The days of “Holy Week” on the Church calendar are meant to commemorate the events of Jesus’ final week, but they don’t always align perfectly with the exact historical timeline. The Gospel accounts give us a general sequence, but due to differences in Jewish and Roman timekeeping, as well as some ambiguities in the text, there are debates about the precise chronology.
Here’s how the traditional Holy Week observances compare to what likely happened historically:
Palm Sunday:
Church Calendar: Celebrates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Historical Timing: This aligns well with the Gospel accounts (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19), which place it on the first day of the week.
Holy Monday & Holy Tuesday:
Church Calendar: Remembers Jesus cleansing the Temple, cursing the fig tree, and teaching in Jerusalem.
Historical Timing: The Gospels suggest these events happened early in the week, but the exact days are debated. Some scholars believe the Temple cleansing happened on Sunday or Monday.
Spy Wednesday:
Church Calendar: Recognizes Judas’ betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16).
Historical Timing: The Gospels suggest that Judas made arrangements with the chief priests before the Last Supper, but whether this was on Wednesday is uncertain.
Maundy Thursday:
Church Calendar: Marks the Last Supper, Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, and the agony in Gethsemane.
Historical Timing: The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) present this as occurring on Passover evening, though John’s Gospel suggests a different timeline, placing Jesus’ crucifixion at the time of the Passover lambs’ slaughter.
Good Friday:
Church Calendar: Observes Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, death, and burial.
Historical Timing: This aligns well with historical and Gospel accounts.
Silent Saturday:
Church Calendar: Jesus rests in the tomb.
Historical Timing: This aligns well with the Jewish Sabbath, when Jesus’ followers refrained from work.
Easter Sunday:
Church Calendar: Celebrates Jesus’ resurrection.
Historical Timing: The Gospels unanimously report that the resurrection was discovered on the first day of the week (Sunday), so this matches well.
This year at NHCBC, we will be offering an opportunity to engage with each day of Holy Week.
Palm Sunday will be celebrated during the Sunday morning 11 a.m. worship service on April 13 with a procession of palms.
A staff member will produce a brief devotional video for Holy Monday – Spy Wednesday, and Silent Saturday.
We will celebrate Maundy Thursday with “family table style” communion in the NHCBC sanctuary. Small groups (as few as 2, as many as 10) are welcomed to sign up for 15 minute time slots throughout Thursday (April 17) to join one of the pastors in the sanctuary for a brief meditation, Bible reading, Prayer, and communion.
Pastor Jeremy will offer a Zoom discussion at 7 p.m. on the evening of Good Friday (April 18), in which he will offer a brief meditation, and invite participants to go deeper into the story of the crucifixion.
On Easter Sunday (April 20), we will celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord during the 11 a.m. Sunday worship service. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to join us at NHCBC. Our Easter Breakfast will be in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 a.m.
Bible Reading Plan for Holy Week & Easter
- Palm Sunday (April 13): Luke 19-20 | Psalm 96
- Holy Monday (April 14): John 11-12 | Psalm 42
- Holy Tuesday (April 15): Matthew 21-23 | Psalm 22
- Spy Wednesday (April 16): Mark 13-14 | Psalm 55
- Maundy Thursday (April 17): Luke 21-22 | Psalm 31
- Good Friday (April 18): John 18-19 | Psalm 88
- Silent Saturday (April 19): Matthew 27 | Psalm 130
- Easter (April 20): John 20-21 | Psalm 16