Understanding Holy Week: A Time of Reflection and Renewal
With Holy Week just around the corner, Christians across the globe are preparing to reflect on the profound events leading up to Easter Sunday. This sacred week invites us to deepen our faith through remembrance, worship, and celebration, marking pivotal moments in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Holy Week, the final week of Lent, begins with Palm Sunday and concludes with the joyous celebrations of Easter. Each day carries significant meaning, offering an opportunity to engage with key aspects of Christ’s ministry and Passion. For those preparing to observe Holy Week, this guide explores its significance and the key events leading up to Easter.
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week is the most sacred period in the Christian liturgical calendar, dedicated to commemorating the Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While its origins trace back to the 4th century, when Good Friday and Holy Saturday were separated as distinct holy days, the practice of observing all seven days of Holy Week became common by the 3rd century.
The Passion is the term used to describe the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, marking the final hours of His earthly life. Derived from the Latin passionem, meaning “suffering” or “enduring,” it encompasses the events from His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane to His death on the cross, as described in the Gospels. The Passion encompasses the events from His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane to His death on the cross, as recorded in the Gospels. Central to Christian theology, the Passion represents Christ’s willing sacrifice for the redemption of humanity, serving as a profound testament to divine love, mercy, and salvation.
A Journey Through the Days of Holy Week
Each day of Holy Week holds unique significance and presents a moment to meditate on different aspects of Christ’s Passion.
Palm Sunday
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Riding on a donkey, Jesus symbolized both kingship and humility, a juxtaposition that powerfully conveyed his mission. The crowds welcomed him with palm branches and cries of "Hosanna," heralding him as the long-anticipated Messiah. This event, documented in all four Gospels, fulfills the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, which states, "Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey."
The act of covering someone’s path was a widely practiced sign of honor in the ancient Near East. A similar gesture is recorded in 2 Kings 9:13, where cloaks are laid out for Jehu after his anointment as king of Israel. Likewise, the palm branches carried dual meaning. For the Jewish community, they symbolized triumph and mighty deeds, while for the Romans, they signified imperial authority. By entering Jerusalem in this manner, Jesus not only presented himself as the heir of David but also openly declared his kingship, a proclamation with direct implications for the Roman authorities.
Palm Sunday serves as an invitation to reflect on Christ’s humility and his redefinition of kingship. His leadership did not rely on force or might; instead, it was characterized by servanthood and meekness, offering a profound example of what it means to lead with grace and compassion.
Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday
Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday focus on key moments in Jesus' ministry during his final days. On Holy Monday, the Gospel narratives recount Jesus cursing a barren fig tree and the cleansing of the temple. These acts underline themes of faithfulness, integrity, and preparation for what is to come.
Holy Tuesday grows more somber as Jesus openly speaks about his impending death. On this day, He engages in debates with religious leaders, delivering sharp criticisms of their hypocrisy. He also teaches powerful parables, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Parable of the Talents, urging trust in God and readiness for His kingdom. Through these teachings, Jesus calls for deep reflection on faith, perseverance, and living with purpose.
Holy Wednesday
Holy Wednesday, also called Spy Wednesday, marks the day the Sanhedrin plotted to kill Jesus and Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:1-16; Mark 14:1-11; Luke 22:1-6). This day highlights Judas' secretive actions and sets the stage for the events of the Passion. It serves as a reminder of human fallibility and betrayal, contrasted with the infinite mercy and forgiveness of God.
Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)
Maundy Thursday marks the Last Supper, where Jesus celebrated Passover with his disciples. During this meal, Jesus washed his disciples' feet and gives them the commandment to “love one another” (John 13:34). The term "Maundy" is derived from the Latin word mandatum, which translates to "commandment." This word is a reference to Jesus' directive to his followers to love one another, just as he has shown love to them. Maundy Thursday is a time to reflect on Jesus’ commandment and ensure we are observing it.
Good Friday
Good Friday commemorates Jesus’s suffering in the garden, Judas’s betrayal, His trial, crucifixion, and death (Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 15-19). Though the name “Good Friday” might seem ironic given its somber nature, it signifies the “holy” and redemptive outcome of Christ's sacrifice.
Good Friday is a day to meditate deeply on Christ’s suffering, emphasizing his sacrifice for humanity’s sin and his immense love for the world. For believers, it is a time of mourning but also a moment of gratitude for the redemption it offers.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is a day of quiet reflection, as Christians remember the time Jesus’ body lay in the tomb. It bridges the grief of Good Friday with the hope of Easter Sunday. Holy Saturday is also called Black Saturday. Though Hope is coming, the day is full of uncertainty and agitated waiting.
In the Matthew 27, the Jewish leaders ask Pilate to seal the tomb the day after the crucifixion because they remembered Jesus saying He would rise again on the third day.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday marks the culmination of Holy Week, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and victory over death. This joyous occasion reminds believers of the hope and promise of eternal life.
Churches across the world hold festive services filled with hymns, prayers, and proclamations of Christ’s triumph. Many traditions, such as family gatherings and special meals, emphasize the communal joy of the day.
Easter represents the fulfillment of God’s promise and the heart of Christian faith. It calls upon believers to live in the light of the resurrection, carrying its hope into their daily lives.
Holy Week as a Call to Spiritual Renewal
Holy Week is a sacred time for Christians to deepen their connection with Christ and the global Church. Each day offers unique opportunities for reflection, worship, and a renewed commitment to faith. It’s a time to honor not only the key events of Jesus’ life but also to grow in understanding of his teachings and the enduring hope brought by his resurrection. This season serves as a poignant reminder to share that hope with the world and to find strength and inspiration through God’s presence.
As you prepare to observe this sacred season, may you find renewed strength, encouragement, and a deep awareness of God’s presence in your life. If you feel inspired to explore Scripture and ministry more deeply, Indiana Wesleyan University offers programs such as a Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies or a Master’s in Ministry. These degrees are designed to help you grow in your faith, enrich your understanding, and empower you to serve others while sharing Christ’s message with the world.
This article was reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Brian Bernius, Dean of Theology and Ministry and Professor of Old Testament and Near Eastern Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Sources
Adams, B. (2024). What is holy week? Logos. https://www.logos.com/grow/what-is-holy-week/
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica (2025). Holy Week. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Holy-Week
Grisham, J. (2021) What is Maundy Thursday? 8 facts about this Christian holiday. Logos. https://www.logos.com/grow/what-is-maundy-thursday-8-facts-about-the-lesser-known-christian-holiday/
