Why Do We Call It HOLY WEEK?
Encouragement for Your Heart and Mind from Pastor David Staff
I’ve always enjoyed asking questions, and finding answers, about what seems obvious (but really isn’t). In so doing, many times discovery is right around the corner.
The above question is one of those inquiries. Why do we call the 8 day period, beginning on Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday, with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday in between, Holy Week? [And, by the way, what is the meaning of Maundy?]
ORIGIN OF HOLY WEEK
Christianity.com tells us that “some of the first uses of the name Holy Week appeared in the 4th century, from St. Athanasius (the bishop of Alexandria, Egypt) and St. Epiphanius (of Constantia) when Good Friday and Holy Saturday were recognized as holy days by the 4th century church. By the end of the 4th century, the tradition had been established of honoring the various events of the days of the week (just before Jesus’ death). These included:
I find this interesting. Apparently the early church (1st century through 3rd century) did not openly celebrate “holy week” (reason? Perhaps because the church was under increasing persecution? It wasn’t until the A.D. 325 conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine that the Christianity became legal and recognized.) This means, of course, that later church tradition, rather than Biblical mandate, instituted these observances.
There could be other events which the Bible describes that might be celebrated, such as Holy Monday: Jesus cleansing the temple courts & cursing the fig tree. Yet perhaps it’s not best to multiply such things. The multiplying of traditions – and requiring worship and observance of such things – often encases simple faith and walking with God with unnecessary extra baggage.
By the way, if you’re interested, the “maundy” of Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin “mandatum” (or “command”). It points to the day of Holy Week in which Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples in the upper room. At that supper, He instituted the observance of the Lord’s table (we call it “communion”) and gave the “command” to “love one another as I (i.e., Jesus) loved you” (John 13:34).
IMPORTANCE OF HOLY WEEK
My personal preference is away from traditional obligations and to keep my walk with Jesus simple. So I am not inclined toward 40 days of “Lent” or even observing every possible aspect of Jesus’ pre-crucifixion week. The tendency of the church throughout the ages is to turn tradition-oriented practices into measurements of righteousness before God.
Still, the events of the week before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion are important to know, if for no other reason, they provide a stunning spiritual blindness on the part of Israel’s leadership and Jerusalem’s population. Compelling to me is Jesus weeping over the city as he rode the cold down the mountain of Olives. His heart broke for what would happen to people because they “did not recognize the day of (their) visitation.” Striding in their midst was the God who created the world, and the innocent Lamb who would be crucified for their sins.
Peter put it simply. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous (one) for the unrighteous (ones), that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit” [1 Peter 3:18].
Whether or not you celebrate church traditions or the events of Holy Week, may I urge you to fully understand the critical importance of Jesus Christ’s death in your place on the cross. Worship Him for the life that comes to you through His remarkable, undeniable resurrection. These two historical events, when recognized and embraced, can change your life and eternity.
Let Jesus bring you to God. He has fully paid the penalty for your sin. Believe in what He did for you on the cross, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Embrace by faith the new life He will give when you trust Him.
Come to our worship services this Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. We will speak of how Jesus loved us to the very end.
The above question is one of those inquiries. Why do we call the 8 day period, beginning on Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday, with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday in between, Holy Week? [And, by the way, what is the meaning of Maundy?]
ORIGIN OF HOLY WEEK
Christianity.com tells us that “some of the first uses of the name Holy Week appeared in the 4th century, from St. Athanasius (the bishop of Alexandria, Egypt) and St. Epiphanius (of Constantia) when Good Friday and Holy Saturday were recognized as holy days by the 4th century church. By the end of the 4th century, the tradition had been established of honoring the various events of the days of the week (just before Jesus’ death). These included:
- Judas’s betrayal and introduction of the Eucharist on Maundy Thursday
- the Passion and death of Jesus Christ on Good Friday
- His burial on Holy Saturday
- and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday
I find this interesting. Apparently the early church (1st century through 3rd century) did not openly celebrate “holy week” (reason? Perhaps because the church was under increasing persecution? It wasn’t until the A.D. 325 conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine that the Christianity became legal and recognized.) This means, of course, that later church tradition, rather than Biblical mandate, instituted these observances.
There could be other events which the Bible describes that might be celebrated, such as Holy Monday: Jesus cleansing the temple courts & cursing the fig tree. Yet perhaps it’s not best to multiply such things. The multiplying of traditions – and requiring worship and observance of such things – often encases simple faith and walking with God with unnecessary extra baggage.
By the way, if you’re interested, the “maundy” of Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin “mandatum” (or “command”). It points to the day of Holy Week in which Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples in the upper room. At that supper, He instituted the observance of the Lord’s table (we call it “communion”) and gave the “command” to “love one another as I (i.e., Jesus) loved you” (John 13:34).
IMPORTANCE OF HOLY WEEK
My personal preference is away from traditional obligations and to keep my walk with Jesus simple. So I am not inclined toward 40 days of “Lent” or even observing every possible aspect of Jesus’ pre-crucifixion week. The tendency of the church throughout the ages is to turn tradition-oriented practices into measurements of righteousness before God.
Still, the events of the week before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion are important to know, if for no other reason, they provide a stunning spiritual blindness on the part of Israel’s leadership and Jerusalem’s population. Compelling to me is Jesus weeping over the city as he rode the cold down the mountain of Olives. His heart broke for what would happen to people because they “did not recognize the day of (their) visitation.” Striding in their midst was the God who created the world, and the innocent Lamb who would be crucified for their sins.
Peter put it simply. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous (one) for the unrighteous (ones), that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit” [1 Peter 3:18].
Whether or not you celebrate church traditions or the events of Holy Week, may I urge you to fully understand the critical importance of Jesus Christ’s death in your place on the cross. Worship Him for the life that comes to you through His remarkable, undeniable resurrection. These two historical events, when recognized and embraced, can change your life and eternity.
Let Jesus bring you to God. He has fully paid the penalty for your sin. Believe in what He did for you on the cross, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Embrace by faith the new life He will give when you trust Him.
Come to our worship services this Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. We will speak of how Jesus loved us to the very end.
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