The Holy Days of March 2024

Date

Event

Comment

Christian/Jewish

February 14 –
March 28

40 Days Before Easter (based on the temptation of Messiah)

Many religious groups call this period Lent.

Technically, this started in late February, but since most of those 40 days are included in March, I’ve included it here.

As noted, many Christian believers recognize Lent as a time of solemn preparation, including self-sacrifice and awareness of their need for salvation.

March 24 –

March 25

Purim – The Feast of Lots; Purim Shushan, the second day of Purim

Technically, Purim begins at sundown on March 23. (Look for a future post on Jewish nights and days.)

Jewish, but very applicable to Christians, as this feast celebrates how God works behind the scenes “for such a time as this.”

March 24

Palm Sunday

This commemorates Yeshua’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the donkey’s colt. He entered Jerusalem to celebrate Passover and was recognized by many as the long-awaited Messiah. Note that this was a TRIUMPHAL entry, in spite of what happened to him just before and during His crucifixion.

Both non-Jewish Christians and many Messianic believers celebrate this day in recognition of Yeshua as HaMashiach (Messiah/Christ).

April 23 – April 30

(sundown April 22 – night of April 30)

Passover, aka Pesach (included because of Palm Sunday)

This year Passover is a month after Palm Sunday. That’s due to the Jewish calendar being lunisolar instead of solar-based. The Gregorian calendar is solar-based. But the two events are very closely related.

Mostly Jewish believers celebrate Passover. Some Christians recognize Passover as the foreshadowing of deliverance and redemption. It signaled the ending of Yeshua’s ministry on earth, as His triumphal entry was to celebrate Passover.

March 24 –

March 30

Holy Week (Western Christianity)

A time devoted to the Passion of Messiah.

Christian, primarily Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, and Disciples of Christ denominations

March 25

Holy Monday

Jesus cleared the temple after his arrival; then he and his disciples left the city and went to Bethany, where he taught them about faith, belief in what you ask for in prayer, and forgiveness.

Christian, although Messianic believers can certainly appreciate Mark 11:20-27.

March 26

 Holy Tuesday

Yeshua returned to Jerusalem and had a debate with the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders, who were challenging His authority.

As with Holy Monday, both Christians and Messianic believers appreciate this passage found in Mark 11:28-33.

March 27

Holy Wednesday, aka Spy Wednesday

Judas becomes a spy for 30 pieces of silver.

Spy Wednesday is primarily recognized by Roman Catholics.

March 28

Maundy Thursday, aka Holy Thursday (and others)

Yeshua breaks bread for the last time with His disciples during the Last Supper. After Judas leaves the table, Yeshua gives His disciples “A New Commandment” (John 13:30-35)

Maundy was probably a Middle Eastern derivative of the Roman Catholic word “Mandatum,” which means Commandment.

March 29

Good Friday

Yeshua is said to have been crucified on Friday. But He wasn’t. He was crucified on Wednesday and spent three days in the tomb.

Mostly Christians, whether Gentile or Jewish believers, observe Friday as the day of Yeshua’s crucifixion.

March 30

Holy Saturday

This ends the Lenten season and commemorates Yeshua’s defeat of hell and death. He was actually resurrected just before sunset Saturday.

Mostly Christians, primarily Catholics and others who focus on Holy Week. 

March 31

Resurrection Day, aka Easter*

The day Mary discovered the empty tomb. Yeshua’s resurrection ushered in full payment for all sins of those who believe in Him as Lord and Savior.

Both Messianic believers and especially Christians celebrate this Sunday as the day of Messiah’s resurrection.