EASTER WEEK DEVOTIONAL
HOLY WEEK DEVOTIONAL
A 7-day journey from the crowd to the cross to the empty tomb
⸻
PALM SUNDAY – JESUS ENTERS
Read: Matthew 21:1–11
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowd cheered, shouted “Hosanna,” and laid palm branches on the road. They believed He was the promised Savior—but they expected Him to fix their circumstances, not confront their hearts.
They wanted relief from Rome, not rescue from sin.
Many people praise Jesus when they believe He will improve their lives. But when He doesn’t meet their expectations, they turn away. The same crowd that cheered “Hosanna” on Sunday yelled “Crucify Him” by Friday.
Ask yourself:
Would I still follow Jesus if He doesn’t do what I expect?
Pray:
Jesus, help me worship You for who You are, not what I want. You are the King—even when I don’t understand.
⸻
MONDAY – JESUS CLEARS THE TEMPLE
Read: Matthew 21:12–22
Jesus entered the temple and found people using it for profit. He flipped tables and drove them out. He also cursed a fig tree—because it had leaves but no fruit.
He was confronting hypocrisy: people who looked spiritual on the outside but were empty inside.
Jesus still does this today. He isn’t interested in surface religion. He wants a heart that bears fruit—love, purity, and faithfulness. He wants to remove what doesn’t belong.
Ask yourself:
What in your life would Jesus want to flip over or clear out?
Pray:
God, cleanse my heart. Don’t let me settle for looking spiritual. Make me truly alive in You.
⸻
TUESDAY – JESUS IS QUESTIONED
Read: Matthew 21:23–32
The religious leaders challenged Jesus’ authority. He answered them with wisdom and exposed their hearts. They knew the right words but refused to obey God.
It’s possible to be religious but resistant. You can hear truth every week and still say no in your heart. Jesus isn’t looking for perfect people—He’s looking for willing ones.
Ask yourself:
Do I truly listen to God, or just go through the motions?
Pray:
Lord, soften my heart. Help me respond with trust and obedience when You speak.
⸻
WEDNESDAY – JUDAS PLANS TO BETRAY JESUS
Read: Matthew 26:1–16
Judas chose money over Jesus. It didn’t happen overnight. It started with small compromises and quiet resentment. Eventually, he handed Jesus over for a few silver coins.
Betrayal begins with divided loyalty. We say we love Jesus, but we start choosing other things—approval, pleasure, success. We hide it, justify it, and eventually, our hearts drift far away.
Ask yourself:
Are you keeping Jesus first, or has something else taken His place?
Pray:
Jesus, search my heart. Expose anything that competes with You. Help me stay faithful.
⸻
THURSDAY – JESUS SERVES AND SHARES
Read: Matthew 26:17–29 & John 13:1–17
Before the cross, Jesus didn’t demand attention—He washed feet. He took the lowest position to show the greatest love. Then He shared bread and wine and said, “This is my body… this is my blood.”
Even with death near, He focused on others.
Following Jesus means becoming a servant. It means looking beyond ourselves and loving in real, humble ways. That’s not weakness. That’s Christlikeness.
Ask yourself:
How can I love someone practically today?
Pray:
Jesus, thank You for serving me. Help me serve others with that same love.
⸻
GOOD FRIDAY – JESUS DIES FOR US
Read: Matthew 27:1–61
Jesus was betrayed, beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross. The same King who entered to cheers was now hanging in silence. He took on sin, shame, and judgment—for us.
The cross is not just a symbol. It’s a payment. He died so we could live.
Don’t rush past the weight of this day. Feel it. Let it sink in. Then worship with awe and gratitude.
Ask yourself:
What sin do I need to confess and bring to the cross?
Pray:
Jesus, You died for me. I don’t deserve it, but I receive it. Thank You for the cross.
⸻
SATURDAY – THE SILENT DAY
Read: Matthew 27:62–66
Jesus was buried. The disciples were confused, heartbroken, and afraid. It felt like the end.
But just because God is silent doesn’t mean He’s absent.
We all face moments where it seems like God isn’t working. But He is. Even in the dark. Especially in the waiting.
Ask yourself:
Can I trust God even when I can’t see the outcome?
Pray:
God, I don’t always feel You, but I trust You. Help me wait with faith.
⸻
EASTER SUNDAY – JESUS IS ALIVE
Read: Matthew 28
The tomb was empty. Jesus rose. Death lost. Hope lives. Everything changed that morning.
Because He lives, you don’t have to fear the future. You’re forgiven. You’re free.
You have a reason to live boldly, love deeply, and shine brightly.
Ask yourself:
Am I living like Jesus is alive?
Pray:
Jesus, You rose again. Let that truth shape everything I do. Help me live a resurrection life.
