How to use this guide

On Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus.  Holy Week includes the seven days leading up to this celebration and the day that everything changed for everyone.  You will need your Bible to reflect on the passages given each day. This guide includes a daily devotional that you can use in your own quiet time or with your family.  Prayer and reflection points are provided as we focus on deepening our relationship with God. A family application and map checkpoint are given for individuals and families, and to share with children. Talking points that relate to what was going on each day of Holy Week are offered, as well as how we can respond.  

Introduction

When we think of Holy Week, a lot of times we talk about Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday only.  The details of the week are fuzzy, and we miss out on what happened in the Biblical timeline of this eternity changing week.  The culture around us today would describe Easter as a time for egg hunts, candy, pastel colors, and spring clothes.  Much like the temple of Jerusalem being commercialized that we will read about on day two of this devotional, culture today has watered down the reverent and life-changing power of Christ.  

Holy Week and what took place in Jerusalem changed eternity for everyone.  We have provided a map of Jerusalem because of the many things that took place in the Holy City that week. Jesus knew what was about to take place that week in Jerusalem saying, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.” (Luke 18:31) He knew that this time would be anything but heroic, yet he went on to say, “They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him.” (Luke 18:33)

Remember this week that like us, Jesus felt pain.  He was loved by many and could have gone another way, but He turned to Jerusalem knowing what was going to take place because He understood the “why.”  That “why” is us.  All of us.