Holy Week Scriptures
Livingwaters Holy Week Scriptures – Timeline & Worship: April 11-20, 2025 (10 Days)
Holy Passion Week – walking with Jesus during His final days: watch, wonder, walk with & worship
The word “Holy” means dedicated or consecrated or set apart to God for a specific purpose as sacred. Jesus came and set apart His life for a very specific God-given purpose: “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days He will rise… and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 9:31 & 10:45). The word “Passion” comes from the Latin word, “passio” meaning “to endure or to suffer” – during this holy time we reflect on the loving sacrifice & suffering of Jesus to endure the cross and rescue us from sin & death!
“But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
What will we “set apart” these coming days to devote ourselves to watch, wonder and worship Jesus?
Friday Friendships – arrival in Bethany; Jesus arrives six days before the Passover to spend time with his friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus (whom He had raised from the dead)! “Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served…Lazarus reclined… Mary poured perfume on Jesus’ feet…” [see John 12:1-3].
What will we do in honor of Jesus’ arrival?
Saturday Sabbath-rest – this day is not mentioned in any of the gospel.
Palm Sunday – the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This occurred days before Jesus would be betrayed and crucified. The cloak laying and palm branch waving crowd celebrated and shouted His praise. Curious observers wondered who this was coming in victory. Mark’s record reported: “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”
Sunday, April 13, Worship – Mark 11:1-11, “Coming Kingdom”
“Who is this?” was a first-century question that is still relevant today. What will you declare?
Mysterious Monday – cleansing of the Temple; Jesus returns to the temple to find the court of the Gentiles full of traders & money changers making profit for the religious leaders. Jesus drove them out and turned over their tables – Mark 11:15-18
“My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations but you have made it a den of robbers.”
Tuesday Teachings – on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem, Jesus taught in parables and warned the people against the Pharisees and teaching on future events, including His return! Scripture teachings in Matthew 21-24, Mark 11-13 & Luke 20-21
Watchful Wednesday – this is a term that I prefer to give to the Wednesday of Holy Week; others refer to it as “preparation day” and some as “spy Wednesday” because of the plot of the High Priest and authorities to kill Jesus and Lazarus. Many teach that Wednesday was a day of rest for Jesus, as he returned to rest in Bethany at the home of Martha, Mary & Lazarus.
“The chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in Him [Jesus].” John 12:10-11
Maundy Thursday – the word “Maundy” comes from the Latin word for “command” and points to the command Jesus gave to his disciples at the Last Supper that they should love and serve one another. On this day, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and broke bread with them for the last time; the broken bread and the cup they shared represented the body and blood of Christ.
“I have set for you an example that you should do as I have done for you. A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:15, 34
Good Friday – at the evening meal Jesus predicted that He would be abandoned, betrayed and denied by his closest followers. After the meal, the disciples accompanied Jesus to the Garden at Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in agony & later was arrested. The day Jesus was crucified was not a “good day” but it was very good for those who acknowledge their need for a Savior.
On Friday night we will remember the Lord’s Last Supper at tables in the sanctuary, reflecting on the suffering of Jesus, remembering His sacrifice on the cross from the written Word and in songs of worship.
Good Friday service 7PM – Mark 14:4-24, “Broken, poured out”
“She poured perfume on my body to prepare for my burial. My blood poured out for many.”
Outpourings of life: Praise/worship: love offerings poured out; Presence/sacrifice: life blood poured out
Silent Saturday – the day of waiting, silence and sorrow; Jesus was laid and sealed in a tomb, his body rested in a rich man’s tomb (Joseph of Arimathea), fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9. His body was placed in a tomb as preparation for the Sabbath began.
“Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation & the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” John 19:42
Even though our church property and commons will be filled with excited children (not very silent) a message of preparing for resurrection story will be shared.
Will we choose to be bystanders in the crowd to believers proclaiming the risen Christ?
Resurrection Sunday – the day of victory began with an empty tomb, defeat, disbelief & doubts but the day and people were transformed and it turned into awesome worship!
Sunday, April 20, 9 & 10:30AM – Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:36, “Rolling stones”
Who will roll away the stone from the tomb? You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.
He has risen! He is not here. See…”
Barriers to life removed: 1) Stones of doubt; 2) Stones of defeat; 3) Stones discarded
Who is it you are looking for to deliver & secure life, eternal & full?
Why do you look for life among the dead?