A 7-day journey from the crowd to the cross to the empty tomb
⸻
PALM SUNDAY – JESUS ENTERS
Read: Matthew 21:1–11
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowd cheered, shouted “Hosanna,” and laid palm branches on the road. They believed He was the promised Savior—but they expected Him to fix their circumstances, not confront their hearts.
They wanted relief from Rome, not rescue from sin.
Many people praise Jesus when they believe He will improve their lives. But when He doesn’t meet their expectations, they turn away. The same crowd that cheered “Hosanna” on Sunday yelled “Crucify Him” by Friday.
Ask yourself:
Would I still follow Jesus if He doesn’t do what I expect?
Pray:
Jesus, help me worship You for who You are, not what I want. You are the King—even when I don’t understand.
⸻
MONDAY – JESUS CLEARS THE TEMPLE
Read: Matthew 21:12–22
Jesus entered the temple and found people using it for profit. He flipped tables and drove them out. He also cursed a fig tree—because it had leaves but no fruit.
He was confronting hypocrisy: people who looked spiritual on the outside but were empty inside.
Jesus still does this today. He isn’t interested in surface religion. He wants a heart that bears fruit—love, purity, and faithfulness. He wants to remove what doesn’t belong.
Ask yourself:
What in your life would Jesus want to flip over or clear out?
Pray:
God, cleanse my heart. Don’t let me settle for looking spiritual. Make me truly alive in You.
⸻
TUESDAY – JESUS IS QUESTIONED
Read: Matthew 21:23–32
The religious leaders challenged Jesus’ authority. He answered them with wisdom and exposed their hearts. They knew the right words but refused to obey God.
It’s possible to be religious but resistant. You can hear truth every week and still say no in your heart. Jesus isn’t looking for perfect people—He’s looking for willing ones.
Ask yourself:
Do I truly listen to God, or just go through the motions?
Pray:
Lord, soften my heart. Help me respond with trust and obedience when You speak.
⸻
WEDNESDAY – JUDAS PLANS TO BETRAY JESUS
Read: Matthew 26:1–16
Judas chose money over Jesus. It didn’t happen overnight. It started with small compromises and quiet resentment. Eventually, he handed Jesus over for a few silver coins.
Betrayal begins with divided loyalty. We say we love Jesus, but we start choosing other things—approval, pleasure, success. We hide it, justify it, and eventually, our hearts drift far away.
Ask yourself:
Are you keeping Jesus first, or has something else taken His place?
Pray:
Jesus, search my heart. Expose anything that competes with You. Help me stay faithful.
⸻
THURSDAY – JESUS SERVES AND SHARES
Read: Matthew 26:17–29 & John 13:1–17
Before the cross, Jesus didn’t demand attention—He washed feet. He took the lowest position to show the greatest love. Then He shared bread and wine and said, “This is my body… this is my blood.”
Even with death near, He focused on others.
Following Jesus means becoming a servant. It means looking beyond ourselves and loving in real, humble ways. That’s not weakness. That’s Christlikeness.
Ask yourself:
How can I love someone practically today?
Pray:
Jesus, thank You for serving me. Help me serve others with that same love.
⸻
GOOD FRIDAY – JESUS DIES FOR US
Read: Matthew 27:1–61
Jesus was betrayed, beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross. The same King who entered to cheers was now hanging in silence. He took on sin, shame, and judgment—for us.
The cross is not just a symbol. It’s a payment. He died so we could live.
Don’t rush past the weight of this day. Feel it. Let it sink in. Then worship with awe and gratitude.
Ask yourself:
What sin do I need to confess and bring to the cross?
Pray:
Jesus, You died for me. I don’t deserve it, but I receive it. Thank You for the cross.
⸻
SATURDAY – THE SILENT DAY
Read: Matthew 27:62–66
Jesus was buried. The disciples were confused, heartbroken, and afraid. It felt like the end.
But just because God is silent doesn’t mean He’s absent.
We all face moments where it seems like God isn’t working. But He is. Even in the dark. Especially in the waiting.
Ask yourself:
Can I trust God even when I can’t see the outcome?
Pray:
God, I don’t always feel You, but I trust You. Help me wait with faith.
⸻
EASTER SUNDAY – JESUS IS ALIVE
Read: Matthew 28
The tomb was empty. Jesus rose. Death lost. Hope lives. Everything changed that morning.
Because He lives, you don’t have to fear the future. You’re forgiven. You’re free.
You have a reason to live boldly, love deeply, and shine brightly.
Ask yourself:
Am I living like Jesus is alive?
Pray:
Jesus, You rose again. Let that truth shape everything I do. Help me live a resurrection life.
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