Today finds us right in the middle of Holy Week, also known as Passion Week. A very sacred time for Christians, it includes the events of Jesus’ last week leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. Are you familiar with the primary occurrences connected with each day of Holy Week?

Palm Sunday — observed last Sunday — marks Jesus’ “Triumphal Entry” into Jerusalem. He rode into the city on a donkey while the crowd welcomed him with shouts of “Save us!” They also placed cloaks and palm branches on the road before him. With their actions and words, they proclaimed Jesus to be their King and long-awaited Messiah.

On Holy Monday, Jesus cleansed the Jewish Temple of the money-changers and merchants who took advantage of those who worshipped there. He also cursed a barren fig tree as a means of teaching his disciples a lesson.

On Holy Tuesday, Jesus’ disciples saw that the cursed fig tree had withered and died. Jesus taught in the Temple and on the Mount of Olives.

Spy Wednesday remembers Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus. One of Jesus’ disciples, Judas accepted 30 pieces of silver in exchange for leading the religious leaders to him.

Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper — Jesus’ final Passover meal with his disciples. It was at this time that Jesus gave the disciples a new mandate: “You are to love one another.” He demonstrated humility and servanthood by washing the disciples’ feet. He also introduced the practice of taking communion, or the Sacrament as a means of remembering his sacrificial death. Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane later that night.

Good Friday is referred to as such because the events of that day — Jesus’ trials, beating, crucifixion, and death — provide believers with various blessings. The term “good” can also refer to something that is considered holy, pious, or devout.

On Holy Saturday, Jesus’ body continued to lay in the tomb. Some Christians associate this day with Jesus’ triumphant descent into hell. There he proclaimed his victory over sin, death, and the devil.

Resurrection Sunday — often referred to as Easter and slated to be observed this coming Sunday — commemorates Jesus’ resurrection from the dead on the third day. This is the most important date on the Christian calendar and is a time of much joy and celebration.

The events of Holy Week are foundational to the Christian faith and provide those who believe with myriad benefits. As a result of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the penalty for our sins is paid in full, we are declared innocent and righteous before God, we are brought into a personal relationship with him, we are provided the means of eternal life, and — at some point in the future — we will receive our own resurrected, glorified bodies.

How can all of these things be ours? According to Romans 10:9-10 (NLT), “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”

In First Corinthians, the Apostle Paul states that while some are offended by this message, others claim it is all nonsense and foolishness. However, he also says that the message of the cross is the very power of God to those who are saved by it.

Let the power of Jesus’ resurrection be yours not just on Resurrection Sunday but throughout the entire year. Experience and enjoy the hope that only Jesus can bring — now and forever.