“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” – 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
Bible Verses About Holy Week
Preparation for Holy Week
As we approach Holy Week, we must prepare our hearts and minds for the events that unfold during this sacred time. Preparation means taking time to meditate on the significance of each day, reflecting on the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. By setting aside moments to pray and read scripture, we cultivate an understanding that gratitude and reverence should fill our hearts. Preparation also allows us to ready ourselves for the spiritual blessings that God promises during this remarkable week. We open ourselves to receive His grace and inspiration as we journey through the story of Christ’s sacrifice and triumphant victory over sin and death.
John 12:1
“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.” – John 12:1
Matthew 26:2
“As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” – Matthew 26:2
Luke 19:29
“As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples.” – Luke 19:29
Mark 14:1
“Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.” – Mark 14:1
Psalm 118:26
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.” – Psalm 118:26
Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem
Entering Jerusalem, Jesus showed His humility and obedience, riding on a donkey rather than a mighty stallion. This moment illustrates His deep connection to God’s plan for salvation. The joyous shouts of the people validated the prophecies about their awaited King, as they welcomed Him with open arms. Our hearts can mirror this entry into Jerusalem by acknowledging Jesus as our Savior. By embracing Him anew, we invite Him into our lives, acknowledging His significance in our journey of faith. Just as the people waved palm branches and shouted praises, we too can worship and celebrate His presence in our lives every day.
Matthew 21:9
“The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” – Matthew 21:9
Luke 19:38
“‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’” – Luke 19:38
John 12:13
“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!’” – John 12:13
Matthew 21:5
“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” – Matthew 21:5
Mark 11:10
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” – Mark 11:10
The Last Supper
During the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Communion, demonstrating the love and sacrifice He would soon make for us. This sacred meal is a reminder of the covenant between God and humanity, where Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice. As we participate in Communion, we remember the depths of His love and His call for unity among us. It is a chance for introspection, repentance, and recommitment to our faith. The Last Supper teaches us that even in difficult times, we can draw strength from each other and the Lord’s presence, fostering community and celebrating the bonds that unite us as believers.
Luke 22:19
“And he took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” – Luke 22:19
Mark 14:22
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’” – Mark 14:22
Matthew 26:26
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body given for you.’” – Matthew 26:26
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
1 Corinthians 11:25
“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’” – 1 Corinthians 11:25
Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
The events leading to Jesus’ betrayal remind us of the stark realities of human nature and the profound impact of our choices. Judas’ decision to betray Jesus stands as a sobering lesson about greed and the vulnerability of the human heart. Even amidst betrayal, Jesus demonstrated love and forgiveness. Reflecting on Jesus’ journey can inspire us to confront our fears and temptations, steering ourselves back to God’s grace. When we encounter betrayal, we can look to Jesus for guidance, remembering that even He offered compassion at the moment of His deepest hurt. This calls us to cultivate strong faith in God’s plan, trusting that even in the darkest moments, He will guide us toward healing and redemption.
Matthew 26:48
“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’” – Matthew 26:48
John 18:2
“Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.” – John 18:2
Mark 14:43
“Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.” – Mark 14:43
Luke 22:47
“While he was still speaking, a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him.” – Luke 22:47
Matthew 26:56
“But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.” – Matthew 26:56
Crucifixion and Death
The crucifixion represents the ultimate sacrifice made for our salvation. Jesus’ willingly endured unimaginable pain, demonstrating His profound love for each of us. Through this act, we find hope amid despair, knowing that sin and death do not have the final say. As we reflect on His suffering, we are reminded that Jesus was thinking of us in our darkest hours. Embracing this truth can transform our perception of hardships, allowing us to see them through the lens of God’s unwavering love. Reveling in His final words on the cross can inspire us to face our trials with courage and to display love and grace even in our suffering.
John 19:16
“Finally, Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.” – John 19:16
Mark 15:25
“It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.” – Mark 15:25
Luke 23:46
“Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.” – Luke 23:46
Matthew 27:50
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.” – Matthew 27:50
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
The Resurrection
The resurrection victory is the cornerstone of our faith. It signifies that Jesus has conquered sin and death, providing us hope for eternal life. As we embrace the truth of His resurrection during Holy Week, we can celebrate the living hope that Christ has given us. This allows us to transform our struggles into testimonies of His grace. Through the resurrection, we receive the promise that God will work all things for good, restoring our joy and peace. We can approach each day with the assurance that we are never alone; Christ’s resurrection empowers us to live boldly and to share His love with everyone around us.
John 20:1
“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.” – John 20:1
Matthew 28:6
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” – Matthew 28:6
Luke 24:34
“And saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.'” – Luke 24:34
1 Corinthians 15:4
“That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” – 1 Corinthians 15:4
Acts 2:32
“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.” – Acts 2:32
Final Thoughts
Holy Week serves as a poignant reminder of the incredible journey Jesus undertook for our salvation. It invites us to reflect on His life, death, and resurrection in a deeply personal way. We prepare our hearts, recognizing the miracles and teachings that lead us to celebrate our Savior entering Jerusalem, the Last Supper, His betrayal, crucifixion, and ultimately, His glorious resurrection. Through this week, we can find healing, hope, and the strength to walk in faith.
Each segment of Holy Week offers lessons in love, humility, sacrifice, and triumph. It speaks to our hearts, urging us to live out our faith with action, love, and grace. As we honor this special week, we should continuously remind ourselves of the great love God has for us. May we embrace the hope His resurrection brings, allowing it to illuminate our path as we share His light with the world.
As we reflect on Holy Week, we can also explore other powerful themes in our faith journey such as Easter and the crucifixion of Jesus. Each offers profound insight into our relationship with God and encourages us to grow closer to Him.