Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. This post reflects on Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, where crowds hailed him with "Hosanna," meaning "Save us!" They hoped for political liberation from Roman rule, but Jesus, riding a donkey (a symbol of peace), aimed to save them from their sins, not Rome. The people's expectations were misaligned with Jesus's mission, leading them to turn against him when he didn't meet their worldly desires. This post concludes with a prayer for spiritual awareness, asking not to miss Jesus' true purpose and to desire a relationship with him.

Holy Week reflects Jesus prioritizing teaching and revealing himself before his sacrifice. He curses a fruitless fig tree, symbolizing Israel's lack of true faith despite outward appearances. Jesus then cleanses the temple, restoring it to a place of prayer and healing, contrasting the hypocritical religious leaders. This post urges self-reflection, asking for Jesus to reveal any pretense and to focus on genuine spiritual fruit rather than the mere appearance of religion.

Tuesday of Passion Week was a day of intense teaching and debate for Jesus in the temple, where He answered challenges and taught about the greatest commandment: to love God with all one's being and to love one's neighbor. This day calls for self-examination of our devotion to God and love for others, urging us to live out this greatest commandment with a heart surrendered to Christ, even in the face of trials and opposition.

The Wednesday of Holy Week finds Jesus dining with friends when a woman anoints His head with expensive oil. While some criticize her actions as wasteful, Jesus defends her, stating that she is preparing His body for burial. This act of devotion deeply affects Judas, who then seeks out the Pharisees to betray Jesus. Judas's motivations remain unclear, but perhaps he was disillusioned by Jesus's teachings and actions, leading him to betray Jesus for personal gain. This event sets the stage for Jesus's arrest and crucifixion.

On the eve of his arrest, Jesus gathers with his disciples for Passover, revealing that one of them will betray him. While the others ask "Is it me, Lord?", Judas asks "Is it I, Rabbi?", indicating a difference in how he views Jesus. Despite knowing Judas's intent, Jesus includes him fully, washing his feet and calling him "friend" later, showing his deep love for him even as Judas fulfills his role in the betrayal.

Good Friday, despite its name, commemorates Jesus' crucifixion, a day of suffering and injustice. However, the "good" lies in Jesus' willing sacrifice for humanity's sins, offering forgiveness, peace, and healing. This sacrifice, detailed in Isaiah 53:5, was a divine rescue mission, not a tragic accident. It calls for reflection, gratitude, and release from guilt. Ultimately, Good Friday leads to the hope of Easter Sunday and the promise of redemption.

Saturday after Jesus' crucifixion was a day of heavy waiting and remembrance for his followers. Restricted by Sabbath observance, they could only prepare spices and perfumes for his burial later. This particular Sabbath was a High Sabbath, an especially holy day of rest and reflection. They were left to grapple with their grief and remember Jesus' words, trusting in God's provision during a time of immense sadness and uncertainty, before the resurrection on Sunday.

Easter Sunday celebrates Jesus' resurrection, a pivotal event that transformed sorrow into joy and proved victory over sin and death. This event means forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and living in the power that raised Jesus. Christians are called to live in this resurrection power, facing the future with hope and sharing the news of Jesus' life.