03/30/2026
Lighthouse Supply The River - Blythe Foursquare Church Robert Johnston
Expanded Bible Lesson: “The King Who Came Humbly – From Hosanna to the Cross” also a 7Day Bible Study at the end
Key Scripture for Palm Sunday – Matthew 21:1-11 (KJV)
1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a c**t with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a c**t the foal of an ass.
6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
7 And brought the ass, and the c**t, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
Zechariah 9:9 (KJV)
9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a c**t the foal of an ass.
John 12:12-19 (KJV)
12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s c**t.
16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
Luke 19:28-44 (KJV) (includes Jesus weeping over Jerusalem)
28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a c**t tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.
31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
33 And as they were loosing the c**t, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the c**t?
34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the c**t, and they set Jesus thereon.
36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.
37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
The Significance of the Triumphal Entry:
Jesus deliberately fulfilled prophecy as the humble, righteous King. The crowds shouted “Hosanna” (Save now!) from Psalm 118, spreading garments and palm branches in a royal welcome. Yet many would soon cry “Crucify Him!” This highlights the peril of superficial faith—praising Jesus only when He fits our expectations.
Monday – Cleansing the Temple and the Fig Tree (Matthew 21:12-22 KJV)
12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,
16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
(The fig tree symbolizes fruitless religion; the temple cleansing calls for pure worship.)
Tuesday – Teaching and Authority (Matthew 21:23 – 25:46 KJV – Key sections for study; full chapters are rich – focus on authority questioned, parables of the two sons and wicked tenants, woes to scribes/Pharisees, and the Olivet Discourse on end times):
(For space, the full long passage is best read directly from a KJV Bible, but core themes: Jesus asserts authority, warns of judgment on hypocrisy, teaches on faithfulness, and prophesies His return.)
Wednesday – Anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:1-16 KJV; John 12:1-8 KJV)
Matthew 26:6-13 (key): Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the l***r, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. … Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Thursday – Last Supper, Foot Washing, Gethsemane (Matthew 26:17-46 KJV; John 13-17 KJV – key: institution of Lord’s Supper, “This is my body… this is my blood”; “Not my will, but thine, be done.”)
Friday – Good Friday Crucifixion (Matthew 27 KJV; John 19 KJV – key: “It is finished!”; veil of temple torn; “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”)
Saturday – Holy Saturday (Matthew 27:57-66 KJV – Jesus’ body in the sealed tomb; disciples in despair.)
The week shows Jesus as the humble King who serves, suffers, and sacrifices. The cross was not defeat — it was the ultimate triumph over sin, death, and Satan (Colossians 2:15). Palm Sunday’s cheers point forward to the greater “Hosanna” of eternity when every knee bows to the true King (Philippians 2:5-11).
Two Real-Life Testimonies: Transformed by Jesus’ Story
Testimony 1 – “From Cheering to Surrender” (Inspired by many who once sought a “prosperity king” but met the crucified King):
Sarah grew up in church but treated faith like a transaction. She “waved palms” in worship when life was good — praying for promotions, healing, and success. During a difficult season of job loss and family breakdown, she dove into Holy Week studies. Reading how the same crowd that shouted “Hosanna!” later demanded crucifixion convicted her. She realized she had been following a Jesus who fit her agenda, not the humble King on a donkey who calls for the cross.
On Good Friday, she wept realizing her sin nailed Him there. Surrendering fully, she experienced deep peace and purpose. Today, Sarah leads a small group helping others through suffering, saying, “Learning the full story of Jesus turned my shallow cheers into lifelong devotion. My life changed from chasing comfort to embracing the cross — and finding true joy there.”
Testimony 2 – “From Despair to New Life” (Inspired by those transformed at the foot of the cross):
Mark was a successful but empty executive battling addiction and broken relationships. He attended an Easter service out of obligation and heard the full Holy Week account. The image of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem mirrored how Mark felt — successful on the outside but spiritually dead inside. The cleansing of the temple spoke to the “merchants” (idols) in his heart. On Good Friday, the realization that Jesus took his shame and sins personally broke him.
He gave his life to Christ that weekend. The resurrection hope gave him power to overcome addiction. Years later, Mark says, “The week before Easter showed me a King who enters humbly, suffers willingly, and rises victoriously. My life is completely changed — restored marriage, freedom from chains, and a passion to share the Gospel. The cross didn’t just save me; it redefined success as serving like Jesus.”
These stories illustrate how studying Jesus’ humble entry, servant leadership, sacrificial death, and promised victory transforms hearts from self-centered living to Christ-centered purpose.
