Passion Week 2025 | In Remembrance of Jesus's Sacrifice for Humanity

"He came to Save others, and not to be made a king himself in the sense in which they understood him."   - Charles Spurgeon 

Passion Week/Holy Week 2025 commences on Palm Sunday, April 13, extending through the week and concluding on Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday), April 20. 

The name "Passion Week" is so called because of the "passion" or suffering Jesus endured during the week leading up to his crucifixion. Upon examination of the Greek word for "passion" the reason for its designation is further clarified.

In Greek, the word (verb) "pascho" (πάσχω) means "to suffer," "to have something happen to one," or "to undergo." And is frequently used around the idea of suffering or experiencing something, either good or bad. 

It is important to note that there were several significant events that happened during the week:

• The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on the back of a donkey colt, on Palm Sunday, initiates Passion Week (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29-44; John12:12-19). This was also prophesied in Zechariah 9:9;
• The second cleansing of the Temple by Jesus (Luke 19:45-46). The first cleansing (John 2:11-12) occurring right after Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana;
• After cleansing the temple, Jesus engaged in disagreements and criticisms with the Pharisees (Matthew 23; Mark 12:35-40; Luke 11:37-54);
• He presented His Olivet Discourse which focuses on the signs or indications of Christ's second coming among other things (Matthew 24:1 – 25:46;  Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36);
• Jesus shares a final meal (The Last Supper) with his apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion (Luke 22:7-38);
• He goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and suffer great anguish on the night before His crucifixion. Jesus was also betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested there (Matthew 26:36-56, Mark 14:32-52, Luke 22:40-53 and John 18:1-11);
• Upon his arrest Jesus was taken to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest. Consequently, he was taken to the Roman Praetorium, where he was then questioned by Pontius Pilate (Luke 22:54-23:25);
• After Jesus was tried, Roman soldiers beat and flogged him, then was made to carry His own Cross through the streets of Jerusalem (John 19:17 and Luke 23:26);
• His crucifixion takes place at Golgotha on the day before the Sabbath. Jesus was buried afterward in the tomb until Sunday, the day after, and then gloriously resurrected (Matthew 27:27-56, 57-61, 61-66; 28:1-15); (Mark 15:16-45, 42-47; 16:1-8), (Luke 23: 26-52; 23:50-56a, 56b; 24:1-43). 

I have included a simple timeline of the key days of Passion Week 2025 here for your convenience:

• Palm Sunday: April 13th
• Holy Monday: April 14th
• Holy Tuesday: April 15th
• Holy Wednesday: April 16th
• Maundy Thursday: April 17th
• Good Friday: April 18th
• Holy Saturday: April 19th
• Easter Sunday: April 20th

Passion Week (Holy Week), observes the final week of Jesus' life, ending in his crucifixion. It is an occasion for Christians to think carefully and deeply about Jesus' suffering and sacrifice, and the events preceding his death and resurrection. 

Scripture: Psalm 118:26; John 12:13; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Philippians 2:8  

Prayer: "Dear God, as we journey through Passion Week, let us pause to remember the profound love and sacrifice of your Son, Jesus. May this be a time of deep reflection, renewed faith, and a closer walk with you. Amen."

Wishing you peace and grace this Passion Week,

Serenity