Indeed, the Passion Week, also known as Holy Week, encompasses the final days of Jesus's earthly ministry, from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion, death, and burial. Let's walk through the key events of this profoundly significant week:
Palm Sunday (Triumphal Entry): Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. The crowds welcome him with shouts of "Hosanna!" and lay palm branches and cloaks on the road before him, recognizing him as the long-awaited Messiah and King (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19).
Monday to Wednesday: During these days, Jesus teaches in the temple, engaging in debates with the religious leaders and challenging their authority (Matthew 21:12-23:39, Mark 11:15-12:44, Luke 19:45-21:38). He also spends time with his disciples, preparing them for what lies ahead and delivering key teachings, including the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, Luke 21).
The Last Supper (Maundy Thursday): On the evening before his crucifixion, Jesus shares a final Passover meal with his disciples, instituting the sacrament of the Lord's Supper or Communion. During the meal, he washes his disciples' feet as an example of humble service and love (Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-38, John 13:1-17).
Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: After the Last Supper, Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, accompanied by his disciples. There, he experiences deep anguish and sorrow, knowing the suffering and death that await him. He prays to his Father, submitting to God's will even in the face of immense agony (Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46).
Betrayal, Arrest, and Trials (Maundy Thursday to Good Friday): Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's disciples, betrays him with a kiss, leading a crowd armed with swords and clubs to arrest him in the garden. Jesus is subjected to multiple trials before the Jewish religious authorities, the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, and King Herod Antipas, enduring false accusations, mockery, and condemnation (Matthew 26:47-27:26, Mark 14:43-15:15, Luke 22:47-23:25, John 18:12-19:16).
Crucifixion, Death, and Burial (Good Friday): Jesus's final hours are marked by his crucifixion at Golgotha, outside the city walls of Jerusalem. He suffers excruciating pain and humiliation, yet he remains faithful to his mission to reconcile humanity to God. Jesus breathes his last breath and dies, fulfilling the purpose for which he had come into the world. His body is taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb, where it remains until the resurrection (Matthew 27:27-66, Mark 15:16-47, Luke 23:26-56, John 19:16-42).
The Passion Week encapsulates the climax of Jesus's earthly ministry, culminating in his sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, which bring salvation and eternal life to all who believe in him. It is a week of profound significance for Christians worldwide, commemorated with reverence and gratitude for the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
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