Life moves quickly. Weeks come and go with little distinction. One blends into the next, and before long, time has passed without much reflection. What a shame for Holy Week to pass in the same fashion.
Holy Week is a week set apart to walk through the final days of Jesus—His arrival in Jerusalem, His teaching, His betrayal, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. These are truly the most significant events in the history of mankind. If we are not intentional, we will arrive at Easter having skipped over the very events that give it appropriate weight in our minds and hearts.
Here are some suggested ways to make the most of Holy Week…
1. Prioritize Gathering with the Church
There are many good things we could do this week. There is likely nothing more important than gathering with the church. Make every effort to be present:
- Palm Sunday (both Sunday School and worship service)
- Maundy Thursday - 6:30p at PBF
- Good Friday - 6:30p at PBF
- Resurrection Sunday (both Sunday School and worship service)
The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. During Holy Week especially, we are shaped as we hear the Word, sing together, pray, and come to the Table.
2. Prayerful Contemplation of Scripture
The events of this week are not abstract ideas, but historical events infallibly recorded for us. Rather than reading randomly, or perhaps in addition to our regular reading plans, we could take a few minutes each day to intentionally follow the events and themes of Holy Week. Slow reading, contemplative questions, and praying in response. As we digest what each passage reveals about Christ, we may well prepare our hearts to worship.
Here is a suggested reading plan, including passages that we will be using together in our gatherings over Holy Week.
Palm Sunday – The Coming of the King
- Psalm 24
- Acts 2:22–36
The King has come. Not merely into Jerusalem—but to the throne through the cross and resurrection.
Who is this King of glory—and do I receive Him as He truly is: the crucified and risen Lord?
Monday – The Love of Christ
- John 13:1–20
“He loved them to the end.” The King stoops to serve.
What does it mean that Jesus loves His own “to the end”? Where do I resist the kind of humble, sacrificial love He displays?
Tuesday – Troubled Hearts, Steady Hope
- John 14
“Let not your hearts be troubled.” Christ prepares a place for His people and gives His Spirit.
What is presently troubling my heart? Am I trusting Christ, or am I allowing fear to govern my thoughts?
Wednesday – Abiding in the True Vine
- John 15
Apart from Him you can do nothing. Abide in Him.
In what ways am I attempting to live apart from Christ? What would it look like, concretely, for me to abide in Him today?
Thursday – The New Covenant Meal
- John 13:21–38
- 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
Betrayal unfolds. Love remains. Christ gives His body and blood for His people.
How am I preparing my heart to remember Christ rightly? Is there anything that calls for repentance before coming to the Table?
Good Friday – The Crucifixion
- John 18–19
Slow down here. Read carefully. This is what our sin required.
What does the cross reveal about my sin? What does it reveal about the love and justice of God?
Holy Saturday – Waiting
- Psalm 88
The work is finished, but the silence remains.
Am I willing to wait on the Lord—even when I do not yet see what He is doing?
Resurrection Sunday – The Risen Christ
- John 20
- Psalm 16
- Acts 13:26–39
God did not abandon His Holy One to the grave. Christ is risen—and now proclaimed as Savior and King.
Do I live as one who truly believes Christ is risen? How should the resurrection shape my hope, my obedience, and my joy?
3. Remove Distractions
If we are honest, much of our time is filled with noise. Holy Week is an opportunity to be deliberate. Consider setting aside some of the things that draw your attention to less significant things:
- entertainment
- social media
- constant input
Not as an end in itself, but to make room to read, meditate, and pray.
4. Bring Others Along
Engage family or friends in purposeful ways this week.
- Read one passage together
- Ask: What does this show us about Jesus?
- Pray briefly
Again, the weeks pass quickly. This is not just another week, so let’s not let it pass like any other. Let’s give our attention to Christ—His words, His suffering, His death, and His resurrection. And may it be then that when Sunday comes, we rejoice in the risen King—not lightly, but with depth, clarity, and gratitude.
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