CHRONOLOGY OF HOLY WEEK

Palm Sunday: Day of Adoration

Jesus makes his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as the crowds praise him with the words, “Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:29–40; John 12:12–19).

Afterward, he wept over the spiritual apostasy of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41–44).

Monday: Day of Authority

As the Sovereign Lord, Jesus curses the barren fig tree—symbolizing Israel—for its fruitlessness (Matthew 21:18–20; Mark 11:12–14).

Jesus cleanses the Temple from its moneymakers within its courts (Matthew 21:12–13; Mark 11:15–17; Luke 19:45–46).

Tuesday: Day of Argument

Christ utters several parables at the Temple (Matthew 21:23 to 22:14; Mark 11:27 to 12:9; Luke 20:1–16).

As the Master Teacher, he confounds the religious leaders of his day (Matthew 22:15 to 23:36; Mark 12:13–40; Luke 20:20–47).

Jesus delivers his famous Olivet Discourse, which foretells drama of the Endtime (Matthew 24:1–25:46; Mark 13:1–37; Luke 21:5–36).

Wednesday: Day of Aloneness

It is difficult to pinpoint Christ’s activities for this day—thus, it’s called “Silent Wednesday.” However, careful investigation allows for surmising the following:

Jesus (and his disciples) likely lingered in Bethany, from Tuesday evening until Thursday afternoon, to gain strength for bearing the Cross.

This is probably when Mary anointed Jesus for his death (Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; John 12:1–8).

Judas meets with the Sanhedrin Court to plot Christ’s betrayal (Matthew 26:1–5, 14–16; Mark 14:1–2, 10–11; Luke 22:1–6).

Thursday: Day of Accomplishments

As the Bread of Life, Jesus eats the Passover meal with this Apostles (Matthew 26:17–29; Mark 14:12–25; Luke 22:7–20).

After the meal, he gives his last in-depth teaching to his disciples (John 13–17).

Jesus agonizes in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, as angels assist him before his Betrayal (Matthew 26:36–56; Mark 14:32–52; Luke 22:39–51; John 18:1–13).

Friday: Day of Anguish

The Messiah’s shameful trial ensues, as the High Priests Annas and Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin reject him (John 18:12–14, 19–23; Matthew 26:59–68; Mark 14:55–65; Luke 22:63–71; John 18:19–24).

He is shuttled between Pilot and Herod and falsely accused (Matthew 27:1–2, 11–14; Mark 15:1–5; Luke 23:1–5; John 18:28–38; Luke 23:6–12). Before daylight, he is crowned with thorns, spat upon, mocked by soldiers, and then sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:15–30; Mark 15:6–19; Luke 23:13–25; John 19:1–16).

By 9:00 am, our Savior is crucified atop Golgotha. He is heckled, challenged, and surrounded by dogs (Matthew 27:31–56; Mark 15:20–41; Luke 23:26–49; John 19:16–30).

He dies at 3:00 pm. Immediately thereafter, the presiding Roman soldier and the guards attest, “Surely, he was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54). Nicodemus assumes responsibility for Christ’s corpse, prepares it for burial, and lays it in Joseph’s tomb (Matthew 27:57–60; Mark 15:42–47; Luke 23:50–55; John 19:31–42).

Saturday: Day of Absence

Pilate seals Jesus’ tomb and appoints Roman guards to oversee it (Matthew 27:62–66; Luke 23:56).

Jesus has descended to the “lower parts of the earth” and preaches to the captives in “Abraham’s Bosom” (1 Peter 3:19; 4:6).

Sunday: Day of Appearances

Jesus rises from death and appears to Mary Magdalene and select women (Mark 16:9–11; John 20:11–18; Matthew 28:8–10; Mark 16:8; Luke 24:9–11).

Jesus shows himself to the Apostle Peter (Luke 24:34, cf. 1 Cor. 15:5).

Jesus teaches his first post-resurrection message on the “Road to Emmaus” to two disciples, who are Cleopas and likely Luke (Mark 16:12–13; Luke 24:13–35).

Jesus reveals himself as the risen Lord to the Apostles, but without Thomas (Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36–49; John 20:19–23).

By Robert D. Pace