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April 4, 2026

The Emotions of Holy Week

David Wilson   |   Read Matthew 27:57-66

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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.

Matthew 27:57-66

57 That evening a man named Joseph came. He was a rich man from Arimathea who had become a disciple of Jesus. 58 He came to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission to take it. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had carved out of the rock. After he rolled a large stone at the door of the tomb, he went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting in front of the tomb. 62 The next day, which was the day after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate. 63 They said, “Sir, we remember that while that deceiver was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will arise.’ 64 Therefore, order the grave to be sealed until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people, ‘He’s been raised from the dead.’ This last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate replied, “You have soldiers for guard duty. Go and make it as secure as you know how.” 66 Then they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.

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

I think of the types of loss that we face in our lives. Some losses are expected after long illnesses, and some losses are sudden. In whatever way death comes, we are never fully prepared for it. We face the various forms of grief that are natural to all of...

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Creator God, give me words of hope to speak to those who are grieving this day. Amen.


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