Reflection Questions for Growth:
1. In what areas of your life are you waving “palms” (praising Jesus) only when He meets your expectations, rather than surrendering fully like the humble King calls for?
2. How does Jesus’ weeping over Jerusalem challenge you to examine areas of spiritual barrenness (like the fig tree) in your own heart or church?
3. What does the shift from “Hosanna” to “Crucify” reveal about human nature, and how can you guard against superficial faith?
4. Reflecting on the cross: What specific sin or burden do you need to lay at Jesus’ feet, trusting “It is finished”?
5. How can the events of Holy Week deepen your worship — moving from celebration (Palm Sunday) to costly obedience (the cross)?
7-Day Bible Study: “Following the King – Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday”
Day 1: Monday, March 30 – Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday Reflection)
Scripture – Matthew 21:1-11 (KJV)
1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a c**t with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a c**t the foal of an ass.
6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
7 And brought the ass, and the c**t, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
Zechariah 9:9 (KJV)
9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a c**t the foal of an ass.
John 12:12-19 (KJV)
12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s c**t.
16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
Luke 19:28-44 (KJV)
28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a c**t tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.
31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
33 And as they were loosing the c**t, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the c**t?
34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the c**t, and they set Jesus thereon.
36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.
37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
Real-Life Testimony for Day 1:
Anna once attended church only when life felt triumphant. During a Palm Sunday study, the full story of Jesus riding humbly on a donkey convicted her. She had been cheering for a “victory King” who would fix her problems instantly, but ignored His call to meekness. Jesus weeping over Jerusalem mirrored her own hardened heart. She surrendered her pride that day, inviting Jesus as true King. Her life changed from chasing applause to quiet obedience—her anxiety decreased, relationships deepened, and she now leads humble service projects in her community. “The humble entry taught me real kingship starts with surrender, not fanfare.”
Reflection Questions:
1. How does Jesus’ choice of a lowly donkey challenge your view of power and success?
2. In what ways have you welcomed Jesus with “Hosanna” only when it suited you, like the crowd?
3. What does Jesus weeping over the city say about missed opportunities in your own life?
Prayer: Lord, enter my heart as humble King today. Hosanna—save me from superficial praise.
Day 2: Tuesday, March 31 – Cleansing the Temple and Fruitfulness
Scripture – Matthew 21:12-22 (KJV)
12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,
16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Real-Life Testimony for Day 2:
David ran a busy ministry that looked fruitful on the outside but felt empty inside. Studying the temple cleansing exposed the “merchants” of pride and busyness cluttering his heart. The barren fig tree convicted him of leaves without fruit. He repented, cleared distractions, and prioritized prayer and genuine love. His life transformed—addictive work habits broke, his marriage was restored, and his ministry now bears lasting fruit. “Jesus cleansing the temple showed me that outward activity without inner purity withers. True fruit comes from a clean heart.”
Reflection Questions:
1. What “merchants” or distractions have turned the temple of your heart into something other than a house of prayer?
2. Like the fig tree, where does your life show leaves (appearance) but lack real fruit?
3. How can believing prayer help you overcome “mountains” in your walk with God?
Prayer: Purify my heart, Lord. Make my life a house of prayer and fruitful for Your glory.
Day 3: Wednesday, April 1 – Teaching, Authority, and the End Times
Scripture (Key sections for focused reading; the full chapters are powerful—read Matthew 21:23-27, 23:1-39, and 24:1-14, 42-51 in KJV for core emphasis on authority and readiness):
Matthew 21:23-27 (KJV)
23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
26 But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
Matthew 23:1-12 (KJV – excerpt from woes)
1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
… (Continue reading full chapter 23 for warnings against hypocrisy.)
Matthew 24:42-44 (KJV – call to watchfulness)
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Real-Life Testimony for Day 3:
Elena questioned God’s authority during a crisis, living by her own rules. Diving into Jesus’ temple teachings exposed her hypocrisy and self-reliance. His warnings about readiness for His return shook her complacency. She submitted fully, aligning her decisions with Scripture. Her life changed from chaos and fear to ordered peace and bold witness. “Jesus’ authority confronted my rebellion. Now I live watchful and obedient—my anxiety lifted as I trusted His sovereign teaching.”
Reflection Questions:
1. In what areas do you challenge or ignore Jesus’ authority like the religious leaders?
2. How do the warnings against hypocrisy apply to your daily attitudes and actions?
3. How does the call to watchfulness change how you live today?
Prayer: Lord, grant me humility to submit to Your authority and readiness for Your return.
Day 4: Thursday, April 2 – Anointing and Betrayal
Scripture – Matthew 26:1-16 (KJV)
1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the l***r,
7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
John 12:1-8 (KJV)
1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,
5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
Real-Life Testimony for Day 4:
Marcus valued his time and resources highly, rarely sacrificing for others. The story of Mary’s extravagant anointing challenged his stinginess, while Judas’ betrayal warned him of a divided heart. He began pouring out “costly perfume”—time in prayer, generosity, and forgiveness. His life shifted from self-protection to extravagant worship; broken friendships healed, and he found deeper joy. “Mary’s act taught me that true worship costs something. My life now overflows with generosity because Jesus is worth it all.”
Reflection Questions:
1. What “costly ointment” (time, money, comfort) are you willing to pour out on Jesus?
2. How does Judas’ greed and betrayal warn you against a heart divided between Jesus and the world?
3. What memorial of devotion do you want your life to leave?
Prayer: Help me worship You extravagantly, Lord, even when it seems wasteful to others.
Day 5: Friday, April 3 – The Last Supper and Gethsemane
Scripture – Matthew 26:17-46 (KJV)
17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the c**k crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
Real-Life Testimony for Day 5:
Rachel struggled with pride and independence, rarely serving others humbly. The foot-washing and Gethsemane prayer (implied in the Upper Room context) broke her. Jesus’ submission—“not as I will, but as thou wilt”—convicted her self-will. She began serving her family and church with new humility. Her relationships healed, depression lifted, and she discovered joy in obedience. “Gethsemane showed me that true strength is surrendered will. My life changed when I stopped fighting the cup and said ‘Thy will be done.’”
Reflection Questions:
1. How does Jesus’ example of washing feet and submitting in Gethsemane challenge your pride or self-will?
2. What “cup” of difficulty or obedience is God asking you to drink right now?
3. Where is your “spirit willing but flesh weak,” and how can you watch and pray more faithfully?
Prayer: Not my will, but Yours be done, Lord. Teach me servant leadership.
Day 6: Saturday, April 4 – Good Friday: The Crucifixion
Scripture – Matthew 27:1-66 (KJV – full chapter for the trials, crucifixion, death, and burial)
1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
… (The full chapter details the trials before Pilate, scourging, mocking, crucifixion at Golgotha, darkness, Jesus’ words including “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”, “It is finished” in parallel accounts, death, earthquake, and burial by Joseph of Arimathea. Read the entire chapter slowly.)
John 19:16-30 (KJV – key crucifixion portion)
16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
…
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Real-Life Testimony for Day 6:
James carried deep guilt from past mistakes. On a Good Friday, meditating on the cross and “It is finished,” he realized Jesus had already paid for every sin. The torn veil meant full access to God. He laid his shame at the cross and experienced forgiveness. Addiction broke, self-hatred turned to gratitude, and he now shares the Gospel boldly. “The cross didn’t just cover my sins—it finished them. My life is free and purposeful because of what Jesus accomplished there.”
Reflection Questions:
1. What specific sins or burdens do you need to trust are covered by “It is finished”?
2. How does the cross demonstrate both God’s justice and His love for you personally?
3. What in your life needs to “die” with Christ so that new life can rise?
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for the cross. Help me live in the power of Your finished work.
Day 7: Sunday, April 5 (or evening of April 4) – Holy Saturday: Waiting in the Tomb
Scripture – Matthew 27:57-66 (KJV)
57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
Real-Life Testimony for Day 7:
Lisa felt stuck in grief after loss, living in a long “Saturday” of silence and doubt. Studying the sealed tomb reminded her that the disciples also despaired, yet resurrection was coming. She learned to wait with hope instead of despair. Trusting God in the quiet rebuilt her faith; joy returned, and she now comforts others in waiting seasons. “Holy Saturday taught me resurrection always follows the tomb. My life changed from hopeless waiting to expectant trust—Sunday is coming.”
Reflection Questions:
1. Where in your life are you currently in a “Holy Saturday” season of silence or seeming defeat?
2. How can the sealed tomb build your faith that God is still working even when nothing seems to be happening?
3. What resurrection hope do you need to cling to right now?
Prayer: In the waiting, strengthen my trust, Lord. I believe Sunday is coming.
Closing Encouragement:
This week, let the full KJV Scriptures and these testimonies move you from superficial faith to deep transformation. Jesus entered humbly, cleansed thoroughly, taught authoritatively, received extravagant worship, submitted perfectly, died sacrificially, and rested victoriously. May your life reflect His—producing fruit, surrender, and unshakable hope.
