A look into
Holy Week
At Word of Life
A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN A FEW DAYS.
HOLY WEEK IS A REFLECTION OF GOD’S REDEMPTION.
Over the centuries, this practice of remembering the last days of Jesus’ earthly life spread throughout Christianity – and it is this time of remembering that we call “Holy Week.” Holy Week recalls the events of the week that led up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. During this single week, many Biblical prophesies were fulfilled. Jesus came to earth to save humanity by dying on the cross on Good Friday and resurrecting on Easter Sunday. By enduring and defeating death for us in our place, He opened the gates of heaven, allowing our sins to be forgiven and ushering us into the presence of God (Romans 5:8).
Word of Life Church
Holy Week Events
Palm Sunday
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
(9:15 & 11:00 am)
Good Friday
FRIDAY, APRIL 18
(7 pm)
Easter Sunday
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
(9:15 & 11:00 am)
Palm Sunday
Sunday, APRIL 13
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. We rejoice with the crowds as Jesus enters into the city of Jerusalem, waving palms and shouting “Hosanna!”
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on what we now call Palm Sunday. Palm branches, which symbolize triumph or victory, were laid down in Jesus’ path. He rode into town on a humble donkey fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The people welcomed Him, echoing the words of Psalm 118:25-26: “Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success!” more popularly recognized as “Hosanna! Hosanna!”
Good Friday
Friday, APRIL 18
Good Friday was the last day of Jesus’ life on earth before His resurrection. He was betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, and His disciples scattered. He was arrested and was falsely placed on trial. He was condemned, mocked, beaten, and forced to carry His own cross to the place where He was crucified. Soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. Though He was offered something to dull the physical pain, Jesus refused and chose to face the pain of death. They stripped Him of His clothes and cast lots for them, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. He died for the sins of all mankind.
This year, our Good Friday Service will be on April 18 at 7:00 pm. This will be a time of reflection and worship, with a message from Pastor Kaleb Haub, with a unique Kid’s Service in KidLife for Birth- 5th Grade.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, APRIL 20
On Easter Sunday Jesus rose from the dead.
The significance of Easter is Jesus Christ’s triumph over death. His resurrection means that eternal life is granted to all who believe in Him. Easter also means the full confirmation of all that Jesus taught and preached during His three-year ministry. If He had not risen from the dead, He would have been thought just another teacher or prophet. However, His resurrection rebuked the speculation and provided final and undeniable proof that He is the Son of God. He has overcome death once and for all!
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the core of the Christian gospel. Paul says that “if Christ is not raised from the dead, then our preaching and hope are in vain.” (1 Cor. 15:14)
John 11:25 (ESV)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live.”
Holy Week shouldn’t be observed out of religious obligation. For those curious about Jesus, observing Holy Week is a good opportunity to ask questions and seek answers about who He is, what His sacrifice means, and how His gift affects humanity. When Christians observe Holy Week, we set ourselves apart for Him and dedicate our time to Him. Our observation gives Him the glory and honor that He deserves for the gift of life we get to live.
We celebrate Easter because this holiday recognizes that we can die to our old way of living and resurrect into our new life with Christ. Christianity does require a death to self. But the resurrection we experience in a spiritual sense, and the resurrection of the body we have yet to experience, gives us ample cause for celebration.
We have full confidence that no matter what happens to us on this Earth, we can experience eternal joy with God in heaven. No wonder many brothers and sisters continue praising Jesus even when they experience persecution and trials. We have a greater hope and promise beyond this earthly life.
If this message is new to you, or you have never made the decision to make Jesus the Lord of your life, We woulD love to talk with you about this. Come to the Welcome Center before or after Service, or call us at the Church office (406) 655-2002 and we will connect you with a pastor! Welcome to the Family!
This year, our Easter Services will be on April 20 at 9:15 am & 11:oo am. This Easter Servies will be filled with worship and a message weaved together to tell the message of Joy and Hope that comes through Christ’s Resurrection! There will be engaging, age-specific teachings of the Easter Story along with time to play, eat snacks, and crafts. We would love to have you join us!
Join us!
Here is a devotional that we invite you to join us in preparing our hearts for Easter!
This Devotional is a combination of scripture, commentary and illustrative videos that bring fresh perspective and solid biblical truths. If you start the devotion on Palm Sunday (April 13) it will end on Easter. If you miss that start date, no worries! Join us whenever and you can watch multiple videos and read the devotionals to catch up!
If you have the Youversion Bible App, Search for “Holy Week Bibleproject” or click the link below!