“Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” – John 15:4
In connection with many around the globe and Christ followers across the centuries, Sunridge invites you to participate in the observance of Holy Week. These daily reflections, beginning on Palm Sunday (4/13) and concluding on Easter morning (4/20), encourage us to communally and individually align with Jesus in his final days toward the cross and empty grave. To remain. To abide. To stay. To pay attention. To seek. To do differently than we may be inclined in our busyness and routines.
This year’s outline has been selected from the Gospel of John, our current Sunday sermon series. However, unlike previous seasons when our gospel-specific studies culminated with the book’s conclusion on Easter Sunday (e.g., Luke in 2022 or Mark in 2024), the following passages will temporarily fast-forward us through John’s account because our sermon series concludes mid-summer.
In light of this, we’ve intentionally condensed this year’s material while allowing John’s unique chronology to sidestep common Holy Week concentrations, such as the temple clearing on Holy Monday or Jesus’ curse of the fig tree on Holy Tuesday.
These adjustments are most notably paired with a new element to each day’s devotion: after encouraging input about the role of worship music for our Thursday night prayer vigil and Good Friday services, a link to an intentional worship song accompanies every reading (feel free to listen or adjust the flow of each day to your preference).
We hope you’re both blessed and challenged this Holy Week.
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. – John 20:31
Holy Week Activities
Click on the link to see the activity for the day:
SUNDAY (4/13): Palm Sunday
Jesus enters Jerusalem to public praise and private confusion(John 12:12–19)
READ: John 12:12–19
REFLECT:
Following the miraculous raising of his friend Lazarus from the dead, Jesus rides into Jerusalem. Euphoric crowds—many who witnessed this miracle or arrived in anticipation because of others’ testimonies of Jesus—praise and proclaim him as their long-expected king. Yet by week’s end, the shouts of the crowds have morphed from “Hosanna” to “Crucify him.” John carefully notes that the disciples fail to comprehend the significance of what’s unfolding and the disdain of the plotting Pharisees, who exclaim, “Look how the whole world has gone after him!”
– Who is Jesus to you? Ask Jesus to show you who He really is—not just the version you want Him to be.
REMAIN:
Our song for today is based on later writings by John in Revelation and is titled “Is He Worthy?” In it (Rev. 5), Jesus is identified as the only One who can open the scrolls that make sense of all of history—past, present, and future. As you begin Holy Week, take a moment to listen* and pray: “Jesus, help me know you better.”
*If you’re looking for an impactful way to listen to the music this week, consider listening while in a facedown posture of prayer.
MONDAY (4/14): Holy Monday
Jesus declares that His hour has come and calls for true surrender(John 12:20–26)
READ: John 12:20–26
REFLECT:
It’s easy to miss John’s detail that Greeks—outsiders and seekers—are the ones who prompt a simple but significant chain reaction. Their request to meet Jesus becomes a kind of prophetic trigger, confirming earlier glimpses in the Gospel (Jesus explaining God’s worldwide love to Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman and her village’s awakening, etc.) that He truly is the Savior of the world.
Until now, Jesus has said, “My hour has not yet come.” But here, everything shifts. “The hour has come,” he says—pointing forward to the cross as the conclusive demonstration of God’s love. And with that declaration comes a challenge to His followers, then and now: will love for God lead us to surrender, or will love for self keep us clinging to what we think we need?
– Where in your life do you feel resistance to letting go?
– What are you holding onto that Jesus might be inviting you to place in His hands?
REMAIN:
Our song for today is “Since Your Love.” As you listen, remember that any real surrender to Jesus is only possible because of His loving initiative—and the truth that you were made for life in Him. As you sit with this invitation, let this be your prayer: “Jesus, help me trust You for my life more than I trust myself.”
TUESDAY (4/15): Holy Tuesday
Jesus is anointed in love, while others question the cost (John 12:1–8)
READ: John 12:1–8
REFLECT:
Liturgically, an anointing of Jesus’ feet is often placed on Spy Wednesday (see Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9). However, as noted in our Holy Week overview, John’s Gospel tends to structure events for theological emphasis rather than strict chronology—and may even describe a different moment entirely. Today, we briefly step back in John’s narrative to Bethany, where Jesus raised Lazarus. As Mary unexpectedly pours costly perfume—likely worth a year’s wages—on Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair, Judas objects. Jesus responds not with rebuke for Mary, but with protection: “Leave her alone.” Her offering is uncomfortably worshipful. Extravagant. Vulnerable. And he openly receives it.
– What, if anything, is difficult for you about giving your life to Jesus in a way that is costly or vulnerable?
– Is there something He’s worth today that you’ve been holding back?
REMAIN:
Our worship song for today is “Holy Forever.” If you didn’t have a chance to respond to the first day’s invitation to listen in a facedown posture of prayer, today is a meaningful time to try. After you rise and head into the day, you can continue to pray: “Jesus, I want to offer You something real today—even if it costs me something.”
WEDNESDAY (4/16): Holy Wednesday
Jesus shares bread with his betrayer in a quiet act of sorrow (John 13:18–30)
READ: John 13:18–30
REFLECT:
In some traditions, the Wednesday of Holy Week is called Spy Wednesday to emphasize Judas secretly conspiring to sell Jesus out. John’s narrative flow gives us intimate details about Jesus’ final night with his disciples, and while we’ll return tomorrow evening to the opening scenes of John 13, it’s clear that Jesus knows exactly what’s unfolding, albeit to the complete unknowing of any other in his close circle. It troubles him deeply, to the point of sorrow. John’s thoroughgoing contrasts of light and dark, day and night, should also not be missed: “And it was night.”
Today’s passage challenges us to consider uncomfortable truths that reside in all of us. Though we might never do what Judas did, most of us have lived with areas of secrecy, a pretense that we are better than we truly are, or experiences of hiding in the shadows of our shame and fear. Despite this, Jesus offers Judas bread. To us, He continues to offer Himself.
– Where are you tempted to keep hiding parts of your life from Jesus?
– What would it take to bring them into His light and confess those things?
REMAIN:
Our worship song for today is “Highs & Lows/Eagle’s Wings.”(Throughout the season of Lent, our high school students have gone facedown for the duration of this 7-minute song every Wednesday. Perhaps you’ll join them today?) Let this song hold space for your confession—whatever season you’re in, whatever shadows still linger. He is with you. Is there something you’ve never voiced to Jesus—or have resisted bringing into His presence? Say it aloud today. You can pray something as simple as: “Jesus, I’ve tried to run from this—but I want to bring it into the light with You.”
Lastly, if you’re led to confess to someone else today—a trusted friend, mentor, or family member—take that step. And if someone confesses something to you, receive it with the gentleness of Christ.
THURSDAY (4/17): Maundy Thursday
Jesus demonstrates his love to the end (John 13–17)
READ: John 13:1–17; John 14:1–4, 15–21; John 16:20–22, 31–33
REFLECT:
The word “maundy” comes from a Latin word that means “commandment.” In his final evening with his disciples, Jesus will both demonstrate true love and direct his disciples with a new commandment to love another, but we often bypass the opening and breathtaking words of this scene: “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” As noted yesterday, tonight’s passage actually precedes the events of Wednesday’s reading—meaning even Judas is still present, and even he is served in radical love. Before the Passover meal begins, Jesus kneels to wash His disciples’ feet—something reserved for only the lowest of slaves. The room is quiet. The disciples are confused. Peter objects. But Jesus insists. As the only Gospel that details this event, John’s Christology is on full display: the Word who became flesh is so low, now on His knees, willing to serve and sacrifice in the most unexpected ways.
Later in the evening, Jesus speaks directly to the sorrow hanging in the air. “Do not let your hearts be troubled… I am going to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me.” He promises the Spirit. He calls them to remain in His love. And He doesn’t hide the pain ahead: “You will weep and mourn while the world rejoices… but your grief will turn to joy.” And finally, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart—I have overcome the world.”
This is the eye of the storm. The night where Jesus says goodbye—not with panic or fear, but with presence and peace.
– Where do you need to hear Jesus say: “Do not let your heart be troubled”?
– What part of your life feels vulnerable to fear, abandonment, or confusion?
REMAIN:
Today’s worship song is “Constant.” It reflects what Jesus was to His disciples and still is to us: a steady presence through both storm and stillness. As you listen, let Jesus’ words echo over you:“Take heart. I have overcome the world.” We can pray this prayer: “Jesus, help me trust that even when I feel separation or alone, You are still here. You are constant—even now.”
EXTENDED RESPONSE: Footwashing, Communion, and Keeping Watch
In continuation with our previous years, we invite you to gather with others for a special Maundy Thursday, following Jesus’ lead in his final hours to serve one another and ultimately remember Him. (If you choose to do this with us, know that your worship and tech team will be at the courtyard sharing this special time.)
1. Wash One Another’s Feet (Before the Meal)
Before sharing dinner, begin with footwashing—just as Jesus did in John 13. Every year, those who take part often name this as one of the most impactful moments of Holy Week.
Read aloud: John 13:1–17
Supplies you’ll need:
– A basin or bowls of water
– Towels or paper towels (2 per person)
How to do it:
– Let people know ahead of time so they can come prepared.
– Wash your hands, prepare the water and towels, and sit in a circle.
– One person begins kneeling in front of someone else with a basin and two towels.
– It can be done simply by dipping one towel into the water, washing the other’s feet, and then drying it with the other towel.
– That person then washes the next person’s feet, continuing around the circle.
2. Share a Meal and Take Communion
After footwashing, share a simple meal together and take communion.
Supplies you’ll need:
– Bread/crackers
– Grape juice/wine
How to do it:
– Read portions of John 14:1–4, 15–21 aloud before you eat.
– During or after the meal, take communion together using bread/crackers and juice/wine.
– As someone offers the elements, they might say: “This is Christ’s body, broken for you. His blood, poured out.”
3. Keeping Watch with Jesus: 7pm–7am Prayer Vigil
After the meal, Jesus went to the garden and asked his disciples to stay awake and pray, but they couldn’t. As we’ve done for several years, our prayer vigil allows us to stay awake with Jesus as he asked. Even if you’re tired. Even if it’s quiet. Even if you don’t feel much—this is the hour Jesus asked for. Will you stay awake with Him?
Our overnight prayer vigil (which you do from the comfort of your home) begins at 7 pm and continues until 7 am Friday morning. Sign up here for an hour to “keep watch” with Jesus.
You’ll receive:
Scriptures to read
Worship to listen to
Prompts to help guide your time
FRIDAY (4/18): Good Friday
Jesus is lifted up in suffering and sacrifice (John 18–19)
READ: John 18:1–19:42
REFLECT:
His hour has officially arrived. Jesus, fully aware that his hour and time have officially come, steps forward. He allows himself to be arrested, not because they take it from him, but he gives himself up. He answers Pilate succinctly and without fear. He carries his own instrument of shame, suffering, and death. He speaks and cries from it, offering care, thirst, and completion.
John’s Gospel doesn’t dwell on graphic details, but he ensures that Jesus’ power cannot be missed. He goes willingly. He gives up his spirit. He finishes the work.
And yet, despite Jesus’ full control, it doesn’t mean that today isn’t filled with grief. In fact, Good Friday invites us to experience that afresh. This is the day the Light of the world appears to go out.
– How does Jesus’ willingness to suffer—not only for you but the entire world—make you feel? What does it make you think?
REMAIN:
Today’s worship song is “Son of Suffering.” As you listen, remember that before you could ever remain in him, he willingly chose to pursue, even to the point of death. Our prayer:“Jesus, help me stay with You in this story—not rushing to resurrection, but staying present to Your suffering and love.”
EXTENDED RESPONSE: INVITATIONS FOR GOOD FRIDAY OBSERVANCE
At Sunridge, our Good Friday observance is designed to make room for remembering and remaining with Christ in His suffering.
1) View our unique Stations of the Cross experience on Friday (4/18) at 6:00 PM, a reflective prayer and art walk that traces the final events leading up to Jesus’ death. Artists from our congregation have submitted pieces accompanied by corresponding passages of Scripture that chart Jesus’ journey from the Garden of Gethsemane onward. While it is most traditional to do the Stations of the Cross between noon and 3 pm (the hours that Jesus was on the cross before he died), our visuals will be available before and after our Good Friday service.
2) Join us for our Good Friday service, which will take place at 6:30 pm inside the worship center. Our service will follow the Tenebrae-inspired format we’ve utilized since 2020: an interweaving of Scripture and worship, marked by a progressive extinguishing of lights.
3) After the conclusion of our service, we will continue to recognize the loss of Christ, the Light of the World. Finally, to further engage our senses with these reminders until Sunday morning, we encourage you to fast from all sweets (including fruit and artificial sweeteners) and all forms of man-made light between Friday night and our Sunday morning services. While incredibly challenging, the latter options provide us with the final opportunities to intensify our sense and experience of loss and lack.
SATURDAY (4/19): Silent Saturday
Jesus lies buried while hope feels hidden (John 19:38–42)
READ: John 19:38–42 (Read slowly and sit with what is not said. Let the stillness be part of the reflection.)
REFLECT:
Jesus has been crucified. His body, lifeless, is placed in the tomb by two unexpected figures: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Nicodemus, who once visited Jesus in secret and under the cover of night, hides no more. With quiet reverence, they prepare his body and lay it in a garden tomb. Then… silence.
The disciples—those who spent three years with Jesus, culminating in a night when he told them to remain—scattered and are now hidden. The women are grieving. The hope they thought would change everything seems gone. Saturday doesn’t offer answers. It offers more questions: How can this be? How has it all come to an end? Who was Jesus?
– Where in your life are you waiting for God to move, but it feels quiet or unclear?
– What do you do with silence from God? Can you remain with Him even there?
REMAIN:
There is no song today, so let the absence of music speak; let the silence and solemnity be your prayer. If you’re continuing your fast from sweets and artificial light, stay with it. Let yourself feel the lack—of light, of sweetness, of clarity—and allow it to remind you of what Jesus’ followers experienced on that first Saturday. Look for moments to sit still. Say little. Stay near. Remain.
SUNDAY (4/20): Easter Sunday
Jesus is risen and calls Mary by name (John 20:1–18)
READ: John 20:1–18
He is risen!
After a week of readings, worship music, and reminders to remain, we encourage you to:
1) Read through John 20:1-18 and consider how, like Mary, Jesus knows and calls you anew.
2) Invite a friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker to an Easter service with you.
3) Break your fast(s) with joy. Worship in stillness as you see the sunrise, and let something sweet awaken your body to the realities of Christ risen.
3) Join us today (Sunday, April 20th) at our 8:30 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. service as we celebrate that Jesus is alive!