Holy Week: Reflecting on the Journey from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday
Holy Week is such a special time for reflection and renewal in our faith. It begins with Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, and takes us through the highs and lows of His last days. From the joy of the crowd to the pain of the cross, this week is full of powerful moments that we, as Christians, can lean into for deeper understanding.
This week isn’t just something we read about; it’s a reminder that we’re called to walk through it too. Jesus went through so much for us, and in the process, He showed us how to live out our faith even when things don’t go as planned.
Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry
On Palm Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The crowds waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:13). It’s a powerful moment of recognition that Jesus was the promised Messiah. But what stands out is how He entered Jerusalem: humbly, on a donkey, showing us that His kingdom was one of peace, not power.
How we can celebrate this day:
Start the week by reflecting on Jesus’ humility and kingship. Sing praises, pray together, and discuss what this moment means for us today.
How to explain to kids:
You can explain Palm Sunday by saying that people were excited because they believed Jesus was the King they had been waiting for. Jesus didn’t ride in on a fancy horse, but on a donkey, showing us that He was humble and came to bring peace. It’s a good opportunity to talk about the true nature of Jesus’ kingship.
Holy Monday to Wednesday: The Quiet Before the Storm
These days in Holy Week don’t seem as eventful as Palm Sunday or Good Friday, but they are important moments in Jesus' final week. Holy Monday through Wednesday is when Jesus spent time teaching in the temple, confronting religious hypocrisy, and preparing His disciples for the difficult days ahead. It’s a time of reflection, as Jesus knew that His mission was drawing near to its climax.
How we can celebrate these days:
Use this time to reflect on Jesus' teachings, His call to repentance, and the need for honesty and integrity in our own lives. Take a moment for deeper prayer, asking God to open our hearts to His truth during this important week.
How to explain to kids:
These days might be harder to explain to younger children, but you can talk about how Jesus was teaching everyone around Him, and how He was showing them what true love looks like. It’s also a good time to remind them that even when things are quiet or uncertain, God is still working.
Maundy Thursday: The Last Supper and the New Command
Maundy Thursday is when Jesus had His last supper with His disciples. It’s a time to remember Jesus' example of serving others, even washing His disciples’ feet. Yes, that even included Judas, the one who would later betray Him. This act of service, knowing that Judas would turn against Him, shows the depth of Jesus’ love and humility. He also instituted communion as a way for us to remember His body and blood, given for the forgiveness of our sins.
How we can celebrate this day:
Consider reflecting on the powerful act of love and humility Jesus showed. Talk about Jesus’ new command to love one another (John 13:34) and how we can reflect that love in our own lives.
How to explain to kids:
You can explain the Last Supper by saying that Jesus shared a special meal with His friends, and He told them that He would always be with them. He also showed them that the greatest way to love is by serving others, which is why He washed their feet, even Judas' feet, knowing what he would do. It’s a perfect time to talk about how we can love others just as Jesus loved us, even when it’s hard.
Friday: The Crucifixion and Sacrifice of Jesus
Good Friday is a somber day, where we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. He carried the weight of our sins to the cross, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. This is the day that changed everything, the day that paid the price for our redemption.
How we can celebrate this day:
Good Friday is a time for quiet reflection and reverence. Some families participate in the Stations of the Cross or take part in a service where the story of Jesus’ crucifixion is shared. It’s a day to remember His sacrifice, to grieve, and to thank Him for His incredible love.
How to explain to kids:
Explain that Good Friday is the day Jesus died on the cross for us. He chose to die so that we could be forgiven for our sins and have eternal life with God. You can talk about how Jesus' love for us was so great that He was willing to do this, even though it was hard.
Holy Saturday: A Day of Waiting
On Holy Saturday, we wait. Jesus’ body lay in the tomb, and His disciples were in shock and mourning. This day reminds us of the moments in our own lives when we’re waiting, waiting for healing, for answers, for God’s promises to come through. It’s a reminder that, even in this time of stillness, God is at work.
How we can celebrate this day:
Spend time in prayer, waiting in quiet trust, knowing that even when things seem still, God is working in ways we cannot see.
How to explain to kids:
This day shows us that sometimes we have to wait, just like Jesus' followers did. Even though they were sad and waiting, God was working behind the scenes. You can explain how waiting is hard, but God is always working, even when we don’t see it.
Easter Sunday: The Resurrection and New Life
Easter Sunday is the day of resurrection, where we celebrate that Jesus conquered death and sin once and for all. “He is risen!” These words remind us that because of Jesus’ resurrection, we too have new life, both now and for eternity.
How we can celebrate this day:
Easter is a day of celebration! Start the morning with a joyful worship service, spend time together as a family, and reflect on the hope and new life that Easter brings.
How to explain to kids:
Easter is the happiest day because Jesus rose from the dead! He did this so that we can have new life too. You can explain how Jesus’ resurrection means we don’t have to be afraid of death or sin because He’s already defeated it all.
Celebrating Holy Week with Your Family
Holy Week is an opportunity to reflect, worship, and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter. It’s a time to explain the journey to our children, teaching them the significance of these events. Whether it’s by reading Scripture or talking about the different days, Holy Week is a time to grow closer to Jesus and one another.
This isn’t just a story from the past, it’s something we live out today. Let’s walk through this week together with hearts full of gratitude for what Jesus has done for us.
Lord, as we walk through Holy Week, help us to reflect deeply on what You’ve done for us. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for our sins and to rise again, bringing us new life. Help us to live out the lessons of this week, humility, sacrifice, love, and hope. May we teach our children about Your sacrifice and Your resurrection in ways that will shape their faith for years to come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
