This Holy Week Devotional: Two Processions is based on the Palm Sunday sermon by the Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon. It invites us to reflect on some of the key moments in Scripture leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Neil draws a powerful contrast between two processions entering Jerusalem: one of imperial power led by Pontius Pilate, and one of peace and humility led by Jesus. This contrast runs through the heart of Holy Week and asks each of us a question:
Each day from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday offers a short reflection, a Scripture reading, and a prayer, helping us walk with Jesus through the events of his final week and to recommit ourselves to his way of love, service, and resurrection hope. Whether you are reading on your own, in a group, or as part of church life, we hope this devotional helps you walk closely with Jesus through Holy Week, paying attention to his example, his sacrifice, and the invitation to follow him more deeply.
Palm Sunday: The Choice of Processions
Reading: Luke 19.28–40
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!”
Two processions enter Jerusalem. From the West comes Pilate, the Roman Governor, with the full force of the Empire. From the East, from the peasant village of Nazareth, Jesus with the way of peace. One procession seeks to dominate, the other to redeem.
Jesus rides on a colt, just as the prophet Zechariah foretold, coming in humility, not grandeur. The crowds cheer and lay down cloaks. Yet even now, a deeper question is forming:
Which procession will we join?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as you entered Jerusalem, you came not in might but in peace. Help us see the path that you walk to the Cross and give us courage to follow you. Amen.
Holy Monday: The Challenge of Power
Reading: Luke 20.1–8 (Jesus’ authority questioned)
Pilate’s procession proclaims the Emperor as a God-like figure, with power, money and imperial authority. Armour, weapons, banners, hooves and boots on the ground remind people who is in charge. Empire claims control.
But Jesus’ authority is different. He challenges oppression, not with force and money, but with truth and compassion. It is not about what we hold in our hands, but who we follow with our hearts.
The Kingdom of God stands in contrast to the kingdom of Caesar.
And that contrast invites us to examine where we place our hope.
Prayer:
God of truth, help us recognise false power and live under your reign of compassion and peace. Amen.
Holy Tuesday: The Cost of the Journey
Reading: Luke 9.51
“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.”
Jesus didn’t stumble into Jerusalem. He walked there deliberately, knowing what it would cost. The road was hard. The risk was real.
But his journey was for us. For the flickering lives on the margins. For those just getting by. For the redemption of the world.
Are we willing to walk that same path of intentional faithfulness?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, strengthen us when the road is long. Help us stay close to you, even when the cost is great, and you seem far. Amen.
Holy Wednesday: The Dignity of Others
Reading: Luke 10.25–37 (The Good Samaritan)
At the Harbour Project in Swindon, they don’t ask asylum seekers, “Why did you leave?” or “How did you get here?”
They see the person first.
That is the way of Christ, offering dignity before judgement, hospitality over suspicion. In this middle of the Holy Week, we reflect:
How do we treat those on the edge of society? Are we walking with Jesus in his procession or not?
Prayer:
God of welcome, help us see others with your eyes. Teach us to see you in every person we meet and honour them with dignity. Amen.
Maundy Thursday: The Way of Service
Reading: John 13.1–17 (Jesus washes his disciples’ feet)
Jesus kneels before his disciples and washes their feet. This is the heart of his procession: humble, sacrificial service.
It is the same spirit that calls us to include the marginalised, feed the hungry, heal the sick, care for the widow and orphan, and love God and our neighbour as ourselves.
It is not the gold-paved road that leads to life, but the narrow, rugged path of love.
Prayer:
Lord, teach us to serve others as you’ve served your disciples. Let your love shape our hearts and actions. Amen.
Good Friday: The Pinnacle of the Clash
Reading: Luke 23.32–49 (The Crucifixion)
On this day, the two kingdoms meet in full view.
The Empire executes.
But God redeems.
Jesus, who rode into Jerusalem in peace, is now lifted up in suffering. Yet even in death, he forgives. He loves. He saves.
It is here, at the Cross, that the procession of Jesus is revealed in all its power, not in conquest, but in self-giving love.
Prayer:
Lord Crucified, in your suffering we see the depth of your love. Keep us near the Cross, where your grace is poured out. Amen.
Holy Saturday: Waiting in Hope
Reading: Luke 23.50–56 (Jesus is buried)
This is the quietest day. The in-between day. The day when all seems lost. The darkness of the desert.
And yet, even here, God is not absent.
This is the space where hope begins to stir.
It is never too late, and never too soon, to find hope and walk in His way.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, God of silence, hold us in the stillness of the Holy Saturday. May we acknowledge our pain and find hope in your healing grace. Amen.
Easter Sunday: The Procession Lives On
Reading: Luke 24.1–12
“He is not here, but has risen.”
Two processions entered Jerusalem. Only one continues today.
The empire came with power and fear. Jesus came in peace and love. By the end of the week, it seemed the Empire had won. But on the first day of the week, everything changed.
Jesus is risen. The Kingdom of God has not been overcome. It is alive.
At the end of the Holy Week, in the death and resurrection of Christ, the Kingdom of God reigns supreme.
The procession that began with palms and praise now moves through our churches, our streets, and our communities, wherever people choose to follow Christ.
Prayer:
Risen Christ, you lead us into life and hope. Help us follow you with joy and courage, today and every day. Amen.
May this journey through Scripture and reflection help you to walk more closely with Christ, not only during Holy Week, but in every season. The invitation still stands: to follow the one who brings love, hope, and peace to the world.