Passion Week Timeline: The Final Days of Jesus’ Life
The Passion Week, also known as Holy Week, marks the final days of Jesus’ earthly life, leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. Below is a chronological timeline of the key events that took place.
Sunday – Palm Sunday (Triumphal Entry)
- Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.
- The crowd spreads cloaks and palm branches, shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–10; Luke 19:28–44; John 12:12–19).
- Jesus visits the Temple and observes its activities.
Monday – Cleansing of the Temple
- Jesus curses a barren fig tree, symbolizing Israel’s spiritual barrenness (Matthew 21:18–22; Mark 11:12–14).
- Jesus drives out money changers from the Temple, declaring it a “house of prayer” (Matthew 21:12–17; Mark 11:15–18; Luke 19:45–48).
- Jesus teaches in the Temple.
Tuesday – Day of Controversy and Teaching
- The disciples see the withered fig tree, and Jesus teaches about faith (Mark 11:20–26).
- Jesus debates with religious leaders in the Temple (Matthew 21–23; Mark 11–12; Luke 20).
- Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, teaching on His return (Matthew 24–25; Mark 13; Luke 21).
- Judas agrees to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14–16; Mark 14:10–11; Luke 22:3–6).
Wednesday – Silent Day
- No specific events are recorded, but Jesus likely spent time in Bethany.
- Judas finalizes his betrayal plan.
Thursday – The Last Supper and Gethsemane
- Jesus and the disciples prepare for the Passover meal (Matthew 26:17–19; Mark 14:12–16; Luke 22:7–13).
- Jesus washes the disciples’ feet (John 13:1–20).
- Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:20–30; Mark 14:17–26; Luke 22:14–30; John 13).
- Jesus prays in Gethsemane, and Judas betrays Him (Matthew 26:36–56; Mark 14:32–50; Luke 22:47–53; John 18:1–11).
Friday – The Crucifixion (Good Friday)
- Jesus undergoes six trials (Matthew 26:57–68; Mark 14:53–65; Luke 22:63–71; John 18:12–24).
- Peter denies Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69–75; Mark 14:66–72; Luke 22:54–62; John 18:15–27).
- Jesus is mocked, scourged, and crowned with thorns (Matthew 27:27–31; Mark 15:16–20; John 19:1–3).
- Jesus is crucified at Golgotha and dies around 3:00 PM (Matthew 27:32–56; Mark 15:21–41; Luke 23:26–49; John 19:17–37).
- The temple veil is torn in two, and Jesus is buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb (Matthew 27:57–61; Mark 15:42–47; Luke 23:50–56; John 19:38–42).
Saturday – Jesus in the Tomb
- The tomb is sealed, and Roman guards are stationed (Matthew 27:62–66).
- Jesus’ body remains in the grave while His spirit is in Paradise (Luke 23:43).
Sunday – The Resurrection (Easter Sunday)
- Women visit the tomb and find it empty (Matthew 28:1–8; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–10).
- Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and other women (John 20:11–18; Matthew 28:9–10).
- Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35).
- Jesus appears to His disciples in the locked room (Luke 24:36–49; John 20:19–23).
Final Thoughts
This week is the most significant in Christian history, marking Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for humanity and His triumph over death through His resurrection. As we reflect on Passion Week, let us remember the depth of His love and the hope we have in Him.
“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:6)