Easter isn't just one Sunday — it's the climax of the Christian story. A well-planned series builds anticipation through Holy Week and arrives at Resurrection Sunday with maximum impact.
Palm Sunday: The King Nobody Expected
Text: Matthew 21:1-11. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, not a war horse. The crowd shouts "Hosanna" without understanding what kind of king He is. Theme: Our expectations of God vs. God's actual plan.
Maundy Thursday: The Last Supper
Text: John 13:1-17. Jesus washes feet — the lowest servant's task. If your church holds a Maundy Thursday service, this passage naturally leads into communion. Theme: Servant leadership as the mark of Christ-followers.
Good Friday: The Seven Last Words
Focus on one or more of Jesus' seven statements from the cross. "Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34), "It is finished" (John 19:30), or "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). Theme: The cost of redemption.
"Good Friday is the day we remember that God entered into suffering — not to explain it, but to transform it."
Holy Saturday: The Silent Day
The most overlooked day. The disciples didn't know Sunday was coming. They sat in grief, confusion, and shattered hope. Preach to the people in your congregation who are living in a "Saturday" season — between the promise and the fulfillment.
Resurrection Sunday: He Is Risen
Text: John 20:1-18. Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. She came expecting death and found life. This is the heartbeat of Christianity — the grave is empty, and everything changes. Theme: New life is possible because Jesus is alive.
Planning Tips
- Start planning 6-8 weeks before Easter
- Coordinate with worship team for musical themes that build across the series
- Consider visual elements: draping the cross, dimming lights for Good Friday
- Invite newcomers specifically for Easter — they're already looking for a church
- Follow up with an "After Easter" message the next week for visitors
Use SermonForge to quickly generate exegesis for all your Holy Week passages. Get a head start on each sermon so you can focus on the creative and pastoral elements.