This is the best time of the year, the flowers are starting to blossom, the weather is warming up, and there are so many wonderful ways to Celebrate the Savior. With Easter this weekend, followed by General Conference, there are a multitude of ways and opportunities to make this week especially meaningful.

Easter Study Plan

Holy Week

Holy Week is also known as Passion Week among many in the Christian World. It commemorates the final days of Jesus Christ's life leading up to Easter, which includes his Crucifixion, and his Resurrection. Here is a brief summary of the traditional events outlined in Holy Week:

Palm Sunday: This day commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed by crowds waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” It marks the beginning of Holy Week.
Holy Monday: Some traditions reflect on Jesus cursing the fig tree on this day, symbolizing the judgment coming upon the unfruitful. Others commemorate Jesus' cleansing of the Temple, expelling the merchants and money changers.
Holy Tuesday: On this day, some traditions focus on Jesus’ predictions of his own death and teachings in Jerusalem, including the Olivet Discourse, where he speaks of the end times and his second coming.
Holy Wednesday (also known as Spy Wednesday): This day is traditionally associated with Judas Iscariot's plan to betray Jesus to the Sanhedrin, agreeing to show them a way to arrest him without causing a riot among the people.
Maundy Thursday (also known as Holy Thursday): This day commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples. It is named after the “mandatum” or commandment Jesus gave to love one another as he loved them. This day also remembers Jesus washing the disciples' feet, a symbol of service and humility.
Good Friday: This day commemorates the arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day, marked by prayer, fasting, and reflection on Jesus’ suffering and death.
Holy Saturday (also known as Silent Saturday): This day observes the time Jesus spent in the tomb. It is a day of reflection and waiting, the day between Jesus’ Crucifixion and his Resurrection.
Easter Sunday: This day celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the cornerstone of Christian faith. It is the most joyful and celebratory day of the Christian calendar, marking the victory of life over death and the hope of eternal life.

A Revised Timeline:

Scholarly debate surrounds the chronology of Christ's final week, particularly regarding the traditional Friday crucifixion versus a proposed Thursday event. This revision, supported by biblical evidence and outlined in James Tabor's “The Last Days of Jesus: A Final 'Messianic' Meal” suggests a shift that aligns with Jewish customs and scriptural nuances.

Central to the argument is the misunderstanding of the term “Sabbath” which traditionally led to the assumption of a Friday crucifixion. Historical context and Gospel accounts, especially from John , indicate the existence of two consecutive Sabbath days due to the Passover falling on a Friday in the year 30 AD. This notion is bolstered by the use of “Sabbaths” in the plural in Matthew 28:1, suggesting multiple rest days.

The confusion arose because all the gospels say that there was a rush to get his (Christ's) body off the cross and buried before sundown because the “Sabbath” was near. Everyone assumed the reference to “the Sabbath” had to be Saturday, so the crucifixion must have been on a Friday. However, as Jews know, the day of Passover itself is also a “Sabbath” or rest day, no matter what weekday it falls on. In the year 30 AD Friday, the 15th of the Jewish month Nisan was also a Sabbath, so two Sabbaths occurred back to back, Friday and Saturday. Matthew seems to know this as he says that the women who visited Jesus’ tomb came early Sunday morning “after the Sabbaths” (Matthew 28:1 uses the plural form σαββάτων “of the Sabbaths,” indicating two Sabbaths).

As is often the case, the gospel of John preserves a more accurate chronology of what went on. John specifies that the Wednesday night “last supper” was “before the festival of Passover” (John 13:1). He also notes that when Jesus’ accusers delivered him to be crucified on Thursday morning they would not enter Pilate’s courtyard because they would be defiled and would not be able to eat the Passover that evening (John 18:28). John knows that the Jews would be eating their traditional Seder meal Thursday evening. (John 19:31 (INT) also refers to the day of Preparation and the next day being a special Sabbath. The word preparation, Paraskevi, is the Greek name for Friday)

John’s Gospel timeline, places the Last Supper on Wednesday, before Passover, and suggests that Jesus was handed over for crucifixion on Thursday morning. This timing is significant as it more accurately aligns with prophecies Christ made about his death and resurrection, that, he would be dead for 3 days. Additionally, if this timeline is accurate, at the precise moment that Jesus died on the cross, around 3:00 PM, the temple lambs were being offered for sacrifice at the Temple Mount.

The difference in chronology does not undermine the events' significance but offers a clearer understanding through the lens of Jewish tradition. It addresses gaps in the Holy Week timeline and aligns with Christ's prophecy, making the narrative more coherent for those seeking deeper understanding. Ultimately, whether one adheres to the traditional or revised dates, the essence of the events remains unchanged, but this alternative perspective can enrich the comprehension of Christ’s life and the cultural backdrop of the events leading up to his crucifixion.

