Passion Week, also known as Holy Week, marks the final week of Lent and the last days of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry leading up to His resurrection.
It is a sacred time for Christians around the world as they reflect on the suffering, death, and triumph of the Savior. Below is a chronological outline of the major events, accompanied by scripture references for deeper study and reflection.
Palm Sunday – The Triumphal Entry Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy. The crowds spread palm branches and shout “Hosanna!” acknowledging Him as the promised Messiah.
- Scripture: Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–44; John 12:12–19
- Prophecy Fulfilled: Zechariah 9:9
Holy Monday – The Fig Tree and Temple Cleansing On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus curses a barren fig tree—symbolizing judgment on spiritual fruitlessness. Later, He enters the Temple and drives out the money changers, declaring, “My house will be called a house of prayer.”
- Scripture: Matthew 21:12–22; Mark 11:12–19; Luke 19:45–48
Holy Tuesday – Teachings and Confrontations Jesus teaches extensively in the Temple, confronting religious leaders with parables and warnings. He also delivers the Olivet Discourse, describing the end times and His return.
- Scripture: Matthew 21:23–24:51; Mark 11:20–13:37; Luke 20:1–21:36
Holy Wednesday (Spy Wednesday) – The Betrayal Plot Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus to the chief priests in exchange for thirty pieces of silver. This marks the beginning of the plan to arrest Jesus secretly.
- Scripture: Matthew 26:14–16; Mark 14:10–11; Luke 22:1–6
Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) – The Last Supper and Gethsemane Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples, instituting the Lord’s Supper and washing their feet as a model of servant leadership. He predicts Peter’s denial and Judas’ betrayal. Later that night, He agonizes in prayer in Gethsemane before being arrested.
- Scripture: Matthew 26:17–56; Mark 14:12–50; Luke 22:7–53; John 13:1–18:11
Good Friday – The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus Jesus is tried before the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod. He is mocked, beaten, and crucified at Golgotha. At the moment of His death, the temple veil is torn, and He is buried in a tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea.
- Scripture: Matthew 27:1–66; Mark 15:1–47; Luke 23:1–56; John 18:28–19:42
Holy Saturday – Jesus in the Tomb Jesus’ body rests in the tomb. The disciples mourn while the tomb is sealed and guarded. Some Christian traditions reflect on the “harrowing of hell,” where Christ proclaims victory to the spirits in prison.
- Scripture: Matthew 27:62–66; Luke 23:56
- Traditional Reference: 1 Peter 3:18–20; Ephesians 4:9–10
Easter Sunday – The Resurrection At dawn, women find the tomb empty. Jesus rises from the dead, appearing first to Mary Magdalene and then to the disciples. His resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope and the promise of eternal life.
- Scripture: Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–18
- Resurrection Teaching: 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, 20–22
Conclusion Passion Week encapsulates the heart of the gospel—Christ’s love, sacrifice, and victory. Through these events, believers are invited to enter into the suffering of Christ, celebrate His resurrection, and walk in the hope of redemption.