The week before Easter is one of the most important and profound periods in the life of Jesus Christ. This week is called “Holy Week,” and it is filled with many significant events that led to Jesus’ death and resurrection. From His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His crucifixion and resurrection, this week is central to the Christian faith. In this article, we will look at what Jesus did during the week before Easter, focusing on each important event day by day.
The Significance of Holy Week
Before diving into the details of each day, it’s important to understand why Holy Week is so significant. Holy Week marks the final days of Jesus’ earthly life and the fulfillment of the mission He came to accomplish. Jesus came to die for the sins of humanity and, through His death and resurrection, offered salvation to everyone who believes in Him. The events of Holy Week demonstrate His love, sacrifice, and victory over sin and death.
Now, let’s explore what Jesus did during each day of this crucial week.
Sunday: The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
The week before Easter began with a significant event known as the “Triumphal Entry” or Palm Sunday. Jesus arrived in Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy from the Old Testament found in Zechariah 9:9, which said the King would come to Jerusalem humble, riding on a donkey.
As Jesus entered the city, a large crowd gathered. They laid their cloaks and palm branches on the ground in front of Him, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” They recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. The word “Hosanna” means “save now,” a cry for deliverance. The people believed that Jesus would be the one to deliver them from Roman oppression.
However, while the people praised Jesus, many of them misunderstood the true purpose of His coming. They were hoping for a political Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom, not understanding that Jesus came to bring spiritual salvation.
This event was a powerful demonstration of who Jesus was. He was openly proclaiming Himself as the Messiah, but His mission was not about worldly power. Instead, it was about bringing peace and salvation to all people.
Monday: Cleansing the Temple
The day after His triumphal entry, Jesus went to the Temple in Jerusalem. When He entered, He found that the Temple had become a place of business. Merchants were selling animals for sacrifices, and money changers were exchanging currency for the people who came to the Temple. This made Jesus angry, because the Temple was meant to be a house of prayer, not a marketplace.
In a moment of righteous anger, Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers and drove out the merchants, saying, “It is written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers'” (Matthew 21:13). Jesus was showing that the Temple, as the dwelling place of God, should be respected and not used for selfish gain.
This act of cleansing the Temple also pointed to Jesus’ authority over religious practices and institutions. He was not just a teacher; He was the Son of God who had the right to correct the wrongs in Israel’s religious life.
After cleansing the Temple, Jesus spent time teaching the people. Many came to hear Him, and He healed the sick who were brought to Him. His actions demonstrated His care for people and His desire to restore true worship.
Tuesday: Teaching and Confrontations
On Tuesday, Jesus continued to teach in the Temple. He used parables to explain the Kingdom of God and called out the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. Jesus spoke about judgment, repentance, and the need for faith.
One of the most important parables He told on this day was the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46). In this parable, Jesus compared the religious leaders of Israel to wicked tenants who mistreated the landowner’s servants. The landowner sent his son, but the tenants killed him. The message was clear: the religious leaders were rejecting God’s messengers, and they would also reject the Son of God, Jesus.
This parable angered the religious leaders, and they began to look for ways to arrest Jesus. However, they were afraid of the people, who were still supportive of Jesus.
On this day, Jesus also had several confrontations with the Pharisees and Sadducees. They tried to trap Him with tricky questions, but Jesus always responded with wisdom and authority. His answers exposed their lack of understanding and their intentions to deceive.
Throughout the day, Jesus continued to teach about the importance of loving God and loving others. He spoke about the greatest commandment, which is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and the second commandment, which is to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40).
Wednesday: The Day of Rest
Wednesday of Holy Week is often called “Silent Wednesday” or “Spy Wednesday.” There are no major events recorded in the Bible for this day, and Jesus likely spent the day in rest or in private with His disciples. However, the religious leaders were plotting against Him.
The chief priests and elders of the people gathered to discuss how they could arrest Jesus and kill Him. They knew they needed to do this without causing a riot, as Jesus was still very popular with the crowds. They conspired with Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, to betray Him.
Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, which was the price of a slave. This marked the beginning of the end for Jesus’ earthly ministry, and the plan to arrest and crucify Him was set in motion.
Thursday: The Last Supper and Jesus’ Arrest
Thursday of Holy Week is known as “Maundy Thursday.” It was the day when Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with His disciples. During this meal, Jesus instituted the practice of Communion, or the Lord’s Supper.
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” He also took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and told them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28). Through this symbolic act, Jesus established the sacrament of Communion, which Christians continue to practice today.
During the meal, Jesus also predicted that one of His disciples would betray Him. He revealed that Judas would be the one to do so, and Judas left the room to carry out his betrayal. This moment was filled with sorrow, as Jesus knew the painful events that would soon unfold.
After the meal, Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus prayed in deep anguish, knowing what was about to happen. He asked God, “If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus submitted to God’s will, even though He knew it would involve great suffering.
Later that night, Judas arrived with a group of soldiers to arrest Jesus. Jesus was betrayed with a kiss, and He was arrested. His disciples, fearful for their own lives, fled.
Friday: The Crucifixion
Friday is known as “Good Friday,” the day when Jesus was crucified. After His arrest, Jesus was taken to the high priest’s house, where He was tried by the religious leaders. They falsely accused Him of blasphemy, as He had claimed to be the Son of God. They condemned Him to death and handed Him over to the Roman authorities.
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, tried to avoid condemning Jesus. He found no fault in Him and even offered to release Jesus as part of the Passover tradition, where one prisoner was set free. However, the crowd demanded that Pilate release Barabbas, a notorious criminal, and crucify Jesus.
Jesus was brutally beaten, mocked, and forced to carry His cross to the hill of Golgotha. There, He was nailed to the cross and left to die. As He hung on the cross, Jesus spoke several words of profound significance, including “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34) and “It is finished” (John 19:30).
Jesus died around 3 p.m. that afternoon. His body was taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb, which was sealed with a large stone.
Saturday: The Day of Waiting
Saturday is known as “Holy Saturday.” It is a day of waiting and reflection. Jesus’ body lay in the tomb, and His disciples were in mourning, unsure of what the future held. The chief priests and Pharisees placed a guard at the tomb to ensure that no one could steal Jesus’ body and claim He had risen from the dead.
The disciples did not fully understand that Jesus had predicted He would rise again on the third day. They were filled with grief and uncertainty.
Sunday: The Resurrection
The week before Easter concludes with the resurrection of Jesus, which is celebrated on Easter Sunday. Early in the morning, several women went to Jesus’ tomb to anoint His body. When they arrived, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. An angel appeared to them and said, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6).
Jesus had risen from the dead, and His resurrection was the ultimate victory over sin and death. This event is the foundation of the Christian faith, as it proves that Jesus is the Son of God and that His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient for the forgiveness of sins.
The resurrection was witnessed by many people, including Jesus’ disciples. He appeared to them, showing them that He was alive. The resurrection confirmed everything Jesus had taught and gave hope to all who believe in Him.
Conclusion
The week before Easter is full of profound events that demonstrate the love, sacrifice, and power of Jesus. From His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to His death on the cross and ultimate resurrection, Holy Week is a powerful reminder of God’s love for humanity. It is through these events that Christians believe salvation was made possible for all who trust in Jesus Christ. As we reflect on what Jesus did during this week, we are reminded of the incredible sacrifice He made for us and the hope that His resurrection brings to the world.
You Might Be Interested In:
