Holy Week is one of the most important weeks in the church. It marks the passion of Jesus Christ and his last days on earth. The 7 days of Holy Week begin on Palm Sunday and conclude on Easter. The events that transpired in between continue to guide us today.
As we go through the events and timeline of Holy Week, reflect on what this time means for you and your faith. How did Christ’s actions change the course of human history and what do they mean to you personally?
Holy Week Timeline: What are the 7 days of Holy Week?
The Holy Week timeline includes “The Triduum” of days, which translates to Great Three Days. These include Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. However, Palm Sunday is also considered an important part of Holy Week.
Holy Week days are celebrated in the following order:
- Palm Sunday
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the day Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem. As Jesus rode into the city on a donkey—a symbol of humility—his followers waved palm branches and laid them across the road in front of him as a sign of respect, honor, and victory.
Today, we wave palm branches and display them in our homes to remember this celebratory time when Jesus was so lovingly embraced.
Actions in Jerusalem: Warnings, Cleansing, & Courage
While in Jerusalem, Jesus took a series of actions that have caused us to pause and reflect on our lives today. The first was the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple.
Hungry from his travels, Jesus sought a fig tree for nourishment but found it had no fruit. In frustration, Jesus cursed the tree. The absent fruit is a metaphor for the spiritual withering he sensed in Israel.
Jesus then went to the Temple where he found merchants selling their wares. He became upset and expelled the merchants with the famous words from Matthew 21:13: “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” He restored the Temple to its true purpose and reminded his followers of the power of prayer.
During this week, Jesus avoided a series of “traps” that the religious leaders had set to implicate him as a false teacher and prophet. These leaders had already condemned Jesus to death, now they sought justification. However, Jesus deftly outsmarted each of their questions and concluded the trial with a universal message to love God and love others.
It was also during Holy Week that Judas Iscariot decided he would betray Jesus, as written in Luke 22. This led to Jesus’ arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, which put the events of his crucifixion into place.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy means command. It’s here that Jesus washed the disciples’ feet as a gesture of humility and gave them an example of service. It was during this time that Jesus celebrated his final meal with his disciples before he was arrested and executed.
Jesus announced that one of the disciples would betray him and then blessed the bread and wine. He said that the bread represented his body and that the wine represented his blood, which he would sacrifice for sins. He requested that his disciples would continue to celebrate this meal in remembrance of him.
Today, communion reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. It is also an exciting tradition at King of Kings to welcome our 4th-grade students who will be celebrating their first communion.
Good Friday
Friday is the day Jesus was arrested, stripped, and forced to carry the cross he would be crucified on. It is said that after Jesus died, the earth went dark for several hours.
Why is it Called “Good Friday?”
If these terrible things happened on Friday, why do we call it “Good?” There are many theories on where “good” came from but the most widely accepted is that it is a synonym for “holy.”
There is irony and comfort to be found in the name, but think of how significantly the world changed on the original Good Friday. Christ died for our sins and through his death we have received new life. Consider taking time for your own Holy Week reflections—what do Jesus’ actions mean to you?
Easter
Jesus was buried on Saturday and after three days was resurrected.
The resurrection of Jesus represents the promise of eternal life for all who follow him. It proves that he was more than just a teacher or controversial figure; he was indeed the son of God. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:14:
“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”
What Should Christians Do During Holy Week?
During Holy Week, followers may attend special church ceremonies, including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.
In general, Christians should spend the week praying and reflecting on Holy Week’s meaning and Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
Celebrate With Us: When is Holy Week 2025?
Holy Week is filled with important events that forever shaped the course of humanity. Join us to reflect upon the significance of this season and discover, once again, the significance of Holy Week.
In 2025, Holy Week begins on April 13th and concludes on April 20th. King of Kings will hold Holy Week services at the following times:
- Palm Sunday: April 13, 9:30 am & 10:45 am
- Maundy Thursday: April 17, 5:30 pm & 7:00 pm
- Good Friday: April 18, 6:15 pm
- Easter: April 20, 7:30 am (traditional), 9:00 am (traditional) & 10:30 am (contemporary)
Worshippers are welcome in person at our Woodbury, MN church or online.