The outline below follows the alternative dates compiled from the different gospels.

Holy Week: Major Topics & Events

Major Events/ Doctrines

Location

Scripture Source

Cross-References

Videos

Pre-Holy Week

Arrival in Bethany, Raising of Lazarus

Bethany

John 11:1–44 (INT); 12:1–2, 9–11 (INT)

Church Video, MoC Video

Mary of Bethany Anoints Jesus' feet

Bethany

John 12:1-8 (INT)

MoC Video, Jesus anointed at Bethany

Judas Criticizes Mary, Jesus rebukes Judas

Bethany

John 12:4-8 (INT)

Priests plot to kill Jesus and Lazarus

Jerusalem

John 12:10-11 (INT)

Palm Sunday

MOC Video

Colt: prophesy Fulfilled

Mount of Olives

Matthew 21:1-6 (INT), Mark 11:2-7 (INT), Luke 19:30-35, (INT), John 12:12–15 (INT)

Zechariah 9:9 (INT), 1 Kings 1:33 (INT)

Triumphal Entry

Jerusalem

Matthew 21: 7-11 (INT)

Zechariah 9:9 (INT)

Church Video

Significance of Palm Branches & Hosanna Shout

Jerusalem

Matthew 21:8–11 (INT); Mark 11:9 (INT), John 12:13 (INT)

Phoinix, (תָּמָר Tamar, part of the traditions associated with Sukkot Lev 23:40-44 INT) Hosanna from יָשַׁע (H3467) and נָא (H4994) Psalms 118:25-26 (INT)

MOC Video

Pharisees disapprove

Jerusalem

Luke 19:39–40 (INT), John 12:19 (INT)

Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem

Near Jerusalem

Luke 19:44 (INT)

Jesus teaches Greek Investigators

Jerusalem

John 12:20–36 (INT)

Discourse: Jesus sent by the Father

Jerusalem

John 12:23-50 (INT)

Monday: Cleanses Temple

Temple

Matthew 21:12-16 (INT), Mark 11:15–19 (INT), Luke 19:45–48 (INT)

Exodus 19:4-6 (INT), Isaiah 6:1-4 (INT)

Holy Land Site, Cleansing the Temple, MoC Video

Tuesday: Curses Fig Tree

Near Bethany

Matthew 21:18-22 (INT), Mark 11:12–14, 20–26 (INT), Luke 13:6–9 (INT)

Priests challenge Jesus’ authority

Temple

Matthew 21:23–46 (INT), Mark 11:27–33 (INT), Luke 20:1–8 (INT)

Parable: Two sons

Temple

Matthew 21:28–32 (INT)

Church Video

Parable: Wicked husbandmen

Temple

Matthew 21:33–46 (INT), Mark 12:1–12 (INT), Luke 20:9–20 (INT)

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

Parable: Wedding of a king’s son

Temple

Matthew 22:1–14 (INT), see Luke 14:1–24 (INT)

Elder Bednar, FCBH Films

Tribute to Caesar: Pharisees and Herodians

Temple

Matthew 22:15–22 (INT), Mark 12:13–17 (INT), Luke 20:21–26 (INT)

Church Video

Marriage, seven husbands: Sadducees

Temple

Matthew 22:23–33 (INT), Mark 12:18–27 (INT), Luke 20:27–38 (INT)

Great commandment: Pharisees

Temple

Matthew 22:34–40 (INT), Mark 12:28–31 (INT), Luke 10:25–37 (INT)

Church Video

Pharisees put to silence

Temple

Matthew 22:41–46 (INT), Mark 12:35–37 (INT), Luke 20:39–44 (INT)

Widow’s mite

Temple

Mark 12:41–44 (INT), Luke 21:1–4 (INT)

Church Video

Denunciation of hypocrisy

Temple

Matthew 23:1–36 (INT), Mark 12:38–40 (INT), Luke 11:37–54 (INT); 18:9–14 (INT); 20:45–47 (INT)

Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem

Near Jerusalem

Matthew 23:37–39 (INT), Luke 13:34–35 (INT)

Why Did Jesus Weep Beside Jerusalem?

