A Simple Holy Week Guide for Families (With Free Printables)

Holy week is such a special time for Christians as we approach Resurrection Sunday, but we aren’t always sure how to walk through it with our families.

This year, I wanted something simple. Something that helps us slow down, reflect, and place our hearts on Jesus in the days leading up to Easter.

What is Holy Week?

Holy week is the week leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each day of the week, starting on Palm Sunday, we walk daily through the final days of Jesus’ life and finish on Resurrection Sunday. As we dive into God’s word each day as a family, we reflect, prepare, and remember the sacrifice Jesus paid on the cross for our sins. Thank you, Jesus!

Why Observe Holy Week as a Family?

When we observe holy week as a family, it will intentionally refocus our hearts together. This then allows us to slow down as a family and come together in God’s Word. Additionally, Easter is often seen in the world as egg hunts, bunnies, and Easter baskets, but when we walk through it as a family, we help our kids understand Easter is beyond eggs/baskets. It’s a special time to disciple our kids in why Easter is so important to our family and why we celebrate it in the first place.

A Simple Way to Walk Through Holy Week at Home

As we walk through Holy Week at home as a family, it doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Instead, it’s less about doing more and more and more about keeping it simple and consistent. By setting aside 10-15 minutes each day, you can read scripture together and discuss God’s Word as a family.

Free Holy Week Scripture Printable for Families

I created a simple printable with Scripture readings for each day of Holy Week to help you walk through this week with your family in a meaningful but manageable way. Enter your email below to download your free Holy Week Scripture printable.

Holy Week Bible Reading Plan (Day by Day)

Palm Sunday – Jesus’ triumphant entry

Read: Matthew 21:1-11, John 12:12-19

Monday – Jesus cleanses the temple

Read: Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-19

Tuesday – Authority and teachings

Read: Matthew 21:23-46, Mark 11:27-33

Wednesday – Jesus is betrayed

Read: Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11

Thursday – Washing feet and The Lord’s supper

Read: John 13:1-17, Matthew 26:26-29

Friday – The crucifixion

Read: Matthew 27:1-56, John 19:1-37

Saturday – The waiting

Read: Matthew 27:57-66, Mark 15:40-47

Sunday – He is risen

Read: Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20, John 20:1-30

Keep It Simple

Remember this- it’s less about perfection and more about consistency. Some days our kids will behave well and listen quietly, and the next day it’s loud with so many distractions. Either way, the Holy Spirit is working in our kids’ hearts and ours. When we spend time discipling our kids in God’s Word, no time spent is ever wasted. We can have faith that seeds are being planted in their little hearts and will later sprout beautifully in God’s perfect timing.

Preparing Your Heart for Easter

As we approach this week, let’s not get caught up in the details of how we picture the days going, but rather slow it down and keep it simple and consistent. God isn’t after our perfections; He’s after our hearts. Finally, pray this week as a family, spend time in His Word together, and have fun together. Let us keep our eyes and hearts on remembering Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and the hope we have in His resurrection.

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  Family Discipleship

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