HOLY WEEK: THE VICTORIOUS KING
March 30-April 4
SCRIPTURE
“Surely this man was the Son of God.”
Mark 15:33–39
DEVOTIONAL
There is a silence that settles over Holy Week.
After the arguments about greatness, after the healings and parables, after the steady walk toward Jerusalem, everything narrows to a hill and a cross. The noise of the crowds fades. The sky darkens. The Son of God hangs between heaven and earth.
It is tempting to move quickly past this moment. We know what comes next. We know the tomb will not stay closed. But Holy Week asks us to remain here a little longer.
At the cross, we see what sin costs. Not in abstract language, but in flesh and blood. We see what love does when it refuses to turn away. Jesus does not defend Himself. He does not call down rescue. He stays.
The crucifixion is not a tragedy of misplaced hope. It is the obedience of the Son. The One who spoke of ransom now becomes it. The One who taught about surrender now embodies it. The King reigns from wood and nails.
When Jesus cries out, we are reminded that redemption is not distant from pain. God does not save from afar. He enters into suffering and carries it.
Holy Week invites us to look at the cross honestly. To allow its weight to settle. To see both the seriousness of our sin and the steadiness of God’s mercy. The torn curtain reminds us that access has been opened. What was once separated has been brought near.
And yet, we do not rush toward triumph. We sit in the quiet of what it took.
This week, let your heart slow down. Let gratitude deepen. Let the cross reshape how lightly you treat grace.
The King we follow is crucified. And that changes everything.
FASTING PRACTICE
Fast: Choose One of the Previous Fasts
During Holy Week, return to one of the fasting practices you have already experienced during Lent.
Re-enter that fast intentionally. Ask yourself:
What did this fast reveal about my heart earlier in Lent? What is God inviting me to surrender more deeply now?
Let this chosen fast accompany you as you reflect on the cross.
REFLECTION PROMPTS
PRAYER
Jesus,
I do not want to rush past the cross.
I want to understand it more fully.
Thank You for bearing what I could not bear.
Thank You for absorbing judgment so that I might receive mercy.
Thank You for remaining faithful when the cost was everything.
Expose in me any casual attitude toward grace.
Deepen my gratitude.
Strengthen my obedience.
As I return to this fast, continue the work You began.
Reveal where pride still lingers.
Reveal where surrender remains partial.
Help me see You clearly
not only as teacher, not only as healer,
but as the crucified Son of God.
Prepare my heart for resurrection.
Let Easter not be familiar, but transforming.
Amen
“Surely this man was the Son of God.”
Mark 15:33–39
DEVOTIONAL
There is a silence that settles over Holy Week.
After the arguments about greatness, after the healings and parables, after the steady walk toward Jerusalem, everything narrows to a hill and a cross. The noise of the crowds fades. The sky darkens. The Son of God hangs between heaven and earth.
It is tempting to move quickly past this moment. We know what comes next. We know the tomb will not stay closed. But Holy Week asks us to remain here a little longer.
At the cross, we see what sin costs. Not in abstract language, but in flesh and blood. We see what love does when it refuses to turn away. Jesus does not defend Himself. He does not call down rescue. He stays.
The crucifixion is not a tragedy of misplaced hope. It is the obedience of the Son. The One who spoke of ransom now becomes it. The One who taught about surrender now embodies it. The King reigns from wood and nails.
When Jesus cries out, we are reminded that redemption is not distant from pain. God does not save from afar. He enters into suffering and carries it.
Holy Week invites us to look at the cross honestly. To allow its weight to settle. To see both the seriousness of our sin and the steadiness of God’s mercy. The torn curtain reminds us that access has been opened. What was once separated has been brought near.
And yet, we do not rush toward triumph. We sit in the quiet of what it took.
This week, let your heart slow down. Let gratitude deepen. Let the cross reshape how lightly you treat grace.
The King we follow is crucified. And that changes everything.
FASTING PRACTICE
Fast: Choose One of the Previous Fasts
During Holy Week, return to one of the fasting practices you have already experienced during Lent.
- Social media and phone use
- Sweets or comfort foods
- TV and streaming
- Caffeine
- Non-essential shopping
- One meal
Re-enter that fast intentionally. Ask yourself:
What did this fast reveal about my heart earlier in Lent? What is God inviting me to surrender more deeply now?
Let this chosen fast accompany you as you reflect on the cross.
REFLECTION PROMPTS
- What does the cross reveal about the seriousness of sin?
- What does it reveal about the depth of God’s mercy?
PRAYER
Jesus,
I do not want to rush past the cross.
I want to understand it more fully.
Thank You for bearing what I could not bear.
Thank You for absorbing judgment so that I might receive mercy.
Thank You for remaining faithful when the cost was everything.
Expose in me any casual attitude toward grace.
Deepen my gratitude.
Strengthen my obedience.
As I return to this fast, continue the work You began.
Reveal where pride still lingers.
Reveal where surrender remains partial.
Help me see You clearly
not only as teacher, not only as healer,
but as the crucified Son of God.
Prepare my heart for resurrection.
Let Easter not be familiar, but transforming.
Amen