InstaStudy

Holy Week: A Journey to the Cross

A study of the events of the week leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting His ministry, suffering, and ultimate sacrifice.

1. Sunday: Arrival and Authority

1.1 The Triumphal Entry

Verses: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19
  • Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a colt, fulfilling prophecy.
  • The crowds hail Him as the Messiah, shouting "Hosanna!"
  • This event marks the beginning of the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry.

1.2 Cleansing the Temple

Verses: Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48
  • Jesus drives out the merchants and money changers from the temple.
  • He declares, "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers."
  • This act demonstrates Jesus' authority and zeal for the purity of worship.

2. Monday & Tuesday: Teaching and Confrontation

2.1 Teaching in the Temple

Verses: Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8
  • Religious leaders question Jesus' authority.
  • Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist, challenging their hypocrisy.
  • He teaches in parables, revealing truths about the kingdom of God.

2.2 Parables and Prophecies

Verses: Matthew 21:28-46; Matthew 24:1-25:46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19; Luke 21:5-36
  • Jesus shares parables such as the Parable of the Two Sons and the Parable of the Wicked Tenants.
  • He prophesies about the destruction of the temple and the signs of His return.
  • These teachings emphasize the importance of obedience and watchfulness.

3. Wednesday: A Day of Preparation and Betrayal

3.1 Judas' Betrayal

Verses: Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6
  • Judas Iscariot conspires with the chief priests to betray Jesus.
  • He agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
  • This act sets in motion the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion.

4. Thursday: The Passover and Betrayal

4.1 The Last Supper

Verses: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-38; John 13:1-38
  • Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper.
  • He washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating humility and service.
  • He predicts His betrayal and Peter's denial.

4.2 The Garden of Gethsemane

Verses: Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-52; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-12
  • Jesus prays in anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, anticipating His suffering.
  • He is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the temple guard.
  • The disciples scatter in fear.

5. Friday: Suffering and Death

5.1 The Trials

Verses: Matthew 26:57-27:26; Mark 14:53-15:15; Luke 22:54-23:25; John 18:13-19:16
  • Jesus is tried before the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod.
  • He is falsely accused and subjected to mockery and abuse.
  • Pilate reluctantly sentences Jesus to be crucified.

5.2 The Crucifixion

Verses: Matthew 27:27-56; Mark 15:16-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-37
  • Jesus is crucified at Golgotha, enduring immense suffering.
  • He speaks words of forgiveness, compassion, and victory from the cross.
  • He dies, and the earth is shaken.

5.3 The Burial

Verses: Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42
  • Joseph of Arimathea requests Jesus' body and places it in his own tomb.
  • Nicodemus assists with the burial, bringing spices.
  • The tomb is sealed and guarded.