SUNDAY
(Palm Sunday)
This is Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Crowds of people gathered with palm branches. Scripture says, And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Scriptural Reference: Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, John 12
MONDAY
Jesus cleanses the temple by overturning the tables of those selling and buying. This adds to the attention Jesus was beginning to receive. Jesus says, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers” (Matthew 21:12-13). Jesus performs the miracle of cursing a fig tree: “”May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once” (Matthew 21:19).
Scriptural Reference: Matthew 21
TUESDAY
The disciples see the miracle of the fig tree withering at the command of Jesus (Matthew 21:20, Mark 11:20-21) and Jesus shares a lesson on belief and the Kingdom of God (Mark 11:20-25, Luke 21:29-32). Jesus continues to teach parables in the temple, bringing more attention from the crowds (Matthew 21, Mark 12, Luke 20). The Pharisees and Sadducees question Jesus on controversial topics (Matthew 22, Mark 12, Luke 10 & 20).
Scriptural Reference: Matthew 21-23, Mark 11 & 12, Luke 10, Luke 20 & 21
WEDNESDAY
The betrayal of Jesus begins as Judas Iscariot agrees to deliver Jesus to the chief priest in return for money (Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6). The chief priests and elders plan to kill Jesus once the Passover is finished (Matthew 26:1-5, Mark 14:1-2, Luke 22:1-2).
Scriptural Reference: Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22
THURSDAY
The Passover takes place and Jesus reveals one of His disciples will betray Him. Jesus washes the disciples’ feet.. The Lord’s Supper takes place, and Jesus predicts Peter’s denial.
Scriptural Reference: Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 13
FRIDAY
Estimated to be at midnight, Jesus prays in Gethsemane. Around 3 AM, Jesus goes on trial before Caiaphas. Peter denies Jesus even when he said he would never deny Him (Matthew 26:35). Matthew 26:72 says, “And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” At this time, Jesus was also condemned by the Sanhedrin. Around 6 AM, Jesus goes on trial before Pilate, Herod, and then Pilate a second time. After the second time he appeared before Pilate, Jesus was flogged and beaten. Around 9 AM Friday morning, Jesus was crucified. Friday at noon, the interaction between the thief on the cross and Jesus took place. Luke 23:42-43 says, “And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Around 3 PM, Jesus dies and those present respond in sorrow to Jesus’ death. The Roman soldiers spear Jesus’ side to ensure He was dead. Around 6 PM, Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb with a great stone to cover its entrance.
Scriptural Reference: Matthew 26 & 27, Mark 14 & 15, Luke 22 & 23, John 18 & 19
SATURDAY
The women watch the tomb. Matthew 27:61 says, “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.”
Scriptural Reference: Mark 15:47, Luke 23:55-56
SUNDAY
The women visit the tomb to find it empty! Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, the other women, and his disciples. Soldiers report to Jewish authorities what had taken place (Matthew 28:11-15). He is Risen!
See: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
