Holy Week 2022: Introduction

At Christ Community, we often say that every Sunday is Resurrection Sunday. This is true. Each Sunday we gather to celebrate the fact that Jesus died, was buried, and then walked out of the grave alive. But in another sense, the Sunday we call Easter is special. On that day, we are careful to remember the resurrection, what it means, and why it matters. Because it matters more than anything in the world.

The Apostle Paul says that if Jesus didn’t actually rise from the dead, then we as Christians should be pitied more than anyone else on earth:

For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

1 Corinthians 15:16–19

Here’s the good news: Christ has been raised from the dead. So instead of being pitiable, we are royalty. We who are in Christ have the forgiveness of sins in this life and the hope of glory in the next. The news that Jesus is alive is the greatest news in the world. And so we’ll celebrate that news on Easter Sunday.

We’ve put together this devotional to help you prepare your heart for Easter. Each day, there is a short scripture reading, some devotional thoughts, and three questions for reflection. You are encouraged to set aside some time each day, even if it is just 15 minutes. Read the passage, perhaps even two or three times. Then, read over the devotion. Conclude by asking yourself the questions for reflection. When you’re finished, spend a few moments in prayer. Ask God to make the truths you read real in your heart. Ask him to help you apply them to your life.

Our prayer is that this devotional would point your mind to our resurrected Savior this Holy Week. Then, when we gather on Easter Sunday, we’ll gather ready to celebrate. Because, church, Christ has been raised! So we have more to celebrate than anyone else on earth.