FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

This week is Holy Week (also called Easter week or Passion Week), a testimony to the Glory of God in accomplishing only something He could do, defeating sin. God is perfect in His attributes and as a result we are called to be perfect in His presence (Matthew 5:48).

Holy Week shows us that God sent Jesus Christ, who represented the fullness of the deity of God in bodily form (Colossians 2:9), to be crushed for sins penalty. This is the penalty each of us deserve, that’s why theologians call it a substitutionary atonement! This means that Christ’s death on the cross restored us to God, both judicially (by making us right in standing, 2 Corinthians 5:21) and relationally (being brought to God, 1 Peter 3:18). This is a free gift for all who confess that Jesus is Lord and Believe that God raised Christ from the dead (Romans 10:9). As a result, God calls us to repent from all that dishonors Him (Isaiah 55:7) and continually deny yourself and take up your cross daily and follow Christ (Luke 9:23).

As Christians, our lives should look drastically different now that we follow Christ and know the significance of this Holy Week. Holy Week visually shows Christ’s rule over his people and creation. It shows His holiness and perfection. It shows the brokenness of us all. It shows His death for our sins. And lastly, it shows His conquering of death. After all, this was the most important event in history. So how can we reflect on the significance of each day?

Sunday- Palm Sunday:

• Matthew 21:1-11- The start of the week where Christ triumphantly entered Jerusalem on a donkey (a sign of humility) as the people’s King. A prophecy was being fulfilled (Zechariah 9:9).
• Reflect: On Christ’s Rule over us, His People, and over Creation (Psalm 24:1).

Sunday through Thursday:

• Matthew 21:12-17- Jesus Cleanses the Temple
• John 12- Mary Anoints Jesus
• Matthew 22-23- Sadducees Question Jesus & Pharisees Exposed
• Reflect: On Christ’s Authority in the Church

Thursday Night & Early Friday Morning:

• Matthew 26- The Lord’s Supper & The Garden of Gethsemane
• Matthew 26- Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest
• Reflect: On Christ’s example in Prayer & Submitting to the Father’s Will

Friday through Saturday- The Crucifixion:

• Matthew 27:32-66; Luke 23:34-43, and John 19:19-39- Christ dying on the Cross for sin
• Reflect: On Christ’s Demonstrated Love for us and His Paying the Penalty for God’s Wrath on our sin.

Sunday- Resurrection:

• Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20- Christ’s Resurrection & The Great Commission
• Reflect: On a Risen Savior, and our Commission to Spread the Gospel!

Download the free printable 5 Day Devotional for Holy Week

David J. Lupinetti is the Associate Pastor at San Tan Bible Church in Arizona. He has a passion for Expository Preaching, Biblical Counseling, Discipleship, and Evangelism.