Olivet Discourse: Signs of Second Coming

Mount of Olives

Matthew 24 (INT), Mark 13 (INT), Luke 12:37–48 (INT); 17:20–37 (INT); 21:5–38 (INT)

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1

Holy Land Site

Parable: Ten virgins

Mount of Olives

Matthew 25:1–13 (INT), Luke see 12:35–36 (INT)

D&C 45:56–59

Church Video

Parable: Talents

Mount of Olives

Matthew 25:14–30 (INT)

Church Video

Parable: Sheep, goats

Mount of Olives

Matthew 25:31–46 (INT)

Church Video

Jesus Prophesied his Crucifixion in two days

Near Jerusalem

Matthew 26:2 (INT)

Wednesday: Conspiracy at Caiaphas’s palace

Jerusalem, High Priest's house, see map below

Matthew 26:3–5 (INT), Mark 14:1–2 (INT)

Feast with Simon the Pharisee

Bethany

Matthew 26:6 (INT), Mark 14:3 (INT), Luke 7:36 (INT)

An unnamed woman anointed Jesus. (Ordinance of High Priesthood, associated with Yom Kippur. Preparatory for Christ's Atoning Sacrifice.)

Bethany

Matthew 26:7–13 (INT), Mark 14:3–9 (INT), Luke 7:37–50 (INT)

Jesus Forgives Sinful Woman

Judas’s conspiracy to betray Jesus

Jerusalem

Matthew 26:14–16 (INT), Mark 14:10–11 (INT), Luke 22:1–6 (INT)

The first day of unleavened bread (According to the Synoptic Gospels)

Jerusalem

Matthew 26:17–19 (INT), Mark 14:12–16 (INT), Luke 22:7–13 (INT)

Eve of the Passover (synoptic gospels conflict with John's account, and this is where the accounts get muddy)

Jerusalem

Matthew 26:20 (INT), Mark 14:17 (INT), Luke 22:13–14 (INT), John 13:1–2 (INT)

Last Supper:

Holy Land Site

Around 7:00 PM, after sundown, Jesus' Disciples participate in a Passover Seder

Jerusalem, Upper Room, see map below

Matthew 26:20 (INT), Mark 14:17 (INT), Luke 22:13–14 (INT), John 13:1–2 (INT)

The Last Supper and the Passover Feast

“One of you shall betray me”

Jerusalem, Upper Room

Matthew 26:21–24 (INT), Mark 14:18–21 (INT), Luke 22:21–23 (INT), John 13:18–22 (INT)

Church Video: The Last Supper

Judas identified

Jerusalem, Upper Room

Matthew 26:25 (INT), John 13:23–30 (INT)

Sacrament instituted

Jerusalem, Upper Room

Matthew 26:26–29 (INT), Mark 14:22–25 (INT), Luke 22:15–20 (INT)

Jesus washes disciples’ feet

Jerusalem, Upper Room

John 13:2–5 (INT)

Peter’s protest

Jerusalem, Upper Room

John 13:6–12 (INT)

JST, John 13:10–11

Jesus’ example

Jerusalem, Upper Room

John 13:13–17 (INT)

A new commandment

Jerusalem, Upper Room

John 13:31–35 (INT)

Jesus comforts the disciples

Jerusalem, Upper Room

John14:1–15 (INT)

Another Comforter

Jerusalem, Upper Room

John 14:16–31 (INT)

The True Vine

Jerusalem, Upper Room

John 15:1–8 (INT)

Love one another

Jerusalem, Upper Room

John 15:9–17 (INT)

Hatred of the world

Jerusalem, Upper Room

John 15:18–25 (INT)

The Spirit of truth testifies

Jerusalem, Upper Room

John 15:26–27 (INT)

Warnings to the Apostles

Jerusalem, Upper Room

John 16:1–6 (INT)

Opposition: Joy and sorrow

Jerusalem, Upper Room

John 16:17–30 (INT)

Prophecy: Flock to be scattered

Jerusalem, Upper Room

Matthew 26:31–32 (INT), Mark 14:27 (INT), John 16:31–33 (INT)

Sang hymn before retiring to Gethsemane (probably around 10:00 PM)

Jerusalem, Upper Room

Matthew 26:30 (INT), Mark 14:26 (INT)

The Great Hallel A traditional rendition of the Hallel being performed at the Western Wall

Jesus’ intercessory prayer

Jerusalem, Upper Room to Gethsemane

John 17 (INT)

Jesus Warns Peter and Offers the Intercessory Prayer

Thursday: Trial, the next morning

Jerusalem

Matthew 27:1 (INT), Mark 15:1 (INT), Luke 22:66 (INT), John 18:28 (INT)

Hearing before Caiaphas

Jerusalem

Matthew 27:1 (INT), Mark 15:1 (INT), Luke 22:66–71 (INT), John 18:24 (INT), 28 (INT)

Hearing before Pilate (around 6:30)

Jerusalem

Matthew 27:2 (INT), 11–14 (INT), Mark 15:1–5 (INT), Luke 23:1–6 (INT), John 18:28–38 (INT)

Judas’s remorse and death

Temple

Matthew 27:3–10 (INT)

Hearing before Herod (sent around 7:00 am)

Jerusalem

Luke 23:7–10 (INT)

Herod and soldiers mock Jesus

Jerusalem

Luke 23:11–12 (INT)

Second hearing before Pilate

Antonia fortress, see map below

Matthew 27:15–31 (INT), Mark 15:6–15 (INT), Luke 23:11–17 (INT)

Holy Land Sites

Barabbas released (around 8:00 am compare with Yom Kippur scapegoat)

Antonia fortress

Matthew 27:15–21, 26 (INT), Mark 15:6–15 (INT), Luke 23:18–25 (INT), John 18:39–40 (INT)

Pilate washed his hands to proclaim his innocence

Antonia fortress

Matthew 27:24–25 (INT), Luke see 23:4 (INT), 14 (INT), 22 (INT), John see 19:4 (INT)

Church Video: Jesus Is Condemned Before Pilate, My Kingdom is Not of this World

Clothed in Purple Robes & Crown of Thorns

Matthew 27:29 (INT), Mark 15:17 (INT), John 19:2 (INT)

πορφύρα, אַרְגָמָן (Purple was symbolic of the Ancient Temple clothing & Veil. The thorns may be related to the acacia tree, the same type of tree that was used to make the Ark of the Covenant.)

Shittah Thorn Trees

Tyrian Purple

Jesus carries his own cross to Golgotha

Outside Jerusalem gates, actual site debated

Matthew 27:32–34 (INT), Mark 15:20–23 (INT), Luke 23:26–31 (INT), John 19:13–17 (INT)

Holy Land Sites

The Crucifixion Matthew says 3rd hour (9:00am) John says 6th hour (12:00 PM)

Calvary

Matthew 27:35–44 (INT), Mark 15:24–33 (INT), Luke 23:32–43 (INT), John 19:18–22 (INT)

Helaman 14:20–27; 3 Nephi 8:5–22; 10:9

Church Video: Jesus Is Scourged and Crucified

Jesus speaks to two theives

Calvary

Luke 23:39-43 (INT)

Soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ robe

Calvary

Matthew 27:35 (INT), Mark 15:24 (INT), Luke 23:34 (INT), John 19:23–24 (INT)

The sign: King of the Jews

Calvary

Matthew 27:37 (INT), Mark 15:26 (INT), Luke 23:38 (INT), John 19:19–22 (INT)

Darkness for 3 hours

Calvary

Matthew 27:45 (INT), Mark 15:33–36 (INT), Luke 23:44–45 (INT)

Jesus offered vinegar to drink from a branch of hyssop

Calvary

Matthew 27:48 (INT), Mark 15:36 (INT), Luke , John 19:29-30 (INT)

Last Words: Jesus’ mother put in John’s care,

John 19:26-27 (INT)

Jesus calls out to his Father, “Eli, Elu, lama sabachthani?”

Matthew 27:46 (INT), Mark 15:34 (INT)

Death of Jesus Christ (9th hour, around 3:00 PM, the same time that the Passover lambs at the Temple are being slain)

Matthew 27:46–50 (INT), Mark 15:37 (INT), Luke 23:46 (INT), John 19:28–30 (INT)

Earthquake: Veil of temple rent

Jerusalem

Matthew 27:51–53 (INT), Mark 15:38 (INT), Luke 23:45 (INT)

Pierced by a spear (around 3:15 PM)

Calvary

John 19:31–34 (INT)

Passover scripture fulfilled

Calvary

John 19:35–37 (INT)

Watchers near the cross

Calvary

Matthew 27:54–56 (INT), Mark 15:39–41 (INT), Luke 23:47–49 (INT)

Jesus’ burial (Around 4:00 PM in hasty preparation for the Passover Sabbath)

Near Jerusalem

Matthew 27:57–61 (INT), Mark 15:42–47 (INT), Luke 23:50–56 (INT), John 19:38–42 (INT)

Church Video: Jesus Is Laid in a Tomb

Chief priests and Pharisees seal the tomb

Near Jerusalem

Matthew 27:62–66 (INT)

Beginning of Passover Sabbath, Thursday evening at sunset, around 7:00 PM.(night 1)

Good Friday continuation of Passover until sunset on Friday evening (night 2)

Saturday, 2nd Sabbath Day (night 3)

Resurrection Morning: Sunday Earthquake, angels open tomb

Matthew 28:1–2 (INT), Luke 24:1–2 (INT)

JST, Matthew 28:1–2

Church Video: Jesus Is Resurrected

Women come to Tomb, find the stone rolled away, see the angels, and run to tell the apostles

Luke 23:55-56 (INT) - 24:1-11 (INT), John 20:1–2 (INT)

Peter and John run to the tomb

Near Jerusalem

Luke 24:12, 24 (INT), John 20:3–10 (INT)

Mary returns to the open tomb, “Woman, why weepest thou?”

Near Jerusalem

John 20:11–13 (INT)

“Touch me not”

Near Jerusalem

John 20:14–17 (INT)

Disciples told but disbelieve

Near Jerusalem

Mark 16:10–11 (INT), Luke 24:9–11 (INT), John 20:18 (INT)

Two Marys come to the tomb

Near Jerusalem

Matthew 28:1 (INT), Mark 16:1–4 (INT), Luke 23:55 (INT); 24:3 (INT)

Angels: “He is risen”

Near Jerusalem

Matthew 28:2–8 (INT), Mark 16:5–8 (INT), Luke 24:4–8 (INT)

Women meet Jesus

Near Jerusalem

Matthew 28:9–10 (INT), Mark 16:9 (INT)

Officials bribe soldiers

Near Jerusalem

Matthew 28:11–15 (INT)

Jesus appears to two disciples

Emmaus

Mark 16:12 (INT), Luke 24:13–32 (INT)

Church Video

Two tell others who disbelieve

Jerusalem

Mark 16:13 (INT), Luke 24:33–35 (INT)

Evening: Jesus appears to disciples

Jerusalem

Mark 16:14 (INT), Luke 24:36–49 (INT), John 20:19–23 (INT)

Church Videos: The Risen Lord Jesus Christ Appears to the Apostles

Thomas, absent, does not believe

Jerusalem

John 20:24–25 (INT)

Eight days later: With Thomas

Jerusalem

John 20:26–29 (INT)

Church Video: Blessed Are They That Have Not Seen, and Yet Have Believed - Thomas of the Bible

Church Videos & Resources

Easter Day-by-Day
The Last Week of the Savior's Life
The Savior's Final Week at a Glance
The Last Supper (John 13: 1-35)
Jesus Warns Peter and Offers the Intercessory Prayer (Luke 22: 31-34)
The Savior Suffers in Gethsemane (Matthew 26: 36-57)
Jesus Is Tried by Caiaphas; Peter Denies Knowing Him (Matthew 26: 57-75)
Jesus Is Condemned Before Pilate (Matthew 27: 1-2, 11-25)
Jesus Is Scourged and Crucified (Matthew 27: 26-50)
Jesus Is Laid in a Tomb (Matthew 27: 57-60)
Jesus Is Resurrected (John 20: 3-18)
He Is Risen (John 20: 11-17)
For God So Loved the World (John 3:16)
To This End Was I Born
My Kingdom Is Not of This World
The Risen Lord Jesus Christ Appears to the Apostles (Luke 24:36-41, 44-49)
Blessed Are They That Have Not Seen, and Yet Have Believed - Thomas of the Bible (John 20: 24-29)
He is Risen: John the Beloved's Witness of the Resurrection

Family Activities

Scripture Central

Study Guide

Know Whys

Reading Plan

Structure your personal scripture study by following a 15-minute, day-by-day plan. Each day's assignment includes the required scripture passages from the Come, Follow Me curriculum, as well as suggestions for additional resources to bring context and understanding to your study. For the best experience, use our Reading Plan in the free ScripturePlus app! You can track your progress and have access to the best resources.

Monday

Scripture: 1 Nephi 11:24-33
Commentary: 1 Nephi 11:25-27
Commentary: 1 Nephi 11:28-31
KnoWhy: Why Was Jesus Put On Trial and Crucified?

BYU’s RSC

Messages of Christ

Holy Week (This link takes you to Daniel's Blog site, and it has a fantastic overview with numerous videos that are excellent. I suggest binging them all!)
Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb
Palm Sunday and the Triumphal Entry
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
The Anointing of Jesus by Women
The Last Supper and the Passover Feast HD
The Setting of the Last Supper
Holy Week: Gethsemane
Holy Week: The True Lamb of God
The Trial of Jesus: His Blood Be On Us
What was crucifixion like?
The Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross
The Women at the Cross of Jesus
Holy Week: Day of Agony
Mary Magdalene, the First Witness
Doubting Thomas or Witness of Christ

Video Tours of the Holy Land