The Ultimate Easter Week Bible Study

The Ultimate Easter Week Bible Study

Easter Week is a special time in the Christian calendar. It marks the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry—beginning with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and culminating in the victory of the resurrection. Taking time to reflect on these events helps us better understand the depth of his sacrifice and the power of his resurrection.

This Easter Week Bible study is designed to walk you through each day leading up to Easter Sunday with intentional scripture readings, thoughtful questions, and practical applications.

Whether you're studying the Bible on your own, with family, or in a small group, let this guide be a tool to draw closer to Jesus as you journey through Easter Week.

Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry

Palm branch on light surface

On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 and receiving praise from the crowds. The Jews that came to praise him shouted “Hosanna!” expecting a political savior, but Jesus came as the humble King bringing peace and salvation.

Reading

Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19

Reflection Questions

  • What does Jesus’ arrival on a donkey symbolize?

  • How can we honor Jesus as King in our lives today?

Apply It

Begin this week with worship. Just as the people laid down their cloaks and palm branches, we can lay down our efforts and our plans in surrender to Jesus.

Monday: Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Jewish temple with gold dome

When Jesus entered the temple and saw it filled with merchants and money changers, he became angry and acted. He overturned tables, drove out distractions, and reminded everyone that the temple was meant to be a house of prayer. Now, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are reminded that distractions from our worship must go.

Reading

Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48

Reflection Questions

  • What areas of your life need spiritual cleansing to offer uncluttered worship?

  • How can you prioritize prayer over performance in your walk with God?

Apply It

Spend some quiet, thoughtful time examining your heart. Invite God to remove anything that hinders sincere worship.

Tuesday: Jesus Teaches in the Temple

Bible open near green plant

On this day, only a few days before his crucifixion, Jesus spent time teaching parables and discussing the end of times. His words challenged religious leaders and called people to genuine faith.

Reading

Matthew 21:23–24:51, Mark 11:27–13:37, Luke 20:1–21:36

Reflection Questions

  • What does Jesus’ authority mean for your daily choices?

  • In what ways do his teachings challenge your beliefs or habits?

Apply It

Dedicate time to digging into God’s Word today. Make sure your faith and your outlooks are always rooted in truth, not tradition.

Wednesday: Betrayal and Anointing at Bethany

Pouring oil

The Wednesday before Jesus’ death is a day marked by a contrast. A woman anointed Jesus’ feet in love and Judas agreeing to betray him. This account reminds us that Jesus is worthy of our full devotion.

Reading

Matthew 26:6-16, Mark 14:3-11, Luke 22:1-6

Reflection Questions

  • How does Judas’ betrayal differ from Mary’s act of worship?

  • Are there areas where you're holding back from fully following Jesus?

Apply It

What is something meaningful that you can offer in worship today. Consider some ways to give your time, obedience, or resources to the Lord. Let it be a personal sacrifice of love.

Thursday: The Last Supper and Garden of Gethsemane

Communion cups

The following day, Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples. He washed their feet, teaching them to be humble and serve one another, and he established what we now call “communion.” Later that evening, he prayed in agony in Gethsemane, submitting to the Father’s will.

Reading

Matthew 26:17-56, Mark 14:12-52, Luke 22:7-53, John 13–18

Reflection Questions

  • What does communion mean to you personally?

  • How do you respond in moments of trial or pressure?

Apply It

Take time to reflect on Jesus’ love, his meekness, and his attitude of serving. If possible, plan to participate in communion in the next few days and remember the depth of the Lord’s sacrifice.

Friday: The Crucifixion

Cross on rock hill with sunrise behind

This is the darkest and most difficult day of the week, yet it holds the entire heart of the gospel. After being betrayed by Judas and willingly going with those who sought to arrest him, Jesus was beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross. He endured a cruel and excruciating death, all for our redemption.

Reading

Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19

Reflection Questions

  • How does understanding Jesus’ suffering impact your appreciation for his sacrifice?

  • What does it mean for you to “take up your cross” and follow him?

Apply It

Set aside time today for silence and reflection. Consider journaling a prayer of repentance and gratitude for our Savior’s incredible work on the cross.

Saturday: The Silence and Waiting

Dark plain with storm clouds

The day following Jesus’ death was a day of grief, fear, and confusion. Jesus was buried in the tomb. The disciples didn’t know what was coming. However, even amid their imperfect understanding and unsure hearts, God was still working in the silence.

Reading

Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56

Reflection Questions

  • Have you ever experienced a season where it seemed like God was silent?

  • How can you continue in faith when you don’t understand the outcome?

Apply It

Use today to sit in quiet prayer and reflection. Work to surrender your questions, your uncertainty, and your trust that God is faithful, even when you can’t see what he’s doing in your life.

Easter Sunday: The Resurrection!

open tomb door from inside with light coming in

Of course, the story didn’t end with Jesus’ death — Hallelujah! When Sunday morning came the women visited his tomb and found it empty. Jesus had risen again and conquered death, fulfilling every promise and bringing eternal hope to all mankind. The resurrection is the absolute cornerstone of our faith!

Reading

Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20

Reflection Questions

  • How does the resurrection give you hope for today and tomorrow?

  • Who in your life needs to hear this good news?

Apply It

In light of Christ’s sacrifice as well as his victory over death, Easter Sunday is not a day of mourning — it’s a day of celebration! Today, worship with joy, gather with others, and live boldly in the power of the resurrection. Let today be the launch of a renewed walk with Jesus.

Get Ready to Start this Easter Week Bible Study Tomorrow!

Man writing in journal studying bible

This Easter Week Bible study isn’t just about tradition — it’s a journey. Put this study on your calendar during the week leading up to the holiday and take a stroll down the streets of our faith’s history. Read through the scriptural accounts of Jesus’ final week in his earthly ministry, reflect on his work, and apply those principles to your life. Each day during the “holy week” brings fresh insight into Jesus’ love, obedience, and victory.

Let’s not just remember what Jesus did. Let’s respond to it with worship, devotion, and a renewed commitment to live for him every single day. As you walk through this week, may your heart be stirred, your faith deepened, and your spirit refreshed.

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