Holy Week Sermon Ideas to Prepare for the Resurrection
Move aside, Christmas! Easter is coming and the week leading up to it is the most important 7 days on the Christian calendar.
These days are the perfect opportunity to lead your people in repentance and preparation for the Resurrection. Each day of the week has a theme that you can use to lead members toward deeper faith.
So I've put together these Holy Week sermon ideas to help you prepare for each day of the week, with scripture and sermon illustrations for each one.
Lazarus Saturday - From Death to Life
What to cover in this sermon:
- Divine Authority: Jesus' act of calling Lazarus by name and commanding him to come out underscores His authority over life and death
- Loud Voice: The same powerful utterance that brought Lazarus back to life resonates with the creative force of God's word
- Resurrection from the Dead: This event foreshadows Jesus' resurrection and serves as a powerful affirmation that He is the Resurrection and the Life
- Witness to God's Glory: Jesus emphasizes that the purpose of this miracle is to glorify God. The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a manifestation of God's glory
- Confirmation of Jesus' Messianic Identity: The entire event, including the raising of Lazarus, further solidifies the evidence of Jesus as the promised Messiah
Example Illustration:
Share a testimony from your congregation about someone whose life was so radically changed by encountering Christ's resurrection power that it became a powerful witness to others. A testimony like this is the perfect way to begin Holy Week.
Palm Sunday - Triumphal Entry
What to cover in this sermon:
- Messiah's Arrival: The passage marks the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Zechariah 9:9) as Jesus enters Jerusalem, presenting himself as the prophesied Messiah
- Symbolic Donkey Ride: Jesus deliberately chooses to ride a donkey, a symbol of peace, humility, and the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. This contrasts with the usual image of a conquering king on a war horse
- Recognition of Jesus as King: The crowd's response, spreading their cloaks on the road and waving palm branches, signifies the recognition of Jesus as a king entering the city. They shout "Hosanna," acknowledging Him as their long-awaited deliverer
- Expectation of a Political Deliverer: The people's expectation of a political Messiah is evident in their cries for salvation and their use of the term "Son of David." They hope for liberation from Roman rule
- Entrance into the Temple: After the Triumphal Entry, Jesus goes directly to the temple, signifying His authority over it. This sets the stage for the events that follow, including the cleansing of the temple
- Response of the Religious Leaders: The Pharisees and chief priests react with concern and ask Jesus to rebuke His disciples. This foreshadows the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities during the coming days
- Foreshadowing of the Cross: Although the crowd celebrates Jesus as a triumphant king, Jesus is aware that His path leads to the cross. This event sets in motion the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection
Example Illustration:
Jesus rode on a donkey to symbolize coming to bring peace, unlike a conquering king who would come riding on a horse.
Consider drawing parallels between Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the triumphs in our own lives. How can we recognize and celebrate the victories, knowing they lead us toward a deeper connection with God?
Fig Monday - Cleansing the Temple
What to cover in this sermon:
- Zeal for God's House: Jesus is angered over the exploitation taking place within the temple
- Cleansing of the Temple: Jesus overturns the tables of the moneychangers and drives out those who are buying and selling, cleansing the temple of people taking advantage of the poor
- Quoting Scripture: Jesus quotes Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11 to highlight the intended purpose of the temple as a place of prayer
- Healing in the Temple: After cleansing the temple, Jesus performs healing miracles within its walls, demonstrating not only His authority over the physical space but also His compassion and the restorative nature of His ministry
- Religious Leaders' Opposition: This encounter intensifies the growing conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities
- Acknowledgment of Jesus as Healer: The blind and the lame recognize Jesus as the Son of David, a messianic title
Example Illustration:
The image of Jesus violently overthrowing the moneylenders from the temple is a powerful example of what He wants to do in our own hearts. What aspects of our lives need purification, and how can we allow God to dwell more fully within us?
Holy Tuesday - Teaching and Parables
What to cover in this sermon:
- Invitation to the Kingdom of Heaven: The king sends out invitations to a wedding banquet, symbolizing God's invitation to people to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven
- Rejection by the Invited Guests: The invited guests, representing the Jewish leaders and people, reject the invitation. They ignore or mistreat the messengers sent by the king, reflecting the resistance of many to God's call
- Widening of the Invitation: In response to the initial rejection, the king opens the invitation to everyone
- Garment of Righteousness: The wedding garment represents righteousness or the acceptance of God's grace. It underscores the requirement for a genuine response to God's invitation
- Consequences of Rejecting the Invitation: The guest without a wedding garment is cast out into outer darkness, revealing the consequences of rejecting God's invitation
- Response of the Faithful: Those who respond to the invitation with humility and gratitude are welcomed into the wedding feast
- The Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen: While the invitation is extended broadly, not everyone will respond positively or be chosen to partake in the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom
Example Illustration:
Unpack the profound parables shared by Jesus during this day. Jesus shares the parable of the virgins, the parable of the talents, and others. Bring all of those into clear focus for today's sermon and show your members what this reveals to us about God and His kingdom.
Spy Wednesday - Betrayal and Anointing
What to cover in this sermon:
- Covenant with Chief Priests: Judas agrees to betray Jesus to the chief priests in exchange for thirty pieces of silver, fulfilling the prophecy found in Zechariah 11:12-13
- Woman's Act of Worship: Some disciples criticize the woman for what they perceive as wastefulness. Jesus defends the woman's actions, commending her for preparing Him for burial
- Preparation for Burial: Jesus interprets the woman's anointing as a preparation for His burial, foreshadowing the events that will unfold in the upcoming Passion Week scriptures. The anointing acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah
- Greed and Betrayal: Judas' betrayal is motivated by his love for money and a willingness to betray Jesus for personal gain
- Value of Devotion: Jesus emphasizes the value of the woman's act of devotion, suggesting that acts of worship and love for God are the priority
Example Illustration:
This passage gives us two people with different motives and ways they approach Jesus.
Reflect on the contrasting actions of Judas and the woman who anointed Jesus. How do our choices reflect our devotion to Christ, and what lessons can we draw from these contrasting narratives?
Maundy Thursday - Last Supper and Foot Washing
What to cover in this sermon:
- Servant Leadership: Jesus, despite being the Lord and Teacher, takes on the role of a servant
- Spiritual Cleansing: Washing feet symbolizes more than just physical cleanliness; it represents the forgiveness of sins
- Jesus as a Model: Jesus explicitly states that He has set an example for the disciples to follow
- Understanding the Purpose: Jesus uses this act to teach the disciples about the essence of true discipleship - humility, service, and a willingness to love and care for one another
- Promise of Blessing: Jesus assures the disciples that they will be blessed if they do what He has done. That same promise is available to us, if we obey.
Example Illustration:
I can think of nothing more powerful and moving than to grab a bowl and towel and wash the feet of your leaders and members.
Explore the humility expressed through Jesus washing the disciples' feet. Consider how this act of service challenges us to embody humility and servanthood in our communities.
Good Friday - The Crucifixion
What to cover in this sermon:
- Jesus Carries the Cross: Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus' cross to Golgotha, marking the physical and symbolic burden that Jesus bears for humanity
- Soldiers Cast Lots: The soldiers divide Jesus' garments and cast lots to fulfill the prophecy found in Psalm 22:18, fulfilling Old Testament predictions about the Messiah
- Mockery and Insults: Passersby, chief priests, and scribes mock Jesus, challenging Him to save Himself if He is the Son of God, mirroring the temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)
- Jesus on the Cross: Emphasize the agony and suffering that Jesus endured
- Veil Torn in the Temple: The veil in the temple is torn from top to bottom, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and us through Jesus' sacrifice. Access to God is now available to us through Christ
- Witnesses and Response: The centurion and those with him recognize Jesus as the Son of God
Example Illustration:
Good Friday is the turning point of Holy Week. It was a terrible day, yet it is the day that all history changed forever.
The passage gives you vivid images to use in your message. Focus the message on the description of Christ's suffering, the darkness that covered the Earth, and the veil that was torn. Then turn to the centurion's confession and end the message by calling all members to do as the centurion did and recognize who Jesus really is.
Black Saturday - The Silence of the Tomb
What to cover in this sermon:
- Surprising Permission: Pilate grants Joseph's request, allowing him to take charge of Jesus' body. The Roman practice was to leave crucified bodies exposed as an example for others
- Nicodemus' Contribution: Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus by night (John 3:1-21), brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes for Jesus' burial, revealing that his encounter with Jesus changed him
- Burying Jesus in a New Tomb: Joseph lays Jesus in his own new tomb, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:9)
- Security Measures: The religious leaders requested Pilate to secure the tomb, fearing that Jesus' disciples might steal His body and claim a resurrection
- Guarding the Tomb: Pilate assigns a guard to secure the tomb, adding an official seal to ensure the integrity of the burial place
- Waiting for the Third Day: The religious leaders remember Jesus' prediction of His resurrection on the third day (Matthew 16:21), and they take measures to prevent this
Example Illustration:
It's called Black Saturday for a reason. Today was a dark day 2000 years ago as the disciples thought all had been lost.
Many churches that hold a service today do so with all the lights off. Some may even hold a mock funeral to observe the day Jesus was buried. Reflect on the silence of the tomb and the anticipation of resurrection. How can moments of silence in our lives deepen our connection with God?
Tips for Crafting a Powerful Holy Week Sermon Series
- Connect with Personal Experiences: Relate the timeless truths of Holy Week to contemporary experiences. Help your congregation see the relevance of these ancient stories in their lives
- Encourage Reflection: Provide moments of silence and reflection during your sermons. Allow your congregation space to process the messages
- Incorporate Symbolism: Utilize visual aids or symbols that resonate with the themes of Holy Week. This can enhance the worship experience and deepen the impact of your message
- Cultivate a Worshipful Atmosphere: Foster an atmosphere of reverence and worship during Holy Week services. Music, visuals, and liturgical elements can contribute to a worshipful environment
- Invite Interaction: Whether through discussion, prayer, or personal reflection, make space for them to participate in the spiritual journey
Holy Weeks Sermons to Guide Your Church
This is the most important week of the whole year. So it's important to lead your church into repentance and reflection leading up to Easter!
May these Holy Week sermon ideas help you prepare for the big week. We're praying your church's faith grows and experiences the miracle of the Resurrection of Jesus!
|
Matt
|