So I have had a lot of questions about Holy Week. What is it? Why is it so significant? What does it mean? In the next few paragraphs I hope to be as succinct as possible in outlining it for you.
Holy Week is the last week of Lent (the time of prayer and preparation before Easter) before Resurrection Sunday. There are 4 significant days during this week…
The first is Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday. This is the day we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The day He was celebrated as King of the Jews…a celebration similar to a parade with crowds of people shouting, waiving palm branches, and longing to see their long awaited Messiah. However, it also marks Jesus’ last week of life and the final journey towards suffering and the cross – hence, Passion Sunday.
The second day is Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday. This day celebrates a series of events that culminate before Jesus’ arrest. The wordy “Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum” which is where we get the English word “mandate.” While many events are marked (the last supper, footwashing, establishment of communion, betrayal of Judas, and praying in the Garden of Gethsemene) most Christian service focus specifically on the command or mandate that Jesus gives in John 13:34-35 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (NLT)”
The third day is Good Friday or Holy Friday. This is the day that the church commemorates Jesus’ arrest, trial, torture, crucifixion, death, and burial. Quite simply – day of mourning…
The fourth day is Holy Saturday. The day Jesus rested in the tomb….a day of quiet meditation on the thought of a world without a Savior or Messiah. But, it is also a day of anticipation because this day ends Holy Week and we know that Resurrection Sunday is just hours away!
Hope this helps to answer some questions and focus your worship.
Until Next Time…
Pastor Barry
Pastor Barry's Blog 