Passion Week

Introduction

What is Passion Week? Why is it called that?

Passion Week, or Holy Week, spans from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, commemorating the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Key moments include the Last Supper, Jesus' arrest, trials, and crucifixion. It emphasizes Jesus' sacrifice and encourages believers to passionately worship and share the Gospel.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, occurring one week before His resurrection. It fulfills prophecies from Zechariah and Daniel, marked by crowds laying palm branches and shouting "Hosanna." This event foreshadows the subsequent rejection of Jesus, as the same crowd later calls for His crucifixion. Matthew 21:1-13

Maundy Thursday (John 13-17)

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is the Thursday before Easter in the Christian liturgical calendar. It commemorates two significant events from Jesus' last night with his disciples: the Last Supper, where he instituted the Lord's Supper (also called Communion), and the washing of the disciples' feet. The name "Maundy" comes from the Latin word "mandatum," meaning "command," referring to Jesus' new commandment to love one another. John 13:1-20; 34

Good Friday

Good Friday, observed on the Friday before Easter, is a solemn Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Despite its name, which may derive from Middle English meaning "holy" or "righteous", the day is marked by somber reflection and mourning. Many churches hold special services, often from noon to 3 p.m., mirroring the hours Jesus hung on the cross. The cross, central to Good Friday, is seen as an instrument of redemption, with Christ's sacrifice bringing forgiveness and life. Despite the day's solemnity, it is considered "good" due to the blessings that flowed from Christ's sacrifice. (Matthew 27:27–66; Mark 15:16–47; Luke 23:26–56; John 19:17–42).

Easter (John 20, Matthew 28, Luke 23, Mark 16)

Easter is a significant Christian holy day commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The celebration has connections to the Jewish Passover, with the term "Pasch" or "Paschal" in reference to Easter coming from the Hebrew word for Passover, "Pessah". As established by the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, making it a "movable feast" occurring between March 22 and April 25.