Celebrating Passion Week
Christian holidays are not commanded in the New Testament. Yet with holidays like Christmas and Passion Week (the week between Palm Sunday and Easter), believers are given a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Jesus’s birth, death and resurrection.
Many pages of the gospels are filled with what Jesus said and did. Taking extra time to read, remember, and relive those miraculous events can be an uplifting and worshipful time for the whole family.My husband came across a helpful resource which puts the events of Passion week into chronological order, also called a harmony of the gospels. As a family, we would read what happened on each day of Passion Week and do something special to make it come more alive for our kids.
Click Here for some ideas based on our family traditions.
Palm Sunday
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a young donkey as the crowds shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” recognizing Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-34 and John 12:12-19).Activities
Sing hymns that praise Jesus the Messiah and King
Hosanna
Come Christians Join to Sing
We Will Glorify The King of Kings
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
Do a Palm branch craft
Monday
Jesus cursed the Fig tree (Matthew 21:18-19), cleansed the temple of money-changers who were dishonoring the place of worship (mark 11:15-18) and spoke to some Greeks about his death (John 20: 20-36).Activity
Tuesday
The fig tree that Jesus cursed on Monday was withered (Matthew 21:19b-22). Later the chief priests and elders confronted Jesus about the origin of his authority whereby he condemns their unbelief through the telling of parables. He ends his teaching time by telling them what will happen after his death and resurrection (Matthew 21:23-23:39).Activity
Wednesday
Judas made arrangements to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:1-16)Activities
Eat chocolate gold coins (this one was a big hit with my kids 😊 )
Thursday
Jesus had the last supper with his disciples and spoke about the coming of the Holy Spirit and the disciples’ future (Matthew 26:17-29 and John 14-16). Judas betrayed Jesus and he was arrested (Matthew 26:47-56).Activities
Last Supper Seder Meal or Communion
Good Friday
The trial of Jesus (Matthew 26:57-27:26). The crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:27-56). The burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:57-66).
Attend Good Friday Service
Hymns focused on the crucifixion of Jesus
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Jesus Paid it All
The Old Rugged Cross
Saturday
The tomb was guarded (Matthew 28:11).Activities
Preparing Tomb Rolls (rolls with a marshmallow--representing Jesus’ body) inside that melts when you bake it)
Resurrection Sunday
Resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples and other faithful followers (Matthew 28:9-20; Mark 16:9-20; Luke 24:13-53; John 19:31-42).Activities
Baking and eating Tomb Rolls for breakfast
Special lunch
Lamb-because Jesus was the lamb who was slain
Ham-because Jesus’s death brought the Gentiles into the Church
Baked Russet Potatoes-because it looks like the stone that was rolled away
Asparagus Spears-the soldiers pierced Jesus’s side with a spear
Garden of Gethsemane Salad- green salad with black olives to remind us that Jesus prayed and was arrested on the Mount of Olives.
Bread- to remind us of the last supper
Cream Puffs- to remind us that Jesus ascended into the clouds and will return the same way he left.
Hymns focused on Christ’s Resurrection
Up from the Grave He Arose
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
In addition, you can create a special Passion Week playlist, much like we do for Christmas! Music is such a great way to worship in addition to filling our minds with scripture and praying. I pray you have a blessed week, celebrating the Savior.*Most content was taken from Robert Thomas and Stanley Gundry: A Harmony of the Gospels; San Francisco,CA; Harper Collins Publishers, 1978