February 14, 2016

Holy Week Study Resources

One of the things that has helped me better prepare for Easter each year is to take up a study of Holy Week about a month before the actual holiday. Christian Lent (the forty-six days before Easter Sunday) is a great time to begin, and gives you plenty of time to read at least one book and to review each of the four Gospel accounts of the last week of Jesus' life. Adding this to my study during the month before Easter, makes this special day become all the more holy. Below are a few of the books I have enjoyed reading to prepare for Holy Week:

God So Loved the World by Eric D. Huntsman
One of my favorite books on the Holy Week. Written by BYU professor Eric Huntsman, this book examines each of the days of Holy Week. The book is designed to read one chapter, each day of the week; Palm Sunday on Sunday, Maundy Thursday on Thursday, etc. Also, includes recommended music to listen to during the week.

A Lively Hope by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel
Excellent book about the last days of the life of Jesus Christ. The book is broken into chapters for each of the four Gospels, and discusses the unique aspects of each Gospel. Great resource if you are wanting a deeper study into the suffering, death, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus Christ.

The Last Week by Marcus J. Borg & John D. Crossan
In-depth study of the Gospel of Mark in relationship to the Last Week of Christ's life. Very detailed and scholarly look at the shortest version of the four Gospel narratives.

A Crucified Christ in Holy Week and 
A Risen Christ in Eastertime by Raymond E. Brown
Written by one of the most recognized Catholic Professors in the world, Raymond Brown goes into great detail discussing each of the four gospel narratives as it relates to the Passion of Christ. Though written for Catholic priests, it is a wonderful, short resource for Holy Week.

His Final Hours by W. Jeffery Marsh
Easy to read and understand, this resource by BYU Professor Jeffery Marsh covers the last hours of Christ's life. This book covers the events by chronological event, Last Supper, Gethsemane, etc. instead of by discussing the Passion in the context of each of the four Gospel narratives. Great resource for those who are not very familiar with Holy Week, and want a more basic overview.

Gethsemane, Golgotha, and 
The Garden Tomb by Andrew C. Skinner
Three short volumes written by BYU professor Andrew Skinner. Each volume discusses historical background, and insights into the importance of Gethsemane, Golgotha, and the Garden Tomb.

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