1.The Last Supper, Jesus celebrates the Passover meal with his disciples, instituting the sacrament of Communion (Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-38, John 13:1-17:26).
The Last Supper is the central event of Maun-dy Thursday and is described in all four Gospels: Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-38, and John 13:1-17:26.
Jesus gathers with his twelve disciples in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover meal, a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
During the meal, Jesus institutes the sacrament of Communion (also known as the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper), instructing his disciples to partake of bread and wine, which symbolize his body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus also foretells his betrayal by one of his disciples, which leads to sadness and confusion among the disciples.
2.Washing of the Disciples’ Feet, Jesus humbly washes the feet of his disciples, teaching them about servanthood.
During the Last Supper, Jesus performs the symbolic act of washing his disciples’ feet, as described in John 13:1-17.
This act of humble service shocks the disciples, as it was traditionally a task reserved for servants.
Jesus uses this act to teach his disciples about humility, service, and love, instructing them to follow his example in serving one another.
3.Betrayal by Judas, Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6).
Following the Last Supper, Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus to the religious authorities in exchange for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6).
This betrayal sets in motion the events that lead to Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion.
4.Agony in the Garden, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he sweats drops of blood and submits to the Father’s will (Matthew 26:36-56, Mark 14:32-52, Luke 22:39-53, John 18:1-12).
After the Last Supper, Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, accompanied by his disciples (Matthew 26:36-56, Mark 14:32-52, Luke 22:39-53, John 18:1-12).
Jesus experiences profound anguish and sorrow as he anticipates the suffering and death that await him.
He prays to the Father, asking if it is possible for the cup of suffering to be taken from him, yet ultimately submits to God’s will.
5. Preparation for Arrest and Trial
Maundy Thursday also marks the beginning of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and trial.
After the agony in the garden, Jesus is betrayed by Judas and subsequently arrested by the religious authorities, leading to his trial before the Sanhedrin and ultimately, his crucifixion.
Maundy Thursday is a solemn and reflective day in the Christian calendar, as it commemorates the last moments Jesus spent with his disciples before his crucifixion. It serves as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrificial love, his example of humble service, and the institution of the sacraments of Communion and foot-washing.
Good Friday
Good Friday is one of the most solemn and significant days in the Christian calendar, marking the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It’s Friday, but Sunday (Sonday) is coming!!
Trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus is condemned by the Jewish religious leaders and handed over to the Roman authorities (Matthew 26:57-27:26, Mark 14:53-15:15, Luke 22:66-23:25, John 18:12-19:16).
1. Trial before Pilate
After being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea (Matthew 27:1-26, Mark 15:1-15, Luke 23:1-25, John 18:28-19:16).
The Jewish religious leaders accuse Jesus of blasphemy and seeking to overthrow Roman authority, leading to his trial before Pilate.
Despite finding no guilt in Jesus, Pilate succumbs to the pressure of the crowd and agrees to have Jesus crucified.
2. Scourging and Mockery
Before the crucifixion, Jesus is scourged and mocked by Roman soldiers (Matthew 27:26-31, Mark 15:15-20, John 19:1-3).
He is stripped, beaten, and ridiculed, with a crown of thorns placed on his head as a symbol of mockery.
3. Crucifixion, Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified at Golgotha (Matthew 27:27-56, Mark 15:16-41, Luke 23:26-49, John 19:16-30).
Jesus is led to Golgotha, the place of the skull, where he is crucified alongside two criminals (Matthew 27:32-56, Mark 15:21-41, Luke 23:26-49, John 19:17-37).
The crucifixion is a brutal and agonizing form of execution, in which nails are driven through the hands and feet of the condemned, who are then left to die on a cross.
During his crucifixion, Jesus speaks several profound statements, including his prayer for forgiveness for his executioners, his promise of paradise to one of the criminals crucified with him, and his commendation of his mother Mary to the care of the disciple John.
Darkness covers the land from noon until 3 p.m., symbolizing the profound spiritual significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the darkness of humanity’s sin.
4. Death of Jesus, Jesus breathes his last on the cross and cries out, “It is finished” (Matthew 27:45-56, Mark 15:33-41, Luke 23:44-49, John 19:28-30).
Jesus breathes his last on the cross and cries out, “It is finished,” signifying the completion of his redemptive work (Matthew 27:45-56, Mark 15:33-41, Luke 23:44-49, John 19:28-30).
His death is accompanied by cosmic signs, including an earthquake and the tearing of the temple curtain, symbolizing the opening of access to God for all people through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus and placed in a nearby tomb, where it is sealed with a large stone (Matthew 27:57-66, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42).
Good Friday is a day of solemn reflection and mourning for Christians, as they contemplate the sacrifice Jesus made for the redemption of humanity. It is a reminder of the depth of God’s love and the extent to which Jesus was willing to suffer for the sake of humanity’s salvation.
Holy Saturday
This day is often observed quietly, reflecting on Jesus’ death and awaiting the celebration of his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
1. Resting in the Tomb
Holy Saturday is traditionally seen as a day of rest, mirroring the Sabbath rest observed by God after the completion of creation (Genesis 2:1-3).
Jesus’ body lies in the tomb, having been crucified and buried on Good Friday. It is a time of stillness and silence as the world awaits the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to rise again.
2. Vigil and Prayer
Many Christian traditions observe Holy Saturday with special services, vigils, and times of prayer. These services often focus on themes of hope, waiting, and the victory of Christ over death.
The Easter Vigil, which typically takes place after sundown on Holy Saturday, is one of the most significant liturgical celebrations in the Christian calendar. It begins in darkness and includes the lighting of the Paschal candle, readings from Scripture recounting God’s saving acts throughout history, and the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.
3. Harrowing of Hell
Some Christian traditions, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox Church, believe that Holy Saturday is the day when Jesus descended into the realm of the dead, known as Hades or Sheol, to proclaim victory over sin and death and to liberate the souls of the righteous who had died before his coming.
This belief is based on passages such as 1 Peter 3:18-20 and Ephesians 4:8-10, which speak of Jesus preaching to the spirits in prison and leading captives in his train.
4. Preparation for Easter
Holy Saturday is also a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter Sunday, the most important feast day in the Christian calendar.
Churches and individuals may engage in activities such as decorating the church with flowers, preparing for baptismal ceremonies, and making final arrangements for Easter services and celebrations.
5. Symbolism of the Journey
Holy Saturday symbolizes the period of waiting and anticipation between Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection from the dead. It represents the “in-between” time when darkness still reigns, but the dawn of a new day is on the horizon.
For Christians, Holy Saturday serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments of life, there is hope and the promise of new life in Christ.
Overall, Holy Saturday is a day of quiet contemplation and preparation as Christians await the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday, when they commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the victory of life over death.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday, also known as Resurrection Sunday, is the culmination of Holy Week and the most significant day in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. Here’s a more detailed explanation of Easter Sunday
Resurrection Jesus rises from the dead, conquering sin and death (Matthew 28:1-20, Mark 16:1-20, Luke 24:1-53, John 20:1-21:25).
Easter Sunday celebrates the central event of the Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
According to the Gospels (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18), on the first day of the week, after the Sabbath, several women, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, go to the tomb where Jesus was buried to anoint his body with spices.
2. Empty Tomb
The discovery of the empty tomb is a central aspect of the Easter narrative. It symbolizes the victory of Jesus over sin and death.
The fact that the tomb is empty confirms Jesus’ resurrection and serves as evidence of the truth of his claims to be the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
When they arrive, they find the stone rolled away from the tomb and the tomb empty. An angel appears to them, announcing that Jesus has risen from the dead, just as he said he would. Jesus appears to various individuals and groups, demonstrating his victory over death.
3. Appearances of Jesus
Following his resurrection, Jesus appears to various individuals and groups over a period of forty days, providing them with proof of his resurrection and commissioning them to proclaim the good news of salvation (Matthew 28:9-10, Mark 16:9-14, Luke 24:13-49, John 20:19-21:25).
Among those to whom Jesus appears are Mary Magdalene, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and the gathered disciples in Jerusalem.
Throughout Holy Week, these events as described in the King James Version of the Bible form the foundation of Christian faith and provide a profound opportunity for reflection, repentance, and renewal.
4. Fulfillment of Prophecy
The resurrection of Jesus fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies, including those found in Psalm 16:10 and Isaiah 53:10-12, which speak of the Messiah’s victory over death.
Jesus himself had predicted his resurrection on multiple occasions during his earthly ministry, demonstrating his authority and foreknowledge.
5. Celebration and Joy
Easter Sunday is a day of great celebration and joy for Christians around the world. It represents the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair.
Churches hold special worship services, often featuring joyful music, Scripture readings, prayers of thanksgiving, and sermons proclaiming the significance of Christ’s resurrection.
Many families and communities gather for festive meals and activities to celebrate the resurrection and the hope it brings.
Easter Sunday is the culmination of the Christian faith, as it affirms the central belief that Jesus Christ is risen and alive, offering forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life to all who believe in him. It is a day of profound significance and joy for Christians worldwide.
The day after Easter Sunday is commonly referred to as Easter Monday. Easter Monday is a public holiday in many countries, particularly those with Christian traditions, and it serves as an extension of the Easter celebration. While Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter Monday is often a day for relaxation, family gatherings, and various cultural and recreational activities. In some places, there are also religious observances or special church services held on Easter Monday.
In terms of specific events recorded in scripture, there isn’t a direct mention of Easter Monday. The New Testament primarily focuses on the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, his resurrection on Easter Sunday, and his appearances to his disciples afterward.
However, after Jesus’ resurrection, there are several post-resurrection appearances recorded in the Gospels and the Book of Acts. These appearances occurred over a period of forty days following Easter Sunday. Here are some key post-resurrection events according to scripture.
Appearances to the Disciples Jesus appeared to his disciples multiple times after his resurrection, providing them with evidence of his victory over death and commissioning them to preach the gospel. These appearances are recorded in various passages, including Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:14-18, Luke 24:36-53, and John 20:19-21:25.
Appearance to Mary Magdalene Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene near the tomb on Easter Sunday morning (John 20:11-18). This encounter is significant as Mary was the first to witness the risen Christ.
Appearance to the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus Two of Jesus’ disciples encountered him on the road to Emmaus on the day of his resurrection (Luke 24:13-35). Although this event is not specifically dated to Easter Monday, it is part of the post-resurrection narrative.
While the Bible doesn’t provide specific details about Easter Monday, it does contain accounts of the events that occurred after Jesus’ resurrection and before his ascension into heaven. These events are part of the broader narrative of Jesus’ victory over death and the establishment of the Christian faith.
The Great Commission: Before his ascension into heaven, Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:14-18, Acts 1:6-8).