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April 3, 2026

The Emotions of Holy Week

David Wilson   |   Read John 18:1-19

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Lectionary Week
March 30–April 5, 2026
Scripture Overview

Although we anticipate the celebration of Easter, this week’s readings remind us to slow down and walk through Holy Week. The passage from Hebrews recalls the suffering of Jesus on the Cross, and Psalm 36 provides poetic imagery of the suffering servant. Both lead us to keep our focus on Jesus. The readings from John and Matthew guide us through the emotions of Jesus’ journey to the Cross—betrayal, conflict, denial, and hope. These themes guide us along the journey of Holy Week and empower our Easter response: to share the story of resurrection and to live out the command to love one another.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Isaiah 42:1-9. How have you responded to God’s call on your life? How often has that call changed?
Read Psalm 36:5-11. What would your poem to God look like this week?
Read Hebrews 12:1-3. How do you stay focused on Jesus? What imagery in this passage do you think relates to staying focused?
Read Matthew 28:1-10. Think about a time that you had good news to share and could not keep it to yourself.

Respond by posting a prayer.

John 18:1-19

1 After he said these things, Jesus went out with his disciples and crossed over to the other side of the Kidron Valley. He and his disciples entered a garden there. 2 Judas, his betrayer, also knew the place because Jesus often gathered there with his disciples. 3 Judas brought a company of soldiers and some guards from the chief priests and Pharisees. They came there carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus knew everything that was to happen to him, so he went out and asked, “Who are you looking for?” 5 They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He said to them, “I Am.” (Judas, his betrayer, was standing with them.) 6 When he said, “I Am,” they shrank back and fell to the ground. 7 He asked them again, “Who are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you, ‘I Am.’If you are looking for me, then let these people go.” 9 This was so that the word he had spoken might be fulfilled: “I didn’t lose anyone of those whom you gave me.” 10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus told Peter, “Put your sword away! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given me?” 12 Then the company of soldiers, the commander, and the guards from the Jewish leaders took Jesus into custody. They bound him 13 and led him first to Annas. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. ( 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it was better for one person to die for the people.) 15 Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Because this other disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard. 16 However, Peter stood outside near the gate. Then the other disciple (the one known to the high priest) came out and spoke to the woman stationed at the gate, and she brought Peter in. 17 The servant woman stationed at the gate asked Peter, “Aren’t you one of this man’s disciples?” “I’m not,” he replied. 18 The servants and the guards had made a fire because it was cold. They were standing around it, warming themselves. Peter joined them there, standing by the fire and warming himself. 19 Meanwhile, the chief priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Betrayal is one of the most difficult emotions to experience. Betrayal comes in many forms, some of which come from those closest to us. Betrayal is hard to overcome. It takes time, prayer, and patience to forgive those who betray us. Often the closer we are to a person who...

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Loving God, assist me always as I work to get it right as I serve you and your kingdom. Amen.


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