Holy Week Devotion 2021

PALM SUNDAY

On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a young donkey that the disciples had borrowed. His arrival was welcomed with rowdy applause and praise - but it was also the beginning of the end of his human life.

Read: Zechariah 9:9, Psalm 118:26 and Luke 19:28-40.

  • What did Jesus ask the disciples to do? How would you respond in the same situation?

  • What is the significance of the people spreading their clothes on the ground?

  • Why do you think the disciples used specific words to praise Jesus? What is their significance?

  • What is the meaning of Jesus' response in Luke 19:40?

HOLY MONDAY

In today's readings we find Jesus weeping because his people worship him with their lips, but not with their hearts.

Read: Isaiah 56:1-8 and Luke 19:41-48.

  • Why did Jesus weep in Luke 19:41-44?

  • What upset Jesus when he entered the temple? What might he hoped to have seen his people doing?

  • Reflecting on what has just happened, what do you think Jesus about in Luke 19:47-48?

  • Read the same events in Matthew 21:12-22. What are some of the differences between Matthew's and Luke's versions?

HOLY TUESDAY

The religious leaders question the authority of Jesus, and Jesus responds with a pointed parable. The questions keep coming, and Jesus finishes by saying 'beware'.

Read: Psalm 110, Psalm 118:19-27 and Luke 20.

  • What might have happened if Jesus had answered the religious leaders' questions in Luke 20:1-8?

  • In Luke 20:9-18, who do you think Jesus is referring to when he speaks of the vineyard owner, tenants, servants and the son?

  • In Luke 20:20, the religious leaders set out to trap Jesus. In what ways do they do this between vv.21-40 as well?

  • Why does Jesus tell the disciples to be aware of the scribes? Where were the Scribes meant to be doing?

HOLY WEDNESDAY

Today's readings are filled with teachings from Jesus. But they are also book-ended with two women who give all they have to the LORD. These offerings are made even more beautiful in contrast to the unrepentant religious leaders and Judas' unthinkable betrayal of Jesus.

Read: Luke 21 and Mark 14:1-11.

  • In Luke 21:1, Jesus 'looked up' to see the woman giving everything. Where did he look up from? And what is the significance? (see Luke 20:45-47)

  • How would you summarise Luke 21:5-36 in three main points?

  • In Mark 14:9, the woman mentioned is traditionally known to be Mary Magdalene (see John 13:3). How true is Jesus' statement about Mary being remembered?

  • What do people say about her?

  • Do you know someone who gives everything they have to Jesus? How does this inspire you?

HOLY THURSDAY

After celebrating the Passover with his disciples, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray before Judas betrayed him. Jesus was arrested and tortured while Peter denied him.

Read: Isaiah 50:4-10 and Luke 22:1-65.

  • All of the events in Luke 22 happened during the festival of Unleavened Bread (Passover). Why is this significant?

  • Reflect on the image of Jesus using the bread and wine. What thoughts about these symbols and their power come to mind with Jesus' words and actions here?

  • In Luke 22:42, Jesus makes a fervent prayer request to God. Have you ever prayed a similar prayer in your life?

  • Take some time to reflect on Luke 22:47-65, focusing on each verse. Picture the scene as it happened in preparation for tomorrow (Good Friday).

GOOD FRIDAY

With the help of Pontius Pilate, the Jewish leader subjected Jesus to a mock trial that resulted in a death sentence for the one called 'King of the Jews'. Jesus was hastily crucified and buried before the Sabbath began at sunset.

Read: Psalm 22:1-8 and Luke 22:66-23:56.

  • What evidence has Jesus already given throughout his ministry that he is the Messiah, the Son of God?

  • Consider Barabbas, the other prisoner. What would it feel like to be guilty, but allowed to go free with Jesus in your place?

  • Jesus is crucified between two criminals: one who mocks him, the other who asks Jesus to receive him. Which criminal do you more identify with and why?

  • In Luke 23:46, Jesus prays "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit". Consider how you would feel praying this same prayer today. Can you commit yourself to God?

EASTER SATURDAY

Silence...

On the Jewish Sabbath, all activity came to a halt. Jesus' followers rested their bodies, but undoubtedly their minds and hearts were far from still. Nonetheless, they waited until the next day to prepare Jesus' body for burial.

Read: Isaiah 52:13-15, Isaiah 53 and Luke 23:56.

  • Consider the disciples, whose hopes and dreams of Jesus seemingly lay shattered. How can you relate to this?

  • When dreams are shattered, we need time to grieve the broken pieces we face. What do you need to grieve and to lay to rest in your own life?

  • Despite the task in front of them, the women still obeyed the command to rest. How well have you been resting?

  • Spend some time with God in prayer, processing your hopes and dreams. Listen to how he guides you and shows you his purposes for you. Allow God to fill you with new hope in anticipation of tomorrow.

EASTER SUNDAY

On Easter Sunday, some women arrived at Jesus' tomb to anoint him for burial. He wasn't there: the tomb was empty! An angel greeted them with the news that Jesus was alive. The women hurried back to tell the others, and Jesus surprised his grieving disciples by standing among them.

Read: Isaiah 52:7-10 and Luke 24.

  • Reflect on the events of the last two days. Re-read Luke 24:1-8 and imagine the shock and surprise of Jesus' disciples. How would you respond?

  • In Luke 24:9-10, we meet many devoted and faithful women. Which faithful women in your life imitate and inspire you to do the quiet work of Christ?

  • In Luke 24:18, the sense is that 'everyone' knew about Jesus. Who in your own life doesn't know the Good News of Easter?

  • How would you summarise Luke 24:19-53? Are you willing to share this with others?