Yesterday was Palm Sunday, which marked the beginning of the last week of Christ’s life over 2,000 years ago. It was on this day that Christ entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey while all those who recognized Him as their King shouted “Hosanna” and laid a path of palm leaves. As we approach this sacred week in history, it is important to step away from stuffed rabbits and dyed eggs to really reflect and focus on the Savior.
Bookmark or pin this page to revist every day (follow us on Facebook or on Twitter for reminders), and then click through to read brief summaries of the events in Christ's life each day of the week along with a quick less-than-five-minute activity to help keep your family focused on the true meaning of Easter.
Monday, April 14
On This Day: Christ cleanses the temple of the moneychangers and those selling Passover sacrifices. He heals the blind and lame before returning to lodge in Bethany. (Matthew 21: 12-17, also Mark 11: 27-33)
Listen
Reflect: How can you draw closer to the Savior through studying about and attending the temple? What makes the temple a sacred part of the Easter season?
Tuesday, April 15
On This Day: Jesus teaches in the temple on the Mount of Olives. Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus to the priests in exchange for 30 pieces of silver.
Watch
Reflect: How can you strengthen your testimony of the Savior’s atonement and resurrection this week?
Wednesday, April 16
On This Day: Jesus most likely spends the day teaching His disciples, though the scriptures do not say for certain what He did on this day.
Read: Excerpts from a talk by Elder Marion G. Romney titled Easter Thoughts:
While it is impossible to grasp the full significance of resurrection, its reality should never be far from our thoughts.
Great is the debt we owe to our Redeemer for our resurrection. But this is not the final goal. Attaining to immortality is a prerequisite to, but it is not necessarily the same as attaining eternal life. Immortality denotes length of life—deathless. Eternal life denotes quality of life—the quality of life God enjoys.
In conclusion now, I bear my personal witness to the truth of these things which I have uttered. I know by the spirit of the Holy Ghost that they are true. Jesus lives; he is the Son of God. He came to earth as the Only Begotten of the Father. He conquered death, raised his own body from the grave, and implemented the power of resurrection for all men.
I know that through his suffering in Gethsemane and during his crucifixion he brought about the means by which, through repentance and obedience to the laws of his gospel, we may be raised not only to immortality but also to eternal life, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God. To this I bear solemn witness in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
Reflect: What does “eternal life” mean and why is God's work and glory to help us attain it? Which commandment can you be more obedient to this week to help you reach exaltation?
Thursday, April 17
On This Day: Jesus and His disciples celebrate the Passover meal. During this meal, Jesus introduces the sacred ordinance of the sacrament as a reminder of his sacrifice. He takes Peter, James, and John with Him to the Garden of Gethsemane where He prays to His Father and bleeds from every pore as He suffers for the sins of all mankind. He is betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested at sword point as His apostles scatter in fear. (Matthew 26:17-29, 36-56)
Listen
Reflect: What sins or trials do you have in your life that the Savior has atoned for? How can you begin to take steps to give them up and use the Atonement in your life?
Friday, April 18
On This Day: Peter denies knowing the Savior. Jesus is taken to the high priest, Caiaphas and later questioned by Herod, the king, and Pilate, the governor. Jesus is condemned to death by crucifixion. He is crucified on Golgotha, commends His spirit to His Father, and dies. Joseph of Aramethea takes the body of Jesus to the tomb, where is is prepared for burial.
**In the Americas, great storms and destruction come to the land. Many people are injured and killed as a thick darkness descends. The darkness remains for three days. (3 Nephi 8)
Watch
Reflect: How can you do a better job of standing as a witness of Christ?
Saturday, April 19
On This Day: A large stone is placed in front of the tomb where Jesus’s body rests. Guards are placed outside the tomb at Pilate’s command to make sure no one steals the body. (Matthew 27:57-66)
**In the Americas, the people endure another day of darkness and great sorrow. It is most likely on this day that they also hear voice of the Savior describing the destruction of the land, explaining the fulfillment of the law of Moses, and inviting all the survivors to come unto Him. (3 Nephi 9 and 10)
Watch
Reflect: How do you know the Savior loves you? Watch for evidence of this in your life today.
Sunday, April 20
On This Day: Jesus is resurrected! An angel moves the stone from the tomb and tells Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome that the Lord is risen from the dead. The women run to tell the disciples. Later Christ appears to Mary Magdalene and His disciples. He commands them to go out and preach the glad tidings of the gospel. (Mark 16)
**In the Americas, light returns to the land and the earth heals itself. (3 Nephi 10:9-10)
Reflect: How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ bring light to your life? What can you do during the upcoming year to remember the message of Easter and apply it in your family's everyday life?
BONUS: If you have a half hour on Sunday afternoon, you might consider watching this Easter compilation of LDS.org Bible videos.