Alive Youth Church Weekly,
It’s Holy Week. You may have heard this, or maybe you have no idea what that means. If you're like me, the name might sound a little cliché to you. I mean, why is one week “holier” than the others? Shouldn’t every week be holy?
I have a habit of downplaying things that sound “too churchy.” The church has its own language sometimes, and it can be hard to catch on and even a bit off-putting to those on the outside looking in. It's a reminder to truly understand your faith. To be able to define what's really happening within your heart and in your faith, not just know the flashy Christian words and habits. At times, I find myself like this during Holy Week. Knowing the words and the basics, but without the deeper meaning. Often, for me, Holy Week means an extra Friday service and a little more celebration on Sunday. Oh yeah, and an easter basket filled with candy, and a really good after-church lunch, with deviled eggs. Should we call them blessed eggs? Angeled eggs? I don't know, the name deviled egg on easter just doesn't sit right. This is all beside the point, this year I decided to dive deeper into what Holy Week really is, what it means to me, and what it can mean to you. I hope you find it as profound as I do.
Below is:
Holy Monday & Tuesday
Jesus clears the temple and teaches through parables, calling people to faithfulness and obedience. Teaching that God values the heart over appearance. Challenging the current leadership, questioning their ways, and providing a better way. This was the last straw for the religious leaders. The day they decided that they needed this guy gone. A plan set in motion. The holy week is off to the races.
Scripture: Matthew 21 & 22
Reflection: Where do I need to align my actions and priorities with God’s? What needs to be cleared out so that more of the heart is exposed?
Holy Wednesday (Spy Wednesday)
Judas plans to betray Jesus, showing how sin and brokenness can arise in even those close to Jesus. But God’s divine plan continues despite human failure and often through the failure.
Scripture: Matthew 26:14-16, John 13:21-30
Reflection: Am I trusting God even when I see betrayal, doubt, or mistakes around me? How am I like Judas, betraying the love and promises given to me?
Maundy Thursday
What in the world does maundy even mean? I'm right there with you... Don't worry, I looked it up for you. Maundy refers to the tradition of washing feet. The word maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “command." On this day, Jesus shares the Last Supper and washes his disciples’ feet, showing that love is humble service and sacrifice.
Good Friday
Jesus is crucified, taking on the weight of sin and death. The most important event in all of history. The cross shows God’s great love and the cost of our salvation.
Scripture: Matthew 27:32-56, Luke 23:26-49, John 19:16-37
Reflection: Do I grasp the depth of God’s love and sacrifice for me? How am I different because of the cross?
Holy Saturday
This is the day that has stuck with me the most. Jesus lies in the tomb, and the world waits in silence. The unknown, the feeling of hopelessness, and defeat. Even when it seems quiet or hopeless, God is at work.
Scripture: Matthew 27:57-66, Luke 23:50-56
Reflection: Can I trust God’s work in the unseen and wait patiently for His timing? Would you be ok in the waiting times? How would you react?
Resurrection Sunday
Jesus rises from the dead, defeating death and giving hope for new life. We say "He is risen" on Easter every year. But don't forget how crazy this is. Just moving that heavy stone from the tomb is a big enough feat to impress me, but oh yeah, He's also ALIVE! Resurrection is the ultimate victory of God’s love for humanity.
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18
Reflection: How am I living in the reality of resurrection and new life today? How does the resurrection answer the tensions of each of the days prior?
It’s Holy Week. You may have heard this, or maybe you have no idea what that means. If you're like me, the name might sound a little cliché to you. I mean, why is one week “holier” than the others? Shouldn’t every week be holy?
I have a habit of downplaying things that sound “too churchy.” The church has its own language sometimes, and it can be hard to catch on and even a bit off-putting to those on the outside looking in. It's a reminder to truly understand your faith. To be able to define what's really happening within your heart and in your faith, not just know the flashy Christian words and habits. At times, I find myself like this during Holy Week. Knowing the words and the basics, but without the deeper meaning. Often, for me, Holy Week means an extra Friday service and a little more celebration on Sunday. Oh yeah, and an easter basket filled with candy, and a really good after-church lunch, with deviled eggs. Should we call them blessed eggs? Angeled eggs? I don't know, the name deviled egg on easter just doesn't sit right. This is all beside the point, this year I decided to dive deeper into what Holy Week really is, what it means to me, and what it can mean to you. I hope you find it as profound as I do.
Below is:
- A simple explanation of each day
- Why it matters for you
- Scripture to read and gain context from
- Something to reflect on for each day
What Is Holy Week?
Holy Week is the week leading to Resurrection Sunday. Each day invites reflection on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is the cornerstone of our faith; we are nothing without the cross. It’s the fulfillment of promises and prophecies across Scripture, and it shows us the heart of God’s kingdom and what it means to be a Christ follower.
Is this week “holier” than the rest? Not really. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are true this week, and next, and the one after that. But Holy Week is a chance for the world to pause, reflect, and celebrate together. A rare moment of unity around what truly matters. Jesus saves us. Let’s focus on that and leave the other stuff behind.
Here we go:
Palm Sunday
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, welcomed with palm branches. Palm branches... Palm Sunday... are you catching on? Not riding in on an elephant, no big horse, or marching bands. A donkey. It shows that God’s kingdom is humble and unexpected, not flashy or forceful. Not only a fulfilment of scripture but a powerful representation of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11, John 12:12-19
Reflection: How am I following the humble, serving the King rather than chasing worldly power? What do you think power and position look like?
What Is Holy Week?
Holy Week is the week leading to Resurrection Sunday. Each day invites reflection on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is the cornerstone of our faith; we are nothing without the cross. It’s the fulfillment of promises and prophecies across Scripture, and it shows us the heart of God’s kingdom and what it means to be a Christ follower.
Is this week “holier” than the rest? Not really. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are true this week, and next, and the one after that. But Holy Week is a chance for the world to pause, reflect, and celebrate together. A rare moment of unity around what truly matters. Jesus saves us. Let’s focus on that and leave the other stuff behind.
Here we go:
Palm Sunday
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, welcomed with palm branches. Palm branches... Palm Sunday... are you catching on? Not riding in on an elephant, no big horse, or marching bands. A donkey. It shows that God’s kingdom is humble and unexpected, not flashy or forceful. Not only a fulfilment of scripture but a powerful representation of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11, John 12:12-19
Reflection: How am I following the humble, serving the King rather than chasing worldly power? What do you think power and position look like?
Holy Monday & Tuesday
Jesus clears the temple and teaches through parables, calling people to faithfulness and obedience. Teaching that God values the heart over appearance. Challenging the current leadership, questioning their ways, and providing a better way. This was the last straw for the religious leaders. The day they decided that they needed this guy gone. A plan set in motion. The holy week is off to the races.
Scripture: Matthew 21 & 22
Reflection: Where do I need to align my actions and priorities with God’s? What needs to be cleared out so that more of the heart is exposed?
Holy Wednesday (Spy Wednesday)
Judas plans to betray Jesus, showing how sin and brokenness can arise in even those close to Jesus. But God’s divine plan continues despite human failure and often through the failure.
Scripture: Matthew 26:14-16, John 13:21-30
Reflection: Am I trusting God even when I see betrayal, doubt, or mistakes around me? How am I like Judas, betraying the love and promises given to me?
Maundy Thursday
What in the world does maundy even mean? I'm right there with you... Don't worry, I looked it up for you. Maundy refers to the tradition of washing feet. The word maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “command." On this day, Jesus shares the Last Supper and washes his disciples’ feet, showing that love is humble service and sacrifice.
Scripture: John 13:1-17, Matthew 26:26-29, Luke 22:14-20
Reflection: How can I love and serve others, even when it costs me? What does real leadership and sacrifice look like to you?
Reflection: How can I love and serve others, even when it costs me? What does real leadership and sacrifice look like to you?
Good Friday
Jesus is crucified, taking on the weight of sin and death. The most important event in all of history. The cross shows God’s great love and the cost of our salvation.
Scripture: Matthew 27:32-56, Luke 23:26-49, John 19:16-37
Reflection: Do I grasp the depth of God’s love and sacrifice for me? How am I different because of the cross?
Holy Saturday
This is the day that has stuck with me the most. Jesus lies in the tomb, and the world waits in silence. The unknown, the feeling of hopelessness, and defeat. Even when it seems quiet or hopeless, God is at work.
Scripture: Matthew 27:57-66, Luke 23:50-56
Reflection: Can I trust God’s work in the unseen and wait patiently for His timing? Would you be ok in the waiting times? How would you react?
Resurrection Sunday
Jesus rises from the dead, defeating death and giving hope for new life. We say "He is risen" on Easter every year. But don't forget how crazy this is. Just moving that heavy stone from the tomb is a big enough feat to impress me, but oh yeah, He's also ALIVE! Resurrection is the ultimate victory of God’s love for humanity.
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18
Reflection: How am I living in the reality of resurrection and new life today? How does the resurrection answer the tensions of each of the days prior?
Holy Week. Each day is an exercise in remembrance and reflection. As we look to Jesus as our savior, we learn from the cross and the events leading up to it. We are forever changed by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Happy Holy Week, everyone. Take time to read, remember, and reflect. Oh yeah, and talk to Jesus! Don't forget to do that. He's living, remember? He died for you and is alive again... Talk to Him, thank Him, listen to Him, love Him, work with and for Him, plan your day around Him, go to Him! He loves you so much!
Come celebrate the resurrection with us at West Salem Foursquare Church!
Good Friday Service - April 3rd, 6:30PM
Easter - April 5th, Service times: 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am, 12:45pm
Students - No Alive Youth Church on April 5th!
Have a great week AYC!
-Isaac Fehlen
Youth Pastor
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