We have taken time to make you a devotional for this Holy Week so that you may foster intentionality in your time with Jesus. Every day this Holy Week come here to find a story and some questions for you to engage with, while in your personal study

Holy Week Devotional

Cleansing Monday

Jesus saw people buying and selling things in the temple. Because he wanted the temple to be “house of prayer “he made them leave. Then he healed people who were lame or blind. The jealous priests were angry with him.

See Matthew 21:12 - 17; Mark 11:15 - 19

1. When Jesus entered the temple, He saw buying, selling, and distraction taking over a place meant for prayer. What activities, habits, or distractions have you allowed to crowd into your own worship or time with God lately?

2. Jesus took time to make a whip, and then proceeded to drive out the merchants. He was precise and surgical in his zeal for His Father’s house. What “merchants” in your life—sin patterns, lack of intentionality, or compromises—might need to be thoughtfully overturned so that your Joy in Christ continues to grow?

3. Jesus quoted Scripture, saying God’s house should be “a house of prayer for all nations,” but the leaders had turned it into “a den of robbers.” In what ways have you turned something sacred in your life into something more self-serving? What has become a religious practice, rather than an avenue to God’s grace?

4. Kristoff shared that when he fasts, he is confronted with how he “chooses” the things of this world rather than the things of God. What one thing do you sense Jesus might be calling you clear away, so that you can fully and joyfully choose the things of God?

5. After the cleansing, the chief priests and scribes began looking for a way to kill Jesus, while the people were amazed. How do you typically respond when God confronts or challenges areas in your life that need cleansing— with resistance, fear, or openness and joy?

Palm Sunday

Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, and the crowds greeted him with palm branches, and shout of “hosanna!” This event fulfilled, an old testament prophecy that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey. The palm, branches, symbolize, victory, and honor, and the crowds enthusiastic response, showed their excitement, and the hope that Jesus was indeed for the long awaited Messiah, who would save.

See Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1 - 11

1. Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy of a humble King. In what areas of your life right now is Jesus asking you to lay down pride or worldly expectations and welcome Him as your gentle, sovereign King?

2. Jordan shared that what he had put his hope in, ultimately disappointed him. In what ways have you been disappointed? Have you been honest with God about your disappointments? Take a few minutes now and ask him to reveal how he can be more fully our hope this Easter season.

3. The laying down of palm branches/cloaks was a symbol, giving and honor and glory. As you remember Jesus’ entry into the city, what are you giving to him this Holy Week? Trusting Him with your life, your family, or our church—even if it looks different than you first imagined?

4. The same people who cheered Jesus on Palm Sunday later turned against Him. How can you guard your heart this Holy Week so that your praise and joy in Jesus remain steady, no matter what circumstances arise in the days ahead?

5. This humble entry was the beginning of the week that would lead to the cross. As you prepare your heart for Holy Week, what one step of obedience or worship is the Lord inviting you to take this week to draw closer to Him?