Why Is the Last Week of Jesus Life Called the Passion Week?

The last week of Jesus’ life is commonly referred to as the Passion Week. This week marks the final days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

The term “Passion” in this context refers to the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus endured during this time. In this article, we will explore why this week is called the Passion Week and what significant events took place during this time.

The Triumphal Entry

The Passion Week begins with the Triumphal Entry. This is when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey to cheering crowds of people waving palm branches and laying their cloaks on the ground before him.

This event fulfilled a prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 that said, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The Cleansing of the Temple

After the Triumphal Entry, Jesus went to the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling there. He overturned tables and chairs and declared that the temple was meant to be a house of prayer but had become a den of thieves.

The Last Supper

The Last Supper was a significant event that took place during the Passion Week. It was during this meal that Jesus instituted the sacrament of Communion by breaking bread and sharing wine with his disciples. He also predicted his betrayal by one of his own disciples.

The Arrest and Trial

After leaving the Upper Room where they had shared their meal together, Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was there that he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot with a kiss.

Jesus was then arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin for trial. He was accused of blasphemy and sentenced to death.

The Crucifixion and Resurrection

Jesus was then taken to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, who ultimately sentenced him to be crucified. Jesus was beaten, mocked, and forced to carry his own cross up to Golgotha where he was crucified. After three days in the tomb, Jesus miraculously rose from the dead, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies and securing salvation for all who would believe in him.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, the Passion Week is called as such because it refers to the intense suffering and sacrifice that Jesus endured during his final days leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. The events of this week are significant not only because they fulfill numerous prophecies but also because they secure salvation for all who would believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.