What is Holy Week?

An important week-long event in the Christian calendar, Holy Week celebrates the death and miraculous rising of Jesus Christ, a Jewish teacher said to have lived roughly 2,000 years ago.

But are there any signs that show he really was a spiritual teacher back then? Explore the evidence for yourself with: Man or Myth? Is there evidence that Jesus existed?

So, what days fall in Holy Week?

The key days of Holy Week are:

Palm Sunday
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Sunday

But what are the days in Holy Week all about – and what events do they represent?

Palm Sunday

Ever heard of Palm Sunday? Wondering what it’s all about – and what early sources say Jesus did on Palm Sunday?

Falling a week before Easter Sunday, this day celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel. By this point, Jesus had made quite the name for himself. And, according to the book of Matthew, people flocked to see this influential teacher, preacher and so-called miracle maker:

‘A large crowd of people spread their cloaks on the road while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds walking in front of Jesus and those walking behind began to shout, “Praise to David’s Son! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God!”’ (Matthew 21.8–9).

As the week unfolds, you’ll discover that not everyone felt the same way about Jesus. But, at this point, he had a crowd of supporters, who laid down clothing to create the ancient equivalent of a ‘red carpet moment’ for him as he entered the city, waving what are traditionally portrayed as palm leaves (hence, the name.)

Maundy Thursday

Familiar with the practice of Communion? It’s inspired by the second major event of Holy Week: Maundy Thursday.

But what happened on this day?

Even though, just a few chapters earlier, the Bible writers describe Jesus’ warm welcome into Jerusalem, tensions were rising.

As Jesus continued to challenge the status quo, religious leaders who’d been looking for a chance to arrest him found their opportunity. In exchange for 30 pieces of silver, one of Jesus’ close followers, Judas Iscariot, agreed to reveal Jesus’ identity to a group led by chief priests so they could arrest him. His arrest took place shortly after he’d shared a Passover meal with his close friends and followers.

But why is it called Maundy Thursday?

It’s taken from the Latin word, mandatum, which means ‘mandate’ – AKA ‘command’. This new mandate relates to the Christian practice of Communion, when people share bread and wine in a symbolic act that mirrors the way Jesus shared this supper with his friends, but also represents Jesus’ own sacrificial act, which is remembered on Good Friday.

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