Celebrate Holy Week with Your Kids

Holy Week is the pinnacle of the Christian year, from Palm Sunday, through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, ultimately culminating in Easter Sunday. In this week, we remember and celebrate Jesus' final days with his disciples before he suffered and died on the cross and won victory over the grave. No other religion has a deity who dies for the sins of the world and defeats the power of death by conquering the grave. Holy Week highlights the unique nature of God’s gospel of sacrificial love.

Celebrate the kingship of Jesus

For many Christians, Palm Sunday brings to mind children waving palm branches as they enter the church. Reflecting on Jesus's story, we remember his humble approach into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds proclaim, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38). While people recognize Jesus as king, he does not come in power but in humility. This gentle King sparks a revolution not against the Roman Empire, but against sin and death. He doesn’t need soldiers or a war horse; he comes with ordinary disciples and a humble donkey. Palm Sunday shows us that we serve a different type of king.

Encourage your children to join others at church in waving palm branches, involving them right from the beginning of Holy Week. Singing "Hosanna" while processing through the sanctuary beautifully affirms the kingship of Jesus. You might also inspire them to express their creativity through drawing, painting, or writing. For instance, they could draw two donkeys. Next to the first donkey, they can list descriptive words they associate with a king. Beside the second donkey, they can write words they link to Jesus. Are there any overlapping terms? What are the distinctions? This activity encourages your children to think critically about who Jesus truly is and how he stands apart from today’s world leaders.

Practice mutual service

Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus' last meal with his disciples before his crucifixion, focusing on his command to “love one another.” He emphasizes his sacrifice by explaining that the bread and wine represent his body and blood, urging them to remember him and anticipate his return. Maundy Thursday reflects on the Last Supper while promoting mutual service.

In humility, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, stating, “I came not to be served, but to serve" (Matt. 20:28). Although Peter objects, Jesus responds, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me" (John 13:8), signifying the need to cleanse followers of sin. By washing their feet, Jesus illustrates his teachings: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know you are my disciples" (John 13:34-35).

Foot washing may feel out of place today since it’s rarely seen in hospitality settings. Yet, it is an age-old Christian custom observed on Maundy Thursday. We utilize bowls of water and towels to symbolize our love for one another. Although this practice is commonly held in churches, it can also be embraced at home with your children. Picture their astonishment if a parent were to wash their feet at the dining room table, setting aside authority to express love. If siblings wash each other’s feet, they may learn to love and care for one another. Although foot washing might seem strange, joyfully embracing it conveys Jesus’ message of love to your children.

Celebrating God’s big love

Good Friday is the most solemn day for Christians. We mourn our Savior’s death while praising his selfless love, which embodies both tragedy and grace. Jesus completes his mission by becoming human to save the world. We remember his death and reflect on his agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, Judas’ betrayal, and Peter’s denials. This day reveals humanity’s sins against God while also showcasing our Creator’s unmatched love. Though creatures sought to be like the Creator, he chose to die for them to guide their return to him.

Some families may adorn a cross with purple strips during Lent, and by Holy Week, it becomes a vibrant piece of art. Good Friday is an occasion to gradually remove each strip. Once the cross is bare, drape a black fabric over it to represent Jesus’ death. This moment creates a chance to discuss openly with your children the reality of death and to acknowledge that injustices happen both globally and within your community. Jesus’ death symbolizes the ultimate injustice, as he was completely innocent. This discussion may stir memories of deceased grandparents. Be present with any grief these memories evoke for you or your children. You might feel tempted to hurry towards Easter Sunday’s resurrection, but try to resist this impulse; instead, allow yourself to sit with the grief and reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus.

Hope is around the corner

Easter Sunday is drawing near, but before that comes Holy Saturday: a long day when Jesus lies in the grave, appearing defeated. It’s a time of confusion, grief, and pain for the disciples, presenting an opportunity for today’s Christians to confront the discomfort of loss. While we might be inclined to rush to Sunday, we must first navigate through Saturday. This is a moment to lament like the writers of the Psalms and express our fears and concerns to God. On Holy Saturday, God reminds us that much of life is spent in anticipation of resurrection. We feel the pain and confusion the disciples faced whenever we suffer injustice or witness the oppression of others, yet we cling to the hope that resurrection awaits us in the future.