As a pastor, I’ve often sought to guide my congregation through the biblical timeline leading to Resurrection Sunday. There is something profoundly moving about the final days of Jesus — each day is filled with purpose, love and glory. The Passion Week is the most holy of all weeks for the Church. Perhaps this brief outline will help you, as it has helped me to reflect on the Passion of our Savior.
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Friday — Arrival in Bethany (John 12:1). Jesus comes to Bethany to be with His dear friends — Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Mary anoints His feet with costly perfume, an act of worship and preparation for His burial. It is a profound moment of devotion.
Sunday — The Triumphal Entry (Matt. 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, John 12). Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy (Zech. 9:9). Crowds shout “Hosanna!” and wave palm branches. On the day when families chose their Passover lamb, Israel did not choose the spotless Lamb of God who presented Himself to them.
Monday — Cleansing the Temple (Matt. 21, Mark 11, Luke 19). Jesus drives out the money changers, declaring that His Father’s house is a house of prayer. In doing so, He fulfills the prophecy of Malachi. This is no gentle Savior — it is the righteous Messiah purifying what belongs to God.
Tuesday — A Day of Teaching (Matt. 21–25, Mark 11–13, Luke 20–21). Jesus teaches boldly in the temple — through parables, rebukes and prophecy. He warns of judgment, speaks of His return and exposes religious hypocrisy, every word filled with truth and urgency.
Wednesday — A Day of Silence. The Gospels are silent about what Christ did on this day. Perhaps Jesus rested. Perhaps He prayed. Regardless of what He did, use this “silent Wednesday” to pause and ponder on the soon-coming cross.
Thursday — The Last Supper and Gethsemane (Matt. 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 13). Jesus gathers with His disciples, washes their feet and eats one last meal with them. Later, in Gethsemane, He prays in agony — the weight of the world is upon Him. Even His close “friend” betrays Him.
Friday — The Crucifixion (Matt. 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 18–19). Jesus is unjustly tried, mocked, beaten and crucified. At Golgotha, He dies between two thieves. The sky grows dark. The veil is torn. The Lamb of God willingly dies in your and my place. His body is placed in a borrowed tomb before sundown. This “Good Friday” leaves all Jesus’ followers devastated. It appears all hope is gone.
Sunday — The Resurrection (Matt. 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20). Early on the third day, the stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. Christ is risen! He appears to Mary Magdalene, His disciples and many more. Death is defeated. Hope is alive. Hallelujah — what a Savior!
May this journey through Holy Week stir your soul. May it deepen your gratitude, renew your love for Jesus and rekindle your anticipation of that glorious Resurrection morning. He is risen indeed!
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Rob Jackson, director of evangelism and church revitalization, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
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