During Holy Week, Christians around the world reflect deeply on the final days of Jesus Christ, His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, His Last Supper, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection. It’s a sacred time to slow down, pray, and meditate on the truth of the Gospel.
These 16 carefully chosen Bible verses offer encouragement, perspective, and spiritual insight for each day of Holy Week. Whether you’re observing this time alone or with a community, may these scriptures lead you closer to the heart of Jesus.
1. A House of Prayer: Matthew 21:13
"'It is written,' he said to them, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.'"
Jesus cleansed the temple of those who misused it for personal gain. This moment reminds us of the importance of reverence in our worship and the holiness of God’s presence. Holy Week invites us to reflect on the purity of our hearts and our motives, urging us to return to sincere devotion.
2. The Triumphal Entry: Matthew 21:9
"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
This verse captures the joyous moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem and was greeted by crowds shouting praises. It marks the beginning of Holy Week, reminding us that Jesus is the long-awaited King. While the people celebrated Him with palm branches and songs, the true victory He was about to win would come not through force, but through sacrificial love.
3. The Greatest Commandment: Matthew 22:37-38
"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."
As we draw closer to the cross, Jesus centers our faith on love, love for God above all else. This commandment isn't just a rule, but the foundation of a transformed life. During Holy Week, we’re reminded to realign our hearts fully with God.
4. A Servant's Heart: John 13:14-15
"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. This act of humility is a powerful call for us to serve others. Holy Week is a time to examine how we live out our faith through service and love in action.
5. The Last Supper: Luke 22:19
"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'"
This moment at the Last Supper establishes the practice of communion. It reminds us of Christ’s impending sacrifice and the ongoing invitation to remember His love through bread and wine. Holy Week encourages us to pause and reflect on the gift of Jesus’ body given for us.
6. Betrayed with a Kiss: Luke 22:48
"But Jesus asked him, 'Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?'"
This verse reminds us of the pain of betrayal from someone close. Jesus knows our wounds and losses. During Holy Week, we find comfort knowing that our Savior understands human suffering in all its forms.
7. Praying in Agony: Luke 22:44
"And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."
In Gethsemane, Jesus wrestled with the weight of the cross. This verse reveals His humanity and surrender. Holy Week calls us to bring our fears and struggles before God in prayer, just as Jesus did.
8. The Silent Lamb: Isaiah 53:7
"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter…"
This prophetic verse from Isaiah points to Christ’s quiet submission during His trial and crucifixion. He didn’t retaliate but bore our sin willingly. During Holy Week, we marvel at His meekness and strength.
9. The Trial: Mark 15:3-5
"The chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, 'Aren’t you going to answer?' But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed."
Jesus stood silent in the face of false accusations. His restraint and focus on God’s will teach us to trust in divine justice. Holy Week is a time to reflect on how we respond when treated unfairly.
10. The Crucifixion: Luke 23:33-34
"When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there… Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'"
Even while being crucified, Jesus offered forgiveness. His words reflect a divine mercy that extends to all. During Holy Week, we are reminded to extend grace even in our suffering.
11. A Criminal's Faith: Luke 23:42-43
"Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
This exchange shows the power of last-minute faith. The thief on the cross was saved through belief, not works. Holy Week invites us to trust in Christ’s mercy, no matter our past.
12. Finished Work: John 19:30
"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
These powerful words declare that the work of redemption was complete. Nothing more needs to be added. Holy Week culminates in this sacrifice that gives us eternal life.
13. The Tearing of the Veil: Matthew 27:51
"At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom…"
The torn veil signifies direct access to God through Jesus. His death removed the barrier between us and the Father. This verse reminds us of the privilege and power of prayer.
14. Laid in the Tomb: Matthew 27:59-60
"Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb…"
Jesus’ burial marked a time of silence, grief, and waiting. Holy Saturday reminds us that God is still working, even in the waiting. Our dark seasons are not the end.
15. The Resurrection: Matthew 28:6
"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."
The joy of Easter morning explodes from this verse. Jesus is alive! His resurrection gives us hope that life and victory await after every cross. Holy Week ends in triumph.
16. The Great Commission: Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Jesus sends His followers out with a mission and a promise of His presence. As Holy Week ends, it also launches us into purpose. We are to carry the message of the risen Christ to the world.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.