A Guide to Christ's Passion Week

I have always found it difficult to keep track of the events that happened during the last week of Jesus' life here on earth. With all of the different meetings, acts of Jesus, and trials, it is hard to keep it all straight. Since it is the time of year in which we celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection, it is good for us to see all of the events in order, so that we can truly meditate on all that Jesus experienced prior to the crucifixion.

This is the typical Passion Week, though views on the actual day of Jesus' Crucifixion vary.

Saturday- There was an evening celebration in Bethany (about 6 miles from Jerusalem). This is the time when Mary (Martha's sister) anointed Jesus (Matthew 26:6-13, John 12:2-8).

Sunday- Triumphal Entry (Jesus comes into Jerusalem on a donkey. People lay their coats and palm branches in the path and cry out "Hosannah in the highest!"). Jesus surveys the Temple and returns to Bethany (Matt. 21:1-9, John 12:12-18, Mark 11:11).

Monday- Jesus curses the fig tree on His way to Jerusalem, cleanses the temple, and returns to Bethany again (Mark 11:12-19, Matt. 21:12-22).

Tuesday- Jesus debates with the religious leaders in Jerusalem and teaches in the Temple. He also gives the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 21:23-25:46, Mark 11-13).

Wednesday- Some believe that Jesus was actually crucified on Wednesday, however, the majority believe that He was crucified on Friday. If this is the case, Wednesday is known as "Silent Wednesday" and Jesus presumably stayed in Bethany. It is also believed that this was the day Judas made arrangements to betray Jesus (Matt. 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11).

Thursday- Preparations for the Passover took place on this day. Jesus gives His Upper Room discourses and then goes to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:17-46, Mark 14:12-42, John 13-17).

Friday- Jesus is arrested (Matt. 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-50). He is then taken before Annas, Caiaphas and finally the Sanhedrin, or, Jewish Court (John 18:13-24, Matt. 26-27:2, Mark 14:53-15:1). He then goes through His Roman trial before Pilate, Herod Antipas, and then Pilate again (Matt. 27:2-23, Mark 15:2-14, Luke 23:6-12). Finally, Jesus is crucified at approximately 9:00 AM (Matt 27:27-54, Mark 15:16-39).

Sunday- Jesus raises from the dead and appears to several witnesses (Matt. 18:1-8, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12).

As Easter approaches and our minds are drawn to Easter egg hunts, dyeing eggs, and giving out candy, let's take some time to consider the true pupose of Christ's death and resurrection: To provide eternal salvation for all those who would call upon Him (Romans 10:9,13).