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      Holy Week: significance to different Christians

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain why Holy Week is a key time for Christians.

      Key learning points

      1. Jesus' death and resurrection are central for Christian belief in forgiveness and eternal life.
      2. Some Christians choose to be baptised in Holy Week.
      3. Holy Week and Easter are a significant part of Christian practice.

      Keywords

      • Forgiven - when a wrong action is not punished and is forgotten

      • Repentance - truly saying sorry and choosing to change

      • Sacrifice - surrendering as an offering to God

      • Sin - actions that go against God's rules

      Common misconception

      Christmas is the most important festival to Christians.

      Easter is a more important festival to most Christians than Christmas.

      Teacher tip

      You could invite local Christian leaders to speak to the class about why Easter is important to them and what impact it has had on their life.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Holy Week begins on Sunday when Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem.

      Correct Answer: Palm, palm

      Q2.
      The Supper happened before Jesus was arrested and crucified.

      Correct Answer: Last, last

      Q3.
      What does Holy Week remember?

      Jesus’ birth
      Jesus’ miracles
      Correct answer: Jesus’ death and resurrection

      Q4.
      Why do Christians believe Easter is more important than Christmas?

      There are more presents.
      Correct answer: It celebrates Jesus’ power over sin and death.
      Jesus’ birthday is on Easter.

      Q5.
      Which of these is a key belief shown during Holy Week?

      Jesus never died
      Jesus ran away from trouble
      Correct answer: Jesus’ sacrifice offers forgiveness

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead on the third ...

      Correct Answer: day, Day

      Q2.
      How many Gospel accounts tell the story of the resurrection?

      Correct answer: four, with some differences
      two, with the same story
      four, and they are all the same

      Q3.
      What do all four Gospels agree on about the resurrection?

      Jesus ran away from the tomb
      Correct answer: Jesus rose from the dead
      only men visited the tomb

      Q4.
      Who were the first to visit Jesus’ tomb?

      the disciples
      the guards
      Correct answer: the women

      Q5.
      Why is the resurrection important to Christians?

      It shows Jesus could perform magic.
      It shows Jesus was forgiven.
      Correct answer: It shows God’s power over death.

      To help you plan your 3 religious education lesson on: Holy Week: significance to different Christians, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...