The Significance of Holy Week
The seven days before Jesus’ death and resurrection is one of the most important in the Christian calendar. Known as Holy Week, it is our Saviour’s final week on earth when many significant events took place, such as His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the cleansing of the temple, the institution of the Lord’s Supper, His crucifixion and death.
This Easter, we invite you to embark on a spiritual journey of following Jesus to the cross. With insights and photos of ancient Jerusalem, you will be taking a “travel tour” to the Holy Land with our 12-day Easter devotional. As they evoke your senses, may the pages of Scripture come alive in fresh ways as you meditate on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
12-DAY EASTER DEVOTIONALS
Written by seminary lecturer Dr Lim Kar Yong, this 12-day Easter devotional depicts Jesus’ journey from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday. Based on events found in the Gospel of Mark, every reading contains a Bible passage, photos, reflection questions and prayers that will help you commit yourself to God.
The readings will appear under the 12-Day Devotionals tab of this website starting from 6 April 2022. Simply bookmark this page and check back daily for each day’s passage. As you read, may you prayerfully allow these events and characters of Jesus’ time to speak into your own journey of spiritual growth and discipleship.
DAY 1 – THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY OF JESUS
READ: MARK 11:1-11
I have led numerous study tours to the Holy Land. Without exception, there is always no lack of excitement among us when we gather at our local airport for departure.
I imagine it would have been similar for the pilgrims in Jesus’ time. Scattered all over the Mediterranean world, they had to make their pilgrimage to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover every year, as required by the Law of Moses…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rev. Dr. Lim Kar Yong is a Lecturer in New Testament Studies and Director of Postgraduate Studies at Seminari Theoloji Malaysia, Seremban. He also teaches in other seminaries in Malaysia and the region, and regularly leads study tours to the Holy Land, Greece and Turkey.
Jerusalem: A City Chosen By God
Why would the Son of God choose to die for us? We are imperfect and have fallen short of His glory. Yet, He chose to sacrifice Himself for us on the cross. In this video, you’ll see that God chose an imperfect city like Jerusalem, with poor land and water supplies, to be the capital of the Holy Land. The same way, He chooses to die for us not because of our good qualities, but out of His pure and loving grace.
The Significance of Thorns in the Bible
Jesus famously wore a crown of thorns as He was crucified on the cross. But it was a form of mockery by Roman soldiers, not a sign of honour. What do thorn bushes in the Holy Land really look like? Watch this video to see the reality of these prickly bushes. As we take this 12-day journey towards Easter, may you draw closer to God and deepen your understanding of His passion, death and resurrection.
THIRSTING FOR MORE?
Take a journey through the entire gospel of Mark to rediscover what Jesus Christ, the Servant King has done for you! Learn from His ways that you too may love God’s people in practical, compassionate ways.
Visit journeythrough.org to read online or request the print copy. The Journey Through Series comes with biblical insights and reflection questions to help Christians dig deeper into the Bible and apply God’s Word to their lives.
