known as the triduum.
*Good Friday: The Trial, Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus the Christ
The Final Words of Jesus on the Cross: Seven phrases and their meaning.
*Friday’s events are recorded in Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, and John 18:28-19:37.
When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots. Luke 23:33-34
**Good Friday (Passion Week)
The Gospel writers create a stark contrast between Palm Sunday and Good Friday, between the crowds shouting “Hosanna!” and “Crucify him!”
After Judas betrays Jesus (identifying Him to Roman guards with a kiss), Jesus is quickly carted through one ordeal after another. First, He is taken to the Jewish high priest, Caiaphas, who is joined by other elders and religious leaders (Matthew 26:57, 59-60). It is here that Jesus is physically assaulted for the first time (Matthew 26:67-68).
The Jewish leaders realize that their laws prohibit them from killing Jesus themselves, so they hand Him over to the Roman governor. Pontius Pilate tells the Jews that he “finds no fault in” Jesus (John 18:28-38). Their rabid response sends him back inside to speak with Jesus once more, eventually relenting to Jesus’ death sentence. Jesus is whipped with various sharp, maiming implements, then mocked by soldiers (John 19:1-3). Betrayed by His friends and His nation, He now endures increasing physical and social agony.
Tucked within the three-hour ordeal of Jesus’ death are many significant fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53, etc.). These contain details about the manner of His physical death (being nailed to a cross), ridicule from onlookers, and separation from God due to taking on the sins of humanity.
Many churches hold special Good Friday services that feature “Stations of the Cross,” interspersing special prayers with passages from the accounts of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and death. Similarly, “passion plays” feature multiple church members reenacting the words and actions of Jesus, Peter, Pontius Pilate, and others. In the Philippines, more graphic commemorations involve flagellation (whipping) and crucifixion reenactments. Periods of fasting and total silence are also common.
*Saturday: The body of Jesus was placed in a borrowed tomb and prepared for burial
“For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver.
He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT
**Holy Saturday
The Gospels are somewhat silent about what happened on Holy Saturday. In fact, only Matthew provides explicit details about the day’s events (Matthew 26:62-66). The details about the guard at the tomb are imperative when reflecting on the numerous alternative explanations for the empty tomb that have circulated for centuries. Matthew’s account makes it plain that no one could have overtaken both the Roman guard and the stone that took several men to move in the first place. Moreover, archaeology and Jewish history reveal that to enter a traditional tomb of that time, one had to stoop down and essentially crawl in—not walk in and out upright.
We know from the disciples that they likely remained in hiding, fearing punishment from the Romans or the Jewish elite. Like anyone who buries a beloved friend, they would’ve been in a state of mourning, likely too shocked to go about their business. The Sabbath meant the community was quiet, even after Friday's events.
Holy Saturday is also sometimes known as the Easter Vigil. Some churches will hold prayer vigils and light commemorative candles. However, since Holy Saturday technically marks the end of Lent, certain churches take a more joyous approach with the celebratory ringing of bells. At home, some will prepare for the next day’s Easter celebration.
*Resurrection Sunday: “He has risen; He has indeed."
This is the most significant event in our Christian faith.
“The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples: "He has risen from the dead…” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Matthew 28:5-7
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
**Easter Sunday
Finally, we come to one of the most important days on the Christian calendar and the culmination of the Holy Week timeline. The first Easter morning began quietly, not with the fanfare now associated with the holiday. Like Jesus’ birth, the day involved several unlikely witnesses to a miracle and an appearance and message from an angel. In one Gospel account, two of Jesus’ female followers arrive at the tomb to pay their respects. Suddenly, an earthquake rattles the ground, and an angel arrives on the scene to calm their fears, remind them of Jesus’ promise to rise again on the third day, and tell the other disciples of the good news. Later, Jesus appears to the remaining disciples, further proving His status as the Son of God. Though He suffered from unspeakable wounds on Friday, His body only shows signs of three nail piercings and a spear wound.
Easter’s overwhelming worldwide popularity (even among nominal Christians or non-Christians) means there’s no shortage of Sunday festivities—or beloved foods. Here are several international favorites:
Hot cross buns (New Zealand, United Kingdom, etc.)
Babka, or bread with raisins (Poland)
Colomba de pasqua, a dove-shaped sweet bread (Italy)
The Holy Week Timeline that holds events from the end of Jesus’ life changed the course of history, offering hope to those who now, through faith in His sacrifice, are called children of God.
Article Reference: * Passion Week Timeline
*** Got Questions
***Passion Week (also known as Holy Week) is the time from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday). Also included within Passion Week are Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Spy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Passion Week is so named because of the passion with which Jesus willingly went to the cross to pay for the sins of His people. Passion Week is described in Matthew chapters 21-27; Mark chapters 11-15; Luke chapters 19-23; and John chapters 12-19. Passion Week begins with the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday, on the back of a colt, as prophesied in Zechariah 9:9.
Passion Week contained several memorable events. Jesus cleansed the Temple for the second time (Luke 19:45-46), then disputed with the Pharisees regarding His authority. Then He gave His Olivet Discourse on the end times and taught many things, including the signs of His second coming. Jesus ate His Last Supper with His disciples in the upper room (Luke 22:7-38), then went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray as He waited for His hour to come. It was here that Jesus, having been betrayed by Judas, was arrested and taken to several sham trials before the chief priests, Pontius Pilate, and Herod (Luke 22:54-23:25).
Following the trials, Jesus was scourged at the hands of the Roman soldiers, then was forced to carry His own instrument of execution (the Cross) through the streets of Jerusalem along what is known as the Via Dolorosa (way of sorrows). Jesus was crucified at Golgotha, buried, and resurrected on Sunday, the day after the Sabbath.
It is referred to as Passion Week because in that time, Jesus Christ truly revealed His passion for us in the suffering He willingly went through on our behalf. What should our attitude be during Passion Week? We should be passionate in our worship of Jesus and in our proclamation of His Gospel! As He suffered for us, so should we be willing to suffer for the cause of following Him and proclaiming the message of His death and resurrection.
Comments