What is Holy Week?
At The Bridge Church, we believe some weeks are worth slowing down for—and Holy Week is one of them. For nearly 2,000 years, followers of Jesus have set aside the week leading up to Easter to remember Christ’s journey to the cross. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, these eight days invite us to reflect, repent, and refocus our hearts on Jesus.
We’ve created a simple reading plan from the Gospel of Mark to help you walk through the story:
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Palm Sunday – The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1–11)
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Holy Monday – Cursing & Cleansing (Mark 11:12–19)
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Holy Tuesday – The End is Near (Mark 11:20 – 13:37)
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Holy Wednesday – Anointing for Burial (Mark 14:1–11)
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Maundy Thursday – The Last Supper (Mark 14:12–42)
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Good Friday – The Crucifixion (Mark 14:43 – 15:41)
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Holy Saturday – Jesus’ Burial (Mark 15:42–47)
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Easter Sunday – The Resurrection (Mark 16:1–8)
Jesus didn’t drift into this week—it was the very reason He came. Every act, every word was intentional, pointing to the cross and ultimately to the empty tomb. He embraced suffering so we could experience freedom.
But Jesus didn’t walk this road alone. Romans 6:3–4 reminds us that we, too, journeyed with Him. If we’ve been united with Him in His death, then we’ve also been raised to walk in newness of life. Holy Week is not just remembering what Jesus did—it’s living in the reality of what it means for us.
So wherever you are on your journey—decades into faith or just starting out—we invite you to walk with us. Let this week be more than dates on a calendar. Let it be a sacred space to turn your gaze toward Jesus, our Savior, who still changes lives today.
Holy Week Fast
Holy Week invites us to quiet the noise—both around us and within us—so we can turn our attention more fully to Jesus. It’s a time to silence the voices of the world and the flesh, creating space to listen for the voice of God.
In Matthew 6:16, Jesus didn’t say “if” you fast—He said “when.” Fasting is a spiritual practice that helps us resist distraction and lean into dependence on God. And if Jesus walked among us today, we imagine He might challenge more than just our appetite for food—perhaps also our appetite for screens.
This year, we’re encouraging everyone at The Bridge to consider choosing one food fast and one digital fast as a way to walk intentionally through Holy Week.
Food Fast Options:
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Selective Fast – Choose one meal each day to skip for the week.
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Partial Fast – Fast from food daily from sunup to sundown.
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Complete Fast – Stick to water or light juices only for the full eight days.* (Please use wisdom and consult a doctor if needed.)
Digital Fast Options:
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Simple Reset – Start each morning in the Word before touching your phone. Power down your device each night at sundown.
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Information Fast – No social media or news for eight days.
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Full Media Fast – The above, plus no television, podcasts, or radio. Let silence and stillness create space for God.
Whatever you choose, remember: fasting is not about earning favor—it’s about fixing your focus. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s presence. Let this be a sacred week of realignment, renewal, and readiness for resurrection.
Journey to the Cross
A Holy Week Devotional Guide
Readings from the Gospel of Mark | Pause. Read. Listen. Pray.
For each day of Holy Week, we invite you to follow a simple rhythm of reflection as you read through the final days of Jesus' earthly ministry. Set aside quiet time to walk with Him—heart and soul—toward the cross and beyond.
Daily Rhythm
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Pause – Begin in silence (3–5 minutes). Settle your heart and mind. A prayer is provided to help focus.
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Read – Read the passage slowly and thoughtfully.
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Listen – What is Jesus doing? What stands out? Read again and reflect.
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Pray – Respond to what you've seen or heard: praise, confession, gratitude, or a simple surrender.
Daily Readings & Prayers
Palm Sunday
The Triumphal Entry | Mark 11:1–11
🕊️ Prayer: “Jesus, you are my King.”
Holy Monday
Cursing & Cleansing | Mark 11:12–19
🕊️ Prayer: “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me.”
Holy Tuesday
The End is Near | Mark 11:20 – 13:37
🕊️ Prayer: “The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
Holy Wednesday
Anointing for Burial | Mark 14:1–11
🕊️ Prayer: “Lord Jesus, you are my portion.”
Maundy Thursday
The Last Supper | Mark 14:12–42
🕊️ Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me love the way that you love.”
Note: “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment.” Jesus said, “Love one another, as I have loved you.”
Good Friday
The Crucifixion | Mark 14:43 – 15:41
🕊️ Prayer: “Lord Jesus, you are my sacrifice.”
Holy Saturday
Jesus’ Burial | Mark 15:42–47
🕊️ Prayer: “Lord Jesus, when you died, I died with You.”
Easter Sunday
The Resurrection | Mark 16:1–8
🕊️ Prayer: “Lord Jesus, when You rose, I rose with You.”
How to Use This Guide
You don’t need a perfect quiet time—just a willing heart. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak. Journal what you hear. Let this rhythm lead you closer to Jesus, day by day.
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