About this Series

Seven days. 168 hours. 10,080 minutes.

What occurred in the final week of Christ’s life is remarkable in every way. That span of time involves the past, present, and future, and most assuredly is the apex of human history. Participate with First Family Church this Easter as we dive deeper into the beautiful effects of three days within that week — Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday—and experience the full weight of Christ’s final week upon your heart and soul.

Sermons in this Series

Below are the details of all three sermons for the week, including the Scripture texts we'll be preaching from. We invite you to read ahead, pray, and prepare your heart so you can get the most out of each gathering.

Palm Sunday

It was a Week of Fulfillment
John 12:12–19

Good Friday

It was a Week of Forgiveness
Luke 23:33–43

Easter Sunday

It was a Week of Finality
John 20:19–23

Reading Plan & Reflection Questions

Starting on Palm Sunday and running through Easter Sunday, this short daily plan features New Testament readings that correspond with each day of Passion Week — along with related Old Testament passages. Each reading should only take about 5–10 minutes! Each day’s reading comes with a few questions to help you reflect personally, discuss with your family, or engage with your Small Group. We encourage you to grab a notebook and take time to ponder and journal your thoughts.

Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry

NT: Matthew 21:1–11; Luke 19:28–44
OT: Zechariah 9:9; Psalm 118:19–29

• What does it mean for me to welcome Jesus as King today?

• In what ways do I praise Jesus with my lips but resist His Lordship in my life?

Monday: Cleansing the Temple

NT: Matthew 21:12–17; Mark 11:15–19
OT: Isaiah 56:6–8; Jeremiah 7:9–11

• What “tables” might Jesus need to overturn in the temple of my own heart?

• How do I treat places or moments meant for worship in my life?

Tuesday: Teaching, Confrontation, Prophecies

NT: Matthew 22:15–46; Matt. 23:1–39
OT: Psalm 110:1–7; Malachi 3:1–5

• Where am I tempted to care more about appearance than the condition of my heart?

• What “woes” is God gently calling me to turn from?

Wednesday: Quiet before the Storm (Plot to Kill Jesus)

NT: Matthew 26:1–16
OT: Isaiah 53:1–9

• What does Jesus’ willingness to face betrayal & death reveal about His love?

• Are there areas where I’ve been tempted to “sell out” my faith?

Thursday: The Last Supper and Gethsemane

NT: Luke 22:7–46
OT: Exodus 12:1–30; Psalm 41:9

• How is Jesus inviting me to remember Him through ordinary things and moments?

• What is my response when God’s will feels costly or painful?

Good Friday: The Crucifixion

NT: Matt. 27:27–56; John 19:28–30
OT: Isaiah 52:13–53:12; Psalm 22:1–18

• What emotions rise up in me as I read about Jesus’ suffering?

• How does seeing the fulfillment of prophecy affect my view of the cross and Christ’s death?

Saturday: The Waiting and the Tomb

NT: Matthew 27:57–66
OT: Lamentations 3:19–26; Isaiah 53:9

• How do I handle seasons of waiting, grief, or silence from God?

• What does this “in-between” day teach me about trust and hope?

Resurrection Sunday: He is Risen!

NT: Matthew 28:1–10; Luke 24:1–12
OT: Psalm 16:8–11; Hosea 6:1–3

• How can I live today like someone who has been raised with Christ?

• Who in my life needs to hear the good news of the risen Savior?

Passion Week Playlist

Our worship team has created a special Passion Week playlist for you to enjoy throughout the week — in the car, during personal quiet times, or whenever you want to soak in the truths of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

Join us for our Passion Week services!

Make plans to join us for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday! Times and details below:

Palm Sunday (Apr 13)

- Ankeny Campus: 8:30am, 10:30am
- Carlisle Campus: 10am
- Lamoni Campus: 10am

Good Friday (Apr 18)

- Ankeny Campus: 4:30pm, 6pm (All Campuses invited)
- Lamoni Campus Livestream Gathering: 6pm

Easter Sunday (Apr 20)

- Ankeny Campus: 6:26am (Sunrise Service + Breakfast), 8am, 9:30am, 11am
- Carlisle Campus: 10am
- Lamoni Campus